TABLETING
Experienced tooling manufacturers can offer innovative solutions
THE SCIENCE OF TABLETING Andy Dumelow on using science to produce quality tablets T
he increasing demand for solid dose products calls for innovative production processes to ensure high- quality tablets are manufactured
Sticking is a frequently encountered problem
efficiently. However, this can be challenging with many formulations proving difficult to compress. When looking at the compression
process, the physical properties of the formulation plays a substantial part, with factors such as moisture content and abrasiveness affecting its compressibility. Te overall formulation composition must be carefully examined to ensure the correct tooling specification is used and reflect the product being compressed. Punches and dies must be selected according to the characteristics of the formulation being produced. Tanks to advances in materials science and coating technology,
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solutions to problematic formulas can be applied.
THE ISSUE OF STICKING One of the dominant problems in tablet manufacture is sticking. Tis is when granule builds up on the punch tip face or die bore. Sticking can negatively affect the appearance of the tablet and become so significant that production is interrupted. Tere are many reasons for sticking, with one of the most common being moisture within the formulation. Tis can be a root cause of a rise in adhesive forces. Tis happens with the increase in capillary action between the tooling surface and the granule. Capillary forces are generated when moisture condenses into the gap between a particle and surface creating a liquid bridge. Te strength of these forces can depend upon the relative humidity, gap geometry and surface chemical condition. Tese capillary bridges increase the cohesive forces and help bind
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