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.
Since 1983, we have supplied precision D tooling to manufacturers across India and internationally. Every set is manufactured to TSM and EU specifications with full material traceability.
D Tooling Key Dimensions
| Parameter | D Tooling | B Tooling | BB Tooling |
|---|---|---|---|
| Die Outside Diameter | 38.10mm (1.5") | 30.16mm (1.1875") | 24mm (0.945") |
| Max Tablet Diameter | 25mm | 18.5mm | 18.5mm |
| Punch Barrel Diameter | 25.4mm (1.0") | 19.0mm | 19.0mm |
| Best For | Standard to large tablets, most common worldwide | Veterinary, effervescent, large nutraceuticals | Compact presses, high station count |
DB Tooling — The Versatile Variant
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. Learn more about DB tooling ?
Die OD
30.16mm (B tooling die)
Max Tablet
25mm (D tooling range)
Punch Barrel
25.4mm (D tooling punch)
Shapes and Configurations
Standard Shapes (up to 25mm)
- —Round (3mm to 25mm) — flat, shallow concave, deep concave, beveled
- —Capsule shape — elongated tablets for easier swallowing
- —Oval — smooth elliptical profile for coated tablets
- —Triangle, square, pentagon — geometric shapes
- —Star, moon — novelty and confectionery 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
- —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
Why Choose EMMKAY INDUSTRIES for D Tooling
40+ Years Experience
Since 1983, EMMKAY INDUSTRIES has manufactured millions of D tooling sets for pharmaceutical, nutraceutical, ayurvedic, and confectionery manufacturers across India and internationally.
Precision to Standard
Every D tooling set is manufactured to TSM and EU specifications. Punch tip concentricity, barrel straightness, and die bore finish are inspected and documented.
Complete Range
D tooling in every shape, material, coating, and configuration — single-tip, multi-tip, keyed, embossed, and custom designs.
Quick Delivery
Standard D tooling delivered in 7—10 working days. Emergency replacements available with expedited manufacturing.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if my press uses D tooling?
Check your tablet press manual for the tooling specification. D tooling uses a 38.10mm (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.
What is the difference between D tooling and B tooling?
The main difference is size. D tooling has a 38.10mm 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.
Can I use D tooling punches in a B tooling press?
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.
What is the maximum tablet size for D tooling?
The maximum tablet diameter for D tooling is 25mm. This accommodates most pharmaceutical, nutraceutical, and confectionery tablet sizes.
How often should D tooling be replaced?
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.
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.
Tooling Standards
- D Tooling — 38.10mm Die OD
- B Tooling — 30.16mm Die OD
- BB Tooling — 24mm Die OD
- DB Tooling — B Die + D Punch
- D Tooling vs B Tooling Comparison