Tablet press machines compress mixtures of active ingredients and excipients into the desired tablet shape and size. Several tablet presses include single-punch, rotary, high-speed, and continuous. What makes tablet presses special is their high productivity and the use of minimal labor. Also, tablet press machines do not require regular maintenance, reducing overall costs.
This article will outline the different types of table press machines available and explain how you can choose the ideal tablet presses. The article will also explain the market share, size, and demand for tablet press machines.
Table of Contents
Overview of the global tablet press market
Types of tablet press machines
How to choose the ideal tablet press machines
Summary
Overview of the global tablet press market
There has been an increase in diseases globally, resulting in a rise in the demand for tablet compression machines. Manufacturers now endeavor to innovate and create new medicines and drugs to meet the changing consumer expectations. These major producers include Natoli Engineering, Pharmachine, Adamus SA, and I Holland. The market is segmented by type (custom and standard punches % dies), application (nutraceutical, pharmaceutical, food), and region.
According to Business Research Insights, the global tablet press machinery market was valued at US $525.3 million in 2021. The market is projected to experience growth over the years leading to 2028. It is expected to reach US $669.6 million, growing at a compound annual growth rate of 3.5%. The sudden growth is attributed to the increased drug demand during the pandemic.
The pharmaceutical industry is forecasted to largely contribute to the market expansion due to the rising global demand for tablets. Government initiatives to improve healthcare facilities will aid the market growth during the forecast period. As such, the Asia-Pacific region holds the maximum market share, with the fastest-growing states being China and India. The large number of persons suffering from chronic diseases in North America will give it a significant share of the global tablet press market.
Types of tablet press machines
1. Single-punch tablet presses
Single-punch tablet presses are machines used to produce tablets on a small scale. They are typically used in the confectionery, nutraceutical, and pharmaceutical industries to create tablets of particular sizes, shapes, and weights.
The machines consist of a punch, hopper, die set, and tableting mechanism. The hopper feeds the material for compression into the tablet press. Determining the size and shape are the punch and die set. Usually, the tableting mechanism generates the required force to compress the material to make a tablet.
2. Rotary tablet presses
Rotary tablet presses are machines involved in the mass production of tablets. They are also applied in the nutraceutical, pharmaceutical, and confectionery sectors to consistently produce tablets in various sizes, shapes, and weights.
The equipment has multiple stations with a punch and die set that revolve around a central axis. The hopper does feeding of the material to be compressed into the machine. As the machine rotates, the material is compacted into tablets at each station. The finished product is ejected via the die for collection and packaging.
3. High-speed tablet presses
High-speed tablet presses are special machines used in the pharmaceutical and nutraceutical industries to produce large quantities of tablets at high speeds. These machines function similarly to rotary tablet presses.
However, as the name implies, they can operate at higher speeds, enabling faster production. In this case, they are the ideal machines for high-volume tablet production. They also require precision in handling them with controls and effective monitoring systems.
How to choose the ideal tablet press machines
1. Production volume
To select the perfect tablet pressing equipment based on production volume, buyers need to consider the types of machines and sizes of tablets.They should also consider the required level of automation and how available resources like skilled operators, space, and power are.
On average, single-station tablet presses are suited for small production volumes of about 10,000 tablets per hour. The rotary tablet presses can handle medium to high production ranging from 10,000 to 1,000,000 tablets per hour. In addition, high-speed tablet press machines are suitable for extremely high production volumes of over 1,000,000 tablets per hour.
2. Cost
Buyers should consider the upfront cost of the machines they intend to invest in. However, it is not the only factor to evaluate cost, as operating and maintenance costs should be included. Buyers should also consider the productivity and efficiency of the machines as they make purchase decisions.
Generally, single-station tablet presses are the most affordable, costing between US $3,000 to 30,000. The turret tablet press machines are more automated, thus can cost around US $20,000 to 80,000 on average. In addition, high-speed tablet presses are the most expensive, with a cost range between US $100,000 to 500,000.
3. Durability
Considering durability, heavy-duty tablet presses are designed to withstand heavy and continuous usage and are built to last. They are manufactured with high-quality materials that feature robust construction to handle large-scale production with varying tablet shapes and sizes.
Stainless steel tablet machines are highly durable due to their corrosion, rust, and wear and tear resistance. They can be frequently used in harsh environments without getting damaged easily. In addition, buyers should consider the maintenance requirements and availability of replacement parts for longer service lives of machines.
4. Quality of end product
It is vital to note the quality of the finished product when choosing tablet press machines. This depends on the type of tablet press, quality of raw materials, tablet formulation, and operating conditions. The pre-compression tablet presses create tablets with uniform thickness, weight, and hardness.
High-speed rotary tablet presses produce high-quality tablets at high speed with smooth surfaces and precise dimensions. On the other hand, tablet presses with vacuum systems reduce air entrapment in the die cavity during the tablet compression process. The feature improves the quality of the tablets with consistent thickness, weight, and hardness.
5. Materials to be compressed
Buyers should choose tablet press machines specifically designed to process various materials. Additionally, factors like the material physical properties, production volume, and the desired tablet shape and size should be taken into consideration. Powder materials are processed by powder tablet presses, with various tooling options, to achieve the required tablet shapes and sizes.
Granules can be converted into tablets using granulation tablet presses. Using soft gel encapsulation machines, liquid, and semi-solid materials can be made into soft gel capsules. Lastly, sugar-based materials are converted into chewable tablets and candy using candy tablet presses in the confectionery industry.
6. Containment requirement
The choice of tablet press machines that give the appropriate containment level is crucial, considering the material to be processed. This depends on factors like the toxicity level of the material, production volume, and the tablet shape and size to be achieved. Isolator tablet presses provide high containment levels as the environment and operators are protected from harmful substances.
The isolator chamber encloses the tablet presses, and the glove box system allows the operator to handle tablets without exposure to the material. Containment tablet presses provide a moderate containment level with features like dust extraction systems and airlocks to prevent any release of material into the environment. Additionally, open-sided tablet presses are designed for environments that require no containment.
Summary
In addition to the factors highlighted in the above guide, buyers should work closely with tablet press manufacturers to acquire appropriate machines.
This ensures proper configurations and maintenance of the machines to produce high-quality tablets that meet the desired specifications. To find the most efficient tablet presses, visit Alibaba.com.
