Abstract
It is shown that the Pmax value obtained during the tabletting process is statistically independent of machine motor velocity
To explain this phenomenon, an analogic model composed of a spring and two or three Maxwell bodies grouped in parallel was used to represent the behaviour of powders during compaction. It was observed that during the compression phase, the recorded force may be represented by the response given by the set of springs alone
The shock absorbers intervene just before and after the Pmax, when the upper punch velocity is very low or nil
It was possible to obtain these results after determining the law representing elasticity in relation to the deformation applied to the powders
The consequences of these phenomena are discussed