I Holland
Tablet compression tools are generally viewed as consumable items that can easily be replaced, but I Holland is turning this idea on its head with the 7 Step PharmaCare Process, which offers simple steps for maintaining punches and dies to help improve profitability by limiting tablet press downtime.
Andy Dumelow, PharmaCare Equipment Manager, explained: “Rather than maintaining tools, many companies decide to just replace them as they think it is the easier option, however we want them to re-think this approach and adopt the 7 Step PharmaCare Process. It will help to extend the life of the tablet tooling and more importantly improve profitability and return on investment by considerably reducing downtime.
“The process is a programme of professionally planned maintenance that outlines an appropriate method for the maintenance of tablet compression tooling. The seven steps include clean, assess, repair, measure, polish, lubricate and store. I Holland will visit the site, and audit and review a customer’s tool maintenance procedure, methods and equipment. An introduction to the 7 Step PharmaCare Process will then be made, resulting in a presentation of recommendations and full audit report.
“The process takes just three days, but in the long run will save many hours of reduced production through unplanned tooling maintenance and replacement. Our experienced and professional team will uncover the root cause of a customer’s problem, for example wear or corrosion, and advise on an informed and working solution or optimisation of current maintenance techniques.”
Correct maintenance is critical in obtaining maximum life from punches and dies, with a high proportion of problems being traced to poor handling and maintenance procedures. The audit is a way to directly detect this and rectify it with a simple process of steps.
Step 1: Clean — An essential start to the process to ensure tooling is free from contamination.
Step 2: Assess — Following cleaning, punches and dies must be inspected to determine general condition.
Step 3: Repair — Rectify any damage to the tooling, including any light corrosion and damage through polishing and repairing.
Step 4: Measure — This is essential after polishing and repair to ensure critical tooling dimensions have stayed within tolerance.
Step 5: Polish — Automated polishing is recommended to ensure an even polish and consistent finish.
Step 6: Lubricate — This step is important to protect, preserve and aid the smooth operation of tooling in the tablet press.
Step 7: Store — The final step is important to protect and minimise damage of tooling. Correct storage facilitates good tooling management. It is recommended that specially designed storage cabinets are used.
I Holland Ltd, +44 115 972 6153, info@iholland.co.uk, www.iholland.co.uk.