BB Tooling Tablet Dies and Punches | EMMKAY INDUSTRIES
EMMKAY INDUSTRIES manufactures BB tooling tablet dies and punches for rotary tablet press machines. BB tooling uses a 24mm die outside diameter with a 19mm punch barrel — a compact configuration designed for presses that require smaller tooling, accommodating tablets up to 18.5mm in diameter.
BB tooling allows more stations per turret on compatible presses, making it a productive choice for manufacturers running smaller to medium-sized tablets at high volumes. Maximum tablet diameter is 18.5mm.
What is BB Tooling?
BB tooling is a compact tablet tooling standard that combines a smaller die outside diameter (24mm) with B tooling punch barrel dimensions (19mm). It is used on presses specifically designed for this configuration.
BB Tooling Key Dimensions:
Die Outside Diameter (OD): 24mm (0.945 inches)
Maximum Tablet Diameter: 18.5mm
Maximum Tablet Thickness: 8.5mm
Punch Barrel Diameter: 19.0mm
When to Use BB Tooling:
Tablets up to 18.5mm diameter
Compact presses designed for smaller tooling configurations
When maximum stations per turret is a production priority
High-volume production of small to medium pharmaceutical tablets
BB Tooling vs Other Standards
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.
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.
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 BB Tooling
Precision Manufacturing: BB tooling requires tight dimensional tolerances due to the compact die size. Every set is manufactured to TSM/EU specifications. Material traceability, hardness testing, and dimensional inspection documentation are available on request.
Complete Range: BB tooling in every shape, material, and configuration — including multi-tip punches for maximum output on compatible presses.
40+ Years Experience: Since 1983, EMMKAY INDUSTRIES has supplied BB tooling to pharmaceutical manufacturers across India and internationally.
Quick Turnaround: Standard BB tooling delivered in 7-10 working days. Emergency replacements available with expedited manufacturing.
Technical Guidance: Not sure whether BB tooling is right for your press and tablet size? Our team will verify compatibility and recommend the correct tooling standard.
Frequently Asked Questions - BB Tooling
Q: How do I know if my press uses BB tooling?
A: Check your tablet press manual for the tooling specification. Measure your existing die outside diameter — if it is approximately 24mm, you have BB tooling. Your press manufacturer can also confirm the tooling standard.
Q: What is the difference between BB tooling and B tooling?
A: BB tooling has a smaller die outside diameter (24mm) compared to B tooling (30.16mm). Both use the same 19.0mm punch barrel diameter and have the same maximum tablet diameter of 18.5mm. The key advantage of BB tooling is the smaller die OD allows more stations per turret on compatible presses. They are not interchangeable.
Q: What is BBS tooling?
A: BBS tooling is another name for BB tooling — the "S" stands for "small." It refers to the same 24mm die OD, 19.0mm barrel configuration designed for tablets up to 18.5mm diameter.
Q: What is the advantage of BB tooling over D tooling for smaller tablets?
A: On compatible presses, BB tooling's smaller die OD (24mm vs 38.1mm) allows more stations per turret, which means higher output per press revolution. For tablets under 18.5mm, BB tooling can increase your production rate compared to D tooling on certain press models.
Q: How long does BB tooling last?
A: Tooling lifespan depends on formulation, press speed, and maintenance. OHNS steel BB tooling typically lasts 3-5 million tablets. HCHC steel extends this to 5-10 million tablets. Regular cleaning, lubrication, and proper storage extend tooling life significantly.
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 BB 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
