This article originally ran in the July/August 2018 issue of European Pharmaceutical Manufacturer magazine. By Jonathan Gaik, Natoli Scientific The ideal active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) is one that flows well, is stable, self-lubricates, compacts well and is not strain rate sensitive. While all the listed properties are important, the one that continues to be critical

First impressions are everything, especially for pharmaceutical, nutritional, and confectionery tablets. Discriminating consumers may decide whether they will be repeat customers based on a tablet’s appearance and their experience. That’s why tablet design should not be overlooked or taken for granted. Much too often in our industry, we see poor tablet design holding back companies. Don’t

Natoli Engineering Company, Inc.’s TabletCAD® web-based tablet design software is a unique and complimentary online service that offers the convenience of designing tablets in-house with real-time validation. TabletCAD® links tablet designs directly to the manufacturing process so tooling will be shaped precisely to the models. An intuitive user interface guides the design process with helpful

The principal purpose for segment alignment is to allow the capsules to be separated reliably and rejoined accurately. To do this, the hole in the upper segment must be accurately lined up with the lower segment, and the segment surfaces must be parallel. Before Aligning Segments Before aligning segments, the lower segment is placed on

You’ve tried every trick in the book and nothing seems to fix your sticking and picking issues. At Natoli Engineering, we’ve done our homework. Our tablet and tooling experts find and fix tableting troubles every day. Using real-world knowledge and technical data, we’ll analyze issues to create real solutions for your problems. Whether you need

Dust cups are a low-cost solution that keep excess lubrication out of tablets, and bellows help reduce issues like tool binding by reducing friction by keeping formulation off tools. As tip-mounted dust cups require you to cut out a hole to install on punches, Natoli has developed our Dust Cup Cutting Tool to make this

Inspecting your turret is an essential part of regular press maintenance, and trying to inspect manually is nearly impossible. That’s why it is important to have a Certified Turret Inspection Kit specifically designed for your tablet press. Understanding how to use the kit is also crucial. Watch the video below and see how easy it

Lubricating your punches properly is critical to keeping your tablet presses running efficiently and maintaining tablet compression tooling. In this short Natoli Tech Tip video, watch our tech expert provide some quick information on how to properly lubricate your punches. Lubricating your barrels and punch heads keeps your cams running smoothly, punch guides clean, and

Today we’re discussing punches, and how to properly care for and polish your punch cups. Whether you have embossed or non-embossed punch cups, it doesn’t matter. Over time you’ll lose luster start to show wear, and you need to make sure you take care of your punches properly. Watch this quick two-minute video to learn

Learn how to restore the luster and finish to both your embossed and non-embossed punches with this quick video overview. See first-hand how using the Natoli Polishing Kit with appropriate polishing compounds will restore your tooling back to its original finish and extend its working life.   Natoli offers a number of products to help keep your punches