Common Causes of Sticking and Picking in Tablet Presses

Sticking and picking are among the most disruptive tablet compression problems, leading to downtime, damaged tooling, and inconsistent tablet appearance.

Understanding Sticking vs. Picking

  • Sticking: Material adheres to punch faces
  • Picking: Material pulls away from tablet surfaces

Both issues typically stem from formulation characteristics.

Primary Causes

1. Hygroscopic or sticky APIs
Moisture sensitivity increases adhesion during compression.

2. Inadequate binder selection
Binders lacking surface-control properties can worsen sticking.

3. Excessive moisture
Environmental humidity or formulation moisture compounds adhesion.

4. Over-lubrication
Excess lubricant weakens binding without resolving sticking.

How EviPress™ Helps Reduce Sticking and Picking

EviPress is designed to:

  • Reduce adhesion at punch and die surfaces
  • Improve surface integrity of tablets
  • Maintain binding strength without excessive lubrication
  • Support consistent compression conditions

This helps minimize downtime and tooling wear.

Final Insight

Sticking and picking are formulation-driven challenges. EviPress addresses multiple root causes simultaneously, helping manufacturers achieve smoother, more reliable tablet production.

 

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