How To Avoid Sticking And Picking In The Tableting Industry

Sticking and picking in the tableting industry are critical challenges that can compromise tablet quality during production. Sticking occurs when formulation particles adhere to the punch cup, while picking refers to particles becoming trapped around embossed designs. These problems often remain undetected until production, underscoring the necessity of identifying their origins—whether from the upper punch, lower punch, or both. Early collaboration with tablet design experts and tool vendors can help mitigate these issues, and tablet design must align with manufacturing capabilities.

Font and logo design decisions, such as using simpler Sans Serif fonts over ornate Serif styles, also can help minimize picking. Key design elements include optimal letter height, appropriate stroke angles, and blend radii to enhance resistance to picking. Additionally, advanced engraving techniques, such as pre-picking and tapering, further reduce the risk of sticking and picking, particularly in characters with enclosed areas. By implementing optimized strategies, learn how you can foster improved tablet production processes, ensuring higher quality and consistency in manufacturing outcomes.