Specifications and Terminologies related to use of Punches and Dies in pharmaceutical company

 

Punches and Dies are a prominent part of pharmaceutical industry. They are also known as compression tools or tablet tooling. They are very important in the production of tablets. They come in numerous types to underpin pharmaceutical industry by providing the diverse shape of pills. They provide excellent outcome, increase shelf life and have low maintenance. There is no or minimal chances of downtime which can save labor cost.

Punching with Punch and  Die uses a solid piece ,the ‘Punch’ located vertically above the ‘Die’. The die corresponds in size and shape to the Punch and is served directly beneath the punch.

Tablet Press Machines

These machines are manufactured while keeping in view the type of dies and punches which will be applied to them. The act of arranging punches and dies on tablet press is known as tooling. It is mainly classified into B and D tools.

There are two standards of ‘B’ and ‘D’ tooling configurations used in manufacturing of tablets in the world today,  namely American and European standards.

American  standards is known as the TSM standards. These tooling specifications are the only published standards for the tablet compression industry. It represents U.S manufacturing standards for tablets.

European standards is known as EU or Euro normal standard. It is used outside the USA.

Terminology related to Punches and Dies

• ·         Die O.D-The outside diameter of the die.
• ·         Die Bore-The cavity where the tablet is made.
• ·         Chamfer-Entry angle of the die bore.
• ·         Die Groove-The groove around the periphery of the die.

Lined dies-Dies fitted with a linear insert made of much harder, more wear resistant material.

Punch terminology

• ·         Head-The end of the punch
• ·         Head flat-The flat area of the head.
• ·         Outside head angle-Area in touch with the roller prior to head flat ,while compression
• ·         Inside head angle-Area which pulls down the lower punches after ejection and lifts the upper punches after compression.
• ·         Neck-The relieved area between the head and barrel
• ·         Barrel-This area guides the punch with reference to turret guides.
• ·         Working length-Distance between bottom of the cup and the head flat is called as working length.