TA B L E T C O M P R E S S I O N T O O L I N G

PharmaGrade Steel Properties

Durability, Productivity, Longevity.
This chart explains the principles of the tabletting cycle and key
considerations for tablet tooling. HPG - S

Resistance to Fracture
The tabletting process is very demanding. Delicate punch tips have
to withstand many forces such as high cyclic loading, high speed
frictional forces and aggressive granules.
The Tabletting Cycle HPG - SS
HPG - P HPG - MP

HPG - MD

Tablet Terminology Filling Compression Ejection

Shaped Tablets Round Tablets 01 02 05 06 07 10 11
The lower punch is allowed The lower punch is then The upper punch Pre-compression The powder The lower punch begins to The tablet is then removed
Oval Tablets Capsule Tablets Flat Bevelled Bisect Line Quadrisect Line Embossing/
Edge Engraving to descend to its lowest raised to a predetermined is lowered into the gives the powder is fully rise in the bore of the die, from the punch into the take-
point and the bore of the die point so that excess powder bore of the die. an inital pinch compressed. lifting the tablet until its base off chute by passing under a
Major Axis
is filled with granule. is expelled. to remove is level with the top of the die. static take-off blade.
excess air.
Minor End Radius Minor Axis
HPG - TC
Major Side Radius

Land
Cup Depth
Wear Resistance
Wall
Minor Axis Radius Major Axis Radius Cup End Radius

Typical Tablet Shapes

03 04 08 N.B. For guidance 09 12 PharmaCote tool coatings
The powder is then This ensures that the bore The correct on compression The upper punch The lower punch then moves
levelled by passing under of the die is filled with the pressure levels for each is then raised out to its lowest point ready for
a scraper blade. exact volume of product to is reached. tablet profile, refer of the way, filling and the entire process
be used and the next stage to the maximum ready for tablet is repeated.
Overcome Common Tooling Problems with PharmaCote Treatments and Coatings.
can begin. pressure chart. ejection.

Flat Faced Flat Bevelled Edge Shallow Convex Normal Convex Deep Convex Extra Deep Convex Ball or Pill Double Radius

Feed Paddles Feed Frame Upper Punch Hopper Take-off Chute Ejection Station Take-off Blade
Ensures that the granule Fed by the hopper to The upper punch is Contains the granulated The chute down which This is the station where Fitted in front of the feed
is kept agitated for hold the granule as it is lowered in and lifted out material which is to be the tablet passes the tablet leaves the die frame this deflects the
Bevel and Convex Ring Capsule Oval Ellipse Square Triangle Polygon
correct filling of the fed into the die. of the die. tabletted. for collection and for take off. tablet down the
die bore. packaging. take-off chute. Pitting Sticking Wear Corrosion

Die Ejection Cam

Diamond
Punch & Die Terminology
Punch Tip Pressure Guide
Rectangle Side-Wall Bisect Side-Wall Quadrisect Fish Bear Star Heart
The punch moves This forms the lower
within the die to form punch guide during the
the compression ejection stage and is
adjustable to ensure Punch Tip
chamber within which
140

Load (kN)
the tablet is formed. smooth ejection without
damaging tablets.
130

SHALLOW CUP
Upper Punch Die Multi-Tip 120
Universal Seal Groove
Lower Punch Compression Station
Head Flat Outside Head
Where full 110
Radius/Angle Die Bore Chamfer The lower punch
remains within compression of the NORMAL CUP
the bore of the die tablet is achieved. 100
Inside Head
Angle
Taper during the
Depth entire cycle. 90
Anti-Turn Key F.B.E CUP
(Optional on Height Taper
rounds, 80
standard on
shapes Groove
and multi For Seal 70
punches)
Groove Cam Tracks Direction of Rotation
Outside Diameter These lift and lower This diagram shows
For Bellows 60
Barrel to
Stem
Undercut the upper and lower the tabletting process DOUBLE RADIUS CUP
For Drip cup punches as requried. from left to right.
Chamfer
50
On an actual machine
Lower Punch Die Segment Punch Tip Blended Land Rota Head this will be determined
by the direction in 40 DEEP CUP
Tip Straight which the entire turret
Land rotates in reaction to 30
Stem
the fixed items, such
Barrel to Stem as the fill hopper etc. BALL/PILL CUP
Radius 20
This direction may
Draw-down Cam Weight control Cam Fill Station Pre-Compression Main Compression vary from machine
Barrel Barrel to 10
Neck Blended This guides the lower This guides the lower punch during the latter part of The point where the die Rollers Rollers to machine but as a
Radius punch during the first the fill stage, adjustable to ensure that as the punch has been correctly filled. This roller gives the Applies full pre- general rule British and
Chamfer part of the fill stage, rises, the correct quantity of granule remains within the granule an initial pinch determined pressure to American machines 0
adjustable to ensure that die and therefore the tablet dosage is correct. to remove as much the punches for the final rotate in a clockwise 3 5 7 9 11 13 15
Neck to
Head the die bore is overfilled air as possible before formation of the direction, whilst
Neck Radius intially to allow accurate full compression takes tablet - see punch tip European machines
Diameter (mm)
Head adjustment at weight place. pressure guide. rotate anti clockwise.
Head O/D control.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT:

I Holland Limited
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E: info@iholland.co.uk
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I Holland Tooling A1 Poster March 14.indd 1 24/07/2014 16:25