Rotary press utilizing a flexible die wall

Area of Science:

• Pharmaceutical Technology
• Materials Science

Background:

• Tablet capping and fracture are common manufacturing defects, particularly with challenging formulations.
• Conventional tablet dies can exert high residual stresses, contributing to these defects.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate a novel flexible die design for tablet compression.
• To assess the impact of reduced residual die wall pressure on tablet quality.

Main Methods:

• A flexible-walled die was designed and tested on a modified rotary tablet press.
• Side compression roll forces during compression and decompression were monitored.
• Three experimental formulations prone to capping were used for evaluation.

Main Results:

• Tablets manufactured in a conventional die showed severe capping.
• The flexible die significantly improved tablet quality for most formulations.
• Adjusting compression forces allowed for the production of excellent tablets.

Conclusions:

• The flexible die design effectively reduces residual die wall pressure.
• This technology shows potential for improving tablet manufacturing, especially for problematic formulations.
• Further engineering is needed for broader applicability in production equipment.