Tablet Press

Tablet Press Machine is an advanced machine in the pharmaceutical industry that applies controlled compression force to powder or granules to convert them into uniform and standardized solid tablet shapes. This machine is known as the main machine in the production line of solid oral drugs and plays a vital role in the uniformity of dosage, physical quality, safety and stability of the drug.

Main Components of Tablet Press Machine

• Hopper: Granule/powder
• feeding tank.
• Feeder System: Uniform transfer of material into the die.
• Gravity Feeder (Simple)
• Force Feeder for more uniform flow
• Die: A chamber that determines the shape and volume of the tablet.
• Punches (Upper & Lower Punches): Pressure tools that shape the tablet.
• Turret: Holder of the die and punches, in rotary presses.
• Compression Rollers: Pre-compression and main compression.
• Ejection system: Eject the tablet from the die.
• Control and HMI system: Speed, pressure, tablet weight adjustment and continuous monitoring.
• Enclosure: Operator protection, isolation and compliance
• Types of tablet press machines
• Simple Single Punch (eccentric press), single tablet per cycle. For R&D and limited production.
• Industrial Rotary Tablet Press, multi-station, high capacity (thousands of tablets per minute).
• Key technical parameters of tablet press machine
• Turret speed (RPM) → Production capacity.
• Compression force →
• Tablet hardness and uniformity.
• Tablet weight and thickness → Controlled by die filling depth and pressure.
• Dust waste → Must be controlled by Deduster and Aspiration system.
• Lubrication system → Reduces friction of punches and increases the life of parts.
• GMP tablet press machine features:
• Design and construction
• Hygienic and cleanable design → Smooth surfaces, no dead angles, corrosion resistant.
• Material of parts in contact with the product: 316L stainless steel or FDA approved materials.
• Isolation of technical and product areas → Complete separation of the mechanical/electrical part from the tablet production area.
• Easy Cleaning / CIP / SIP → Possibility of quick opening and closing of punches, dies and feeders.

Product and user safety

Dust Extraction / Dedusting system → Reduce dust and prevent cross-contamination.
Enclosure → Protect the operator from pharmaceutical dust and increase work safety.
Controlled lubrication system → Prevent oil or grease from coming into contact with the product.
Safety interlocks → Automatic machine stop when the door is opened or an error occurs.

Process and quality control

Continuous monitoring (In-process control, IPC): Online control of tablet weight, thickness, hardness.
Data Integrity (21 CFR Part 11):
Automatic recording of parameters (pressure, speed, weight)
Prevention of data manipulation (Audit Trail)
Pre-compression & Main Compression Optimal control to reduce capping and lamination problems

Validation & Qualification

IQ / OQ / PQ can be performed → The device must have complete technical documentation for installation, operation and quality performance.
Easy calibration of force, weight, thickness measurement sensors
Complete documentation (Manual,, Spare Parts List, Certificates, Qualifications)
Operation and maintenance
Easy and safe maintenance (PM Friendly)
Quick access to spare parts and reliable after-sales service.
Modular design: Possibility to upgrade the control system or add new stations.