Abstract: There is disclosed a system and method for identifying a powder material. A powder press has a die for receiving a powder to be compacted. A press member is arranged to be moveable so as to compact the powder within the die. A load sensor senses a load applied by the press member to the powder so as to generate multiple load readings during movement of the press member. A processor is arranged to receive the load readings from the load sensor and to compare the load readings during movement of the die with predetermined load data. The processor outputs an identification signal for the compacted powder based on said comparison.

Abstract: The invention relates to improvements in tablet manufacturing, particularly in the small scale/bespoke manufacture of tablets. The application describes the mechanism of a motor driven tablet press (10) with biasing means (222) and wherein the angular position of the motor (28) is controllable, the inclusion of load cells (26,234), an improved die mounting (100,300) and die assembly (36?), and improved compaction methods including controlled pauses (75,90) during tablet forming.