Common tablet problems
1- Capping:
Capping occurs when the upper or lower layer, or both, separate from the horizontal line of the tablet from the body.
This occurs while removing the tablet from the press or during subsequent handling.
Reasons that lead to capping of the tablet:
A) low amount of binder
B) use of incorrect binder
C) presence of large amount of fine powders
D) non-clean machine and no time for compression
E) improper storage
2- Lamination:
Tablet delamination occurs when the tablet is separated into two or more horizontal layers.
Reasons for the occurrence of lamination of the tablet:
A) low amount of binder
B) use of incorrect binder
C) the presence of large amount of fine powders
3- chipping:
Chipping occurs when the edges of the tablet are broken while leaving the tablet plunger, during coating operations, or while handling the tablet.
Reasons that may lead to chipping of the tablet:
A) Incorrect machine settings
B) insufficient lubrication
C) sticking on punches faces due to improper drying of granules
4- Cracking:
Cracking occurs when small cracks are observed on the upper or lower surface of the tablet, and sometimes the crack may appear on the side wall of the tablet.
The reason behind tablet cracking is too dry granules and this problem can be solved by using proper binder at proper concentration.
5- Sticking:
Adhesion of the tablet material or parts of the upper or lower outer surface of the tablet to the die wall.
Expected reasons for tablet sticking to occur:
A) Improperly dried granules
B) Improperly lubricated granules
6- Mottling:
The distribution of colors on the surface of the tablet is uneven.
Possible reasons for the appearance of Mottling on the tablet:
A) Different colour of the drug and excipients
B) Migration of dye during drying of granules