ABSTRACT
The development of tabletting equipment during this century has been largely one of continuing evolution, apart perhaps from exceptions such as presses designed to produce coated or layered tablets. In many areas the incentives have come from the pharmaceutical industry (rather than the press manufacturers) as a result of certain trends in tabletting operations. These include a desire for higher rates of production, direct compression of powders, stricter standards for cleanliness as part of an increasing awareness of GMP, and a wish to automate, or at least continuously monitor, the process. More recently the recommendations of the various bodies have provided an additional impetus to innovation. However, there is now evidence to suggest that the inherent limits to further development of some press variables on existing lines are now being approached.
