CONSTRUCTION OF AN INTERMITTENT-MOTION CAPSULE FILLING MACHINE SIMULATOR

A pneumatically operated apparatus is described which simulates the fo rces generated by and the component movements encountered in a Macofar 13/2 dosator type capsule filling machine. Force transducers are fitt ed to the dosing piston and dosator tip, and the movement of the dosat or piston and the powder bed followed by displacement transducers. Cal ibration of the transducers is described. The output from the transduc ers is collated, stored and manipulated by microcomputer. The manufact uring parameters which can be studied using this apparatus are discuss ed.