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.
BB Tooling Key Dimensions
| Parameter | BB Tooling | B Tooling | D Tooling |
|---|---|---|---|
| Die Outside Diameter | 24mm (0.945") | 30.16mm (1.1875") | 38.10mm (1.5") |
| Max Tablet Diameter | 18.5mm | 18.5mm | 25mm |
| Max Tablet Thickness | 8.5mm | 8.5mm | 8.5mm |
| Punch Barrel Diameter | 19.0mm | 19.0mm | 25.4mm (1.0") |
| Key Advantage | More stations per turret | Large tablets, veterinary | Most common standard |
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
Your press is specifically designed for BB tooling (24mm die OD)
Shapes and Configurations
Standard Shapes (up to 18.5mm)
- —Round — flat, shallow concave, deep concave, beveled edge
- —Capsule — 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
- —OHNS (58—62 HRC) — standard formulations, moderate volumes
- —HCHC / D3 (62—64 HRC) — abrasive formulations, high volumes
- —S7 (56—58 HRC) — impact-prone formulations
- —EMMKAY Special Steel (55—60 HRC) — corrosive or acidic formulations
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
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 with material traceability, hardness testing, and dimensional inspection documentation 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.
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
How do I know if my press uses BB tooling?
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. See our tooling standards comparison for a full breakdown.
What is the difference between BB tooling and B tooling?
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.
What is BBS tooling?
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.
What is the advantage of BB tooling over D tooling for smaller tablets?
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. Consider also our multi-tip punch options for further output increases.
Is it compatible with my rotary machine?
Our dies and punches can be customized as per the technical drawing of your press. By default we manufacture according to EU Standard which closely aligns with ISO 18084. Contact us with your press brand and model for confirmation.