ABSTRACT

Introducing high-speed tableting in 24-hr shifts has tremendously increased productivity, which in turn places heavy demands not only on the tablet presses and the compressibility of the tableting materials but also on precision with respect to dimensions and the wear resistance of the toolings. The working length determines thickness and mass of the tablets and needs to be controlled regularly. Any clearance between the die wall and the punch affects the tableting behavior, as entrapped air will escape through the gap when pressure is applied. Some makes of tablet presses have their own tooling specifications allowing for longer dwell times and higher compression forces. Engravings on tablets can be embossed or debossed, the punch has to be the respective opposite, and the characters and figures are mirrored. In many cases, break lines and engravings trigger sticking problems. Special care must be taken when toolings are fitted to the tablet press.