Classification of High-speed Tablet Press

In the pharmaceutical industry, tablet press machines are typically classified based on their production capacity (revolutions per minute, rpm) and output per hour (tablets/hour). Below are the industry standards and the latest technological trends as of 2025:

1. Sub-High-Speed vs. High-Speed Tablet Presses

• Sub-High-Speed Tablet Press:

• Speed Range: Typically 30–70 rpm (equivalent to 30,000–70,000 tablets/hour).

• Features: Suitable for small-to-medium-scale production or applications requiring high process stability, such as clinical trial drugs or specialized low-volume tablets.

• High-Speed Tablet Press:

• Speed Range: 70–150 rpm (approximately 70,000–300,000 tablets/hour).

• Features: Used for large-scale commercial production, featuring high automation and real-time quality control (e.g., pressure sensors, weight monitoring).

Threshold: The industry generally considers 70 rpm (or 70,000 tablets/hour) as the dividing line, though specific standards may vary by manufacturer.

2. Ultra-High-Speed Tablet Press Technology (as of 2025)

Leading global manufacturers (e.g., Fette, GEA, Korsch, Manesty) have introduced ultra-high-speed models with the following capabilities:

• Maximum Speed: Some machines reach 150–250 rpm (e.g., GDPK83, Fette 3090i, Korsch XM 750), producing 300,000–500,000 tablets/hour.

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• Technological Breakthroughs:

• Linear servo motors (replacing traditional mechanical cams) to reduce wear and improve precision.

• AI-driven real-time quality monitoring (automatic pressure and fill depth adjustments).

• Modular designs for quick tooling changes (<5 minutes).

• Of course, slow speed means low production capacity.Such as single-layer sheet, double discharge, even if the speed is only 75 rpm, when the number of punches reaches more than 80, the stable production capacity can reach 50,000 pieces per hour.
  

3. Additional Factors in Speed Classification

• Number of Tooling Stations: Multi-tip designs (e.g., 55–75 punches) increase per-revolution output.

• Tablet Complexity: Irregular shapes or multi-layer tablets may reduce maximum speed.

• Regulatory Requirements: FDA/EMA imposes stricter quality control (e.g., PAT—Process Analytical Technology) for high-speed production.

4. Future Trends

• Smart Manufacturing: Post-2025, tablet presses may integrate digital twin technology for virtual commissioning and predictive maintenance.

• Flexible Production: Adapting to high-speed, small-batch production for personalized medicine.

5. How to calculate the output

Output=rpm*punches*60M*discharge ports. 

For example: GDPK-370series-26 model, 102 revolutions per minute, 26 punches, single discharge.

then the hourly capacity is 102 * 26 * 60 = about 160,0000 pieces per hour.

6. how to choose the tablet press machine model

For example:

I need to produce tablets with a maximum tablet diameter of 19 mm ,and output 130,000 tablets per hour.

First, by tablet size, we can lock into a B-punch.Secondly, according to the production capacity requirement of 130,000 pieces, we can calculate: 130000 * 1.3/60/102 = 27.6.

This means that the number of punches needs to be greater than 27 and is a Type B punch.

The matching model found in the table above is GDPK 370 series-32 model.

If you're having trouble with the calculations, For specific model parameters or manufacturer data, further research can be provided upon request. feel free to contact me.