Tableting

Examples of tablet candy include Smarties, SweeTarts, and Necco Wafers.

The manufacture of oral solid dosage forms such as tablets is a complex multi-stage process under which the starting materials change their physical characteristics a number of times before the final dosage form is produced.

Traditionally, tablets have been made by granulation, a process that imparts two primary requisites to formulate: compatibility and fluidity.

A fine particle size is essential in the case of lubricant mixing with granules for its proper function.

Advantages of smaller tablets are as follows: The following problems may arise if the process is not controlled properly: Various types of machine may be used for the dry sizing or milling process, depending on whether gentle screening or particle milling is needed.

The process is further complicated in many systems by the presence of substantial segregation influencing the powder mix.

This process is very important and needs experience to attain proper quality of granules before tableting.

Quality of granule determines the smooth and trouble free process of tablets manufacturing.

If granulation is not done in a proper manner, the resulting mixture may damage the tableting press.

It is important to keep the residual moisture low enough to prevent product deterioration and ensure free flowing properties.

The compression is done either by a single-punch machine (also called stamping press, achieves an output of approximately 200 tablets per minute, making it ideal for manufacturing small batches of tablets) or by a multi-station machine (rotary press).

Further measured parameters are weight, thickness, diameter, disintegration time, friability, and abrasion.

The measured parameter is weight loss before and after testing and tumbling the tablets at a particular time and speed.

It ensures that the tablets are clean and uniform, and ready for further processing, packaging, and distribution.

Compressed tablets can be round, oblong, or unique in shape; thick or thin; large or small in diameter; flat or convex; unscored or scored in halves, thirds, or quadrants; engraved or imprinted with an identifying symbol and/or code number; coated or uncoated; colored or uncolored; one, two, or three layered.

The blister pack itself must remain absolutely flat as it travels through the packaging processes, especially when it is inserted into a carton.