TL;DR

Tile weight variation from the press is almost always a powder feed carriage speed issue or a hopper level problem. Check the carriage stroke, fill shoe condition, and hopper level control before adjusting the fill weight.

What you might see

tile weight variation above the control limit
tile density non-uniform across the area
feed carriage movement irregular or stopping
powder level in the hopper varying erratically

Likely causes

Tap to mark as ruled out

Powder fill carriage drive worn, causing irregular stroke speed and variable fill time
Hopper level falling below the minimum, reducing gravity feed pressure to the fill shoe
Fill shoe wear reducing the contact surface and allowing powder to escape unevenly
Powder bridging in the hopper causing intermittent flow interruptions

Required tools

Calibrated tile scale
Carriage stroke measurement
LOTO kit

Safety first

Ceramic powder dust is a respiratory hazard. Wear P100 respiratory protection near the powder feed system.
Full lockout before any inspection inside the press or feed system.

Procedure

6 steps · ~30 min

1
Check the powder hopper level and refill to the operational range. Run the press for 10 cycles and weigh each tile.[1]
2
If tile weight is still variable, stop the press and lock out.[1]
3
Check the fill carriage stroke length and verify it is reaching the designed end position on each cycle.
4
Inspect the fill shoe wear surface. A worn shoe creates uneven powder distribution across the cavity.
5
Check the powder hopper agitator if fitted. A failed agitator allows powder bridging, especially with fine or moist powder.
6
After repair, run a 30-tile trial and weigh each. Control limits should be restored before resuming full production.

Sources

Sacmi Sacmi PH / PCR Series Tile Press general technical documentation, Sacmi
Sacmi tile press powder feed system maintenance documentation (general)

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