B Tooling Tablet Dies and Punches | EMMKAY INDUSTRIES
EMMKAY INDUSTRIES manufactures B tooling tablet dies and punches for rotary tablet press machines. B tooling uses a 30.16mm die outside diameter and accommodates tablets up to 18.5mm in diameter — making it the standard choice for large pharmaceutical tablets, veterinary boluses, effervescent tablets, and large nutraceutical supplements.
Since 1983, we have supplied precision B tooling to manufacturers across India and internationally.
What is B Tooling?
B tooling is a tablet tooling standard defined by the TSM (Tablet Specification Manual) and EU specifications. It is used when tablet sizes require a larger die and punch configuration than D tooling provides.
B Tooling Key Dimensions:
Die Outside Diameter (OD): 30.16mm (1.1875 inches)
Maximum Tablet Diameter: 18.5mm
Punch Barrel Diameter: 19mm
Overall Punch Length: Varies by press (typically 133.6mm TSM)
Die Height: Varies by press
When to Use B Tooling:
Tablets up to 18.5mm diameter
Veterinary boluses and large chewable tablets
Effervescent tablets (typically 15-18mm diameter)
Large nutraceutical and vitamin supplements
Large confectionery tablets and mints
B Tooling vs Other Standards
B Tooling — Die OD 30.16mm, max tablet 18.5mm, max thickness 8.5mm, punch barrel 19.0mm. Best for large tablets. Common in veterinary, effervescent, and nutraceutical manufacturing.
D Tooling — Die OD 38.1mm, max tablet 25.0mm, max thickness 8.5mm, punch barrel 25.4mm. Best for standard to large tablets. Most common in pharmaceutical manufacturing.
BB Tooling — Die OD 24mm, max tablet 18.5mm, max thickness 8.5mm, punch barrel 19.0mm. Compact die for higher station count on compatible presses.
DB Tooling — Die OD 30.16mm, max tablet 25.0mm, max thickness 8.5mm, punch barrel 25.4mm. Versatile production — B-size die with D-size punch barrel.
Why Choose EMMKAY INDUSTRIES for B Tooling
B Tooling Expertise: We have manufactured B tooling for veterinary, nutraceutical, and pharmaceutical applications since 1983. Large-diameter tablets have specific compression and ejection requirements — our experience ensures your tooling performs reliably.
Precision to Standard: Every set is manufactured to TSM/EU specifications. Material traceability, hardness testing, and dimensional inspection documentation are available on request.
Complete Range: B tooling in every shape, material, and configuration — from standard round tablets to complex custom geometries.
Quick Turnaround: Standard B tooling delivered in 7-10 working days. Emergency replacements available with expedited manufacturing.
Technical Guidance: Not sure whether B tooling is right for your application? Our team helps you select the correct standard based on your tablet dimensions, press model, and production requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions - B Tooling
Q: How do I know if my press uses B tooling?
A: Check your tablet press manual for the tooling specification. Measure your existing die outside diameter — if it is approximately 30mm, you have B tooling. Your press manufacturer can also confirm the tooling standard.
Q: What is the difference between B tooling and D tooling?
A: The main difference is the die outside diameter and maximum tablet size. B tooling has a 30.16mm die OD with a 19.0mm punch barrel, accommodating tablets up to 18.5mm. D tooling has a 38.1mm die OD with a 25.4mm punch barrel, accommodating tablets up to 25mm. They are not interchangeable — your press is designed for one specific standard.
Q: What is DB tooling?
A: DB tooling uses B-size dies (30.16mm OD) with D-size punch barrels (25.4mm). This allows you to run D-type punches on a press designed for B tooling dies, offering flexibility when switching between tooling types on the same press.
Q: How long does B tooling last?
A: Tooling lifespan depends on formulation, press speed, and maintenance. OHNS steel B tooling typically lasts 3-5 million tablets. HCHC steel extends this to 5-10 million tablets. Large tablets with high compression forces may cause slightly more wear — HCHC or coated tooling is recommended for high-volume B tooling applications.
Q: Can you make custom shapes in B tooling?
A: Yes. We manufacture B tooling in any custom shape — provide your design or concept and our team will assess feasibility and manufacture to your specifications.
Q: Is it compatible with my Rotary Machine?
A: Our Dies and Punches can be customized as per technical drawing of Dies and Punches of your press. By default we manufacture according to EU Standard which closely aligns with ISO 18084.
Shapes and Configurations
We manufacture B tooling in every standard and custom shape:
Standard Shapes (up to 18.5mm):
Round — flat, shallow concave, deep concave, beveled edge
Capsule — large elongated tablets for supplements and effervescent
Oval — smooth elliptical profile for coated tablets
Custom shapes — brand-specific geometries, novelty shapes
Punch Configurations:
Single-tip punches — standard production
Multi-tip punches — high-volume production for medium-sized tablets
Keyed punches — for shaped tablets requiring orientation control
Embossed punches — logo, dosage, or product markings
Break-line punches — score lines for dose splitting
Materials and Coatings
Tool Steel Options:
OHNS (58-62 HRC) — standard formulations, moderate volumes
HCHC / D3 (62-64 HRC) — abrasive formulations containing calcium or iron, high volumes
S7 (56-58 HRC) — impact-prone formulations where chipping is an issue
EMMKAY Special Steel (55-60 HRC) — corrosive or acidic formulations, optimum tool life
Available Coatings:
Chrome plating — standard corrosion protection and reduced sticking
DLC (Diamond-Like Carbon) — premium anti-stick for sticky formulations
TiN (Titanium Nitride) — enhanced wear resistance for abrasive tablets
CrN (Chromium Nitride) — combined corrosion and wear resistance
