Prediction of effects of punch shapes on tableting failure by using a multi-functional single-punch tablet press.

We previously determined "Tableting properties" by using a multi-functional single-punch tablet press (GTP-1). We proposed plotting "Compactability" on the x-axis against "Manufacturability" on the y-axis to allow visual evaluation of "Tableting properties". Various types of tableting failure occur in commercial drug production and are influenced by the amount of lubricant used and the shape of the punch. We used the GTP-1 to measure "Tableting properties" with different amounts of lubricant and compared the results with those of tableting on a commercial rotary tableting machine. Tablets compressed with a small amount of lubricant showed bad "Manufacturability", leading to sticking of powder on punches. We also tested various punch shapes. The GTP-1 correctly predicted the actual tableting results for all punch shapes. With punches that were more likely to cause tableting failure, our system predicted the effects of lubricant quantity in the tablet formulation and the occurrence of sticking in the rotary tableting machine.