D Tooling Tablet Dies and Punches | EMMKAY INDUSTRIES
EMMKAY INDUSTRIES manufactures D tooling tablet dies and punches — the most widely used tooling standard in the pharmaceutical, nutraceutical, and confectionery industries. D tooling is compatible with the majority of rotary tablet presses worldwide and accommodates tablets up to 25mm in diameter.
If you operate a tablet press that uses D tooling (also called D-type or 19mm tooling), EMMKAY INDUSTRIES provides precision-manufactured dies and punches in every shape, material, and configuration you need.
What is D Tooling?
D tooling is a tablet tooling standard defined by the TSM (Tablet Specification Manual) and EU (European Union) specifications. It is the most common tooling standard used in rotary tablet presses globally.
D Tooling Key Dimensions:
Die Outside Diameter (OD): 38.1mm (1.5 inches)
Maximum Tablet Diameter: 25mm
Punch Barrel Diameter: 25.4mm (1.0 inch)
Overall Punch Length: Varies by press (typically 133.6mm TSM)
D Tooling vs Other Standards:
D Tooling — Die OD 38.1mm, max tablet 25mm, punch barrel 25.4mm. Most common standard. Best for standard to large tablets.
B Tooling — Die OD 30.16mm, max tablet 18.5mm, punch barrel 19.0mm. Best for medium to large tablets on B-presses.
BB Tooling — Die OD 24mm, max tablet 18.5mm, punch barrel 19.0mm. Compact presses, more stations per turret.
DB Tooling - The Versatile Varient
DB tooling uses the same die outside diameter as B tooling (30.16mm) but with D tooling punch barrel dimensions. This allows you to produce tablets up to 25mm diameter on presses designed for B tooling.
When to Use DB Tooling:
Your press accepts B tooling dies (30.16mm OD)
You need to produce tablets up to 25mm diameter
You want the flexibility to switch between different tablet sizes on the same press
DB Tooling Dimensions:
Die Outside Diameter: 30.16mm (B tooling die)
Maximum Tablet Diameter: 25mm (D tooling range)
Punch Barrel Diameter: 25.4mm (D tooling punch)
Why Choose EMMKAY INDUSTRIES for D Tooling
Precision Manufacturing: Every D tooling set is manufactured to TSM/EU specifications with tight dimensional tolerances. Punch tip concentricity, barrel straightness, and die bore finish are inspected and documented.
Complete Range: We manufacture D tooling in every shape, material, coating, and configuration — single-tip, multi-tip, keyed, embossed, and custom designs.
40+ Years Experience: Since 1983, EMMKAY INDUSTRIES has manufactured millions of D tooling sets for pharmaceutical, nutraceutical, ayurvedic, and confectionery manufacturers.
Quick Delivery: Standard D tooling in 7-10 working days. Emergency replacements available.
Quality Documentation: Material certificates, hardness reports, and dimensional inspection reports available on request.
Frequently Asked Questions - D Tooling
Q: How do I know if my press uses D tooling?
A: Check your tablet press manual for the tooling specification. D tooling uses a 38.1mm (1.5 inch) die outside diameter. Most standard pharmaceutical tablet presses in India use D tooling. If unsure, measure your existing die OD — if it is approximately 38mm, you have D tooling.
Q: What is the difference between D tooling and B tooling?
A: The main difference is size. D tooling has a 38.1mm die OD and accommodates tablets up to 25mm. B tooling has a 30.16mm die OD and accommodates tablets up to 18.5mm. D tooling is more common and used for standard to large tablets. B tooling is used for medium-large tablets on B-presses.
Q: Can I use D tooling punches in a B tooling press?
A: Not directly — the barrel diameters and die sizes are different. However, DB tooling uses B-size dies with D-size punch barrels, allowing you to produce tablets on a B tooling press. Contact us for DB tooling options.
Q: What is the maximum tablet size for D tooling?
A: The maximum tablet diameter for D tooling is 25mm. This accommodates most pharmaceutical, nutraceutical, and confectionery tablet sizes.
Q: How often should D tooling be replaced?
A: Replacement frequency depends on formulation abrasiveness, press speed, and maintenance. Typical lifespan is 3-10 million tablets. Replace tooling when tablet weight variation exceeds specifications, visual inspection shows wear on punch tips, or die bore measurements exceed tolerance.
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 D tooling in every standard and custom shape:
Standard Shapes:
Round (3mm to 25mm diameter) — flat, shallow concave, deep concave, beveled
Capsule shape — elongated tablets for easier swallowing
Oval — smooth elliptical profile
Triangle, square, pentagon — geometric shapes
Punch Tip Profiles:
Flat-faced — for scoring, embossing, and uncoated tablets
Shallow concave — standard for most coated tablets
Deep concave — for thick film coatings
Beveled edge — reduced chipping during coating
Compound cup — combination of flat and concave areas
Special Configurations:
Break-line (score line) punches — single or cross score
Embossed punches — logo, text, or dosage markings
Keyed punches — for shaped tablets requiring orientation
Multi-tip punches — 2-tip to 5+ tip for high-volume production
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
