Instrumented Tablet Press Studies on the Effect of Some Formulation and Processing Variables on the Compaction Process

Abstract

Using an instrumented tablet press, compression force-time measurements were used to evaluate the effects of formulation and processing variables on the compaction process. The effects of tablet press speed, punch size, depth of upper punch penetration (into the die), and the setting of the overload spring mechanism were studied. The effects of tablet weight, particle size and amount of lubrication were also studied. Several direct compression materials which are believed to compact by different mechanisms were used in the study. The results indicate the sensitivity of the area under the compression force-time curve and the Area/Height ratio. Some of the changes seen in the area and A/H ratio were those which would be expected from a relatively simple model of compaction/compression. The results clearly show the usefulness of the instrumented tablet press as an analytical tool in the development of tablet formulations, the evaluation of processing requirements, and the remedy of tablet production problems.