D Tooling vs B Tooling vs BB Tooling: Complete Comparison

D tooling vs B tooling vs BB tooling — dimensions, compatibility, output capacity, and when to use each. Expert comparison by EMMKAY INDUSTRIES.

EMMKAY INDUSTRIES

2/23/20263 min read

One of the most common questions in tablet manufacturing is: what is the difference between D tooling, B tooling, and BB tooling? The answer determines which tooling fits your press, what tablet sizes you can produce, and how efficiently your production line runs.

This guide compares all four major tooling standards — D, B, BB, and DB — with exact dimensions, compatibility information, and practical guidance on when to use each.

The Four Tooling Standards at a Glance
D Tooling — The Industry Standard

D tooling is the most widely used tablet tooling standard in the world. The majority of rotary tablet presses in pharmaceutical, nutraceutical, and confectionery manufacturing use D tooling.

Key Facts:

  • Die OD: 38.10mm (1.500 inches)

  • Maximum tablet diameter: 25.0mm

  • Compatible with most standard rotary tablet presses

  • Available from every tooling manufacturer globally

  • Widest range of shapes, configurations, and accessories

Best For:

  • Standard pharmaceutical tablets (6-25mm)

  • Most nutraceutical tablets

  • Confectionery tablets

  • Effervescent tablets (typically 20-25mm)

  • Any tablet up to 25mm diameter

Limitations: Cannot produce tablets larger than 25mm


B Tooling — For Large Tablets

B tooling uses a 30.16mm die OD with a 19.0mm punch barrel. It is designed for tablets up to 18.5mm diameter.

Key Facts:

  • Die OD: 30.16mm (1.1875 inches)

  • Maximum tablet diameter: 18.5mm

  • Punch barrel: 19.0mm

Best For:

  • Large nutraceutical tablets and supplements (13-18.5mm)

  • Veterinary boluses (up to 18.5mm)

  • Large confectionery tablets and mints

  • Any tablet larger than 13mm up to 18.5mm

Limitations:

  • Fewer stations per turret = lower output per revolution for small tablets

  • Not efficient for tablets under 13mm (use BB tooling instead)

  • Larger die pockets = higher material cost per set


H2: BB Tooling — Compact and Efficient

BB tooling uses a 24mm die OD with a 19.0mm punch barrel. It is designed for compact presses and supports tablets up to 18.5mm diameter.

Key Facts:

  • Die OD: 24mm

  • Maximum tablet diameter: 18.5mm

  • Punch barrel: 19.0mm

  • More stations possible per turret on compatible presses

Best For:

  • Small to medium tablets on compact presses

  • Maximizing stations per turret on BB-compatible presses

Limitations:

  • Not all presses accept BB tooling — check compatibility

  • Maximum tablet diameter is 18.5mm

H2: DB Tooling — The Versatile Option

DB tooling uses B-size dies (30.16mm OD) with D-size punch barrels (25.4mm). This allows you to produce larger tablets (up to 25mm) on a press designed for B tooling.

Key Facts:

  • Die OD: 30.16mm (B tooling die)

  • Maximum tablet diameter: 25.0mm

  • Punch barrel: 25.4mm (D tooling punch)

  • Fits in B tooling presses

Best For:

  • Producing large tablets on a B tooling press

  • Facilities that need up to 25mm tablets on a B-press

  • Flexibility to switch between B-range and D-range production on the same press

Limitations: Only useful if you have a B tooling press

Detailed Dimensional Comparison

TMS Standard Dimensions:

EU Standard Dimensions:

Output Comparison

The number of stations per turret directly affects production output. Since die size determines how many stations fit, the hierarchy is:

  • BB tooling (24mm die) = MOST stations (smallest dies)

  • B tooling (30.16mm die) = MEDIUM stations

  • D tooling (38.10mm die) = FEWEST stations (largest dies)

Station Count Summary:

  • BB tooling fits the MOST stations (smallest dies at 24mm)

  • B tooling fits MEDIUM stations (medium dies at 30.16mm)

  • D tooling fits the FEWEST stations (largest dies at 38.10mm)

However, D tooling is still the most common standard because:

  1. It can handle the full tablet size range (3-25mm) while B and BB are limited to 18.5mm

  2. It's the ONLY standard that can produce tablets from 18.5-25mm

  3. D tooling presses are more widely available and standardized globally

  4. Most manufacturers prefer one versatile standard rather than multiple press types

For small tablets (under 13mm), BB and B tooling can fit more stations per turret, but D tooling remains the industry standard due to its versatility and ability to handle any tablet size up to 25mm.

Cost Comparision

Cost Analysis Summary:

  • D tooling has the highest material cost per set (largest dies) but needs fewer sets

  • BB tooling has the lowest material cost per set (smallest dies) but needs the most sets

  • Total press tooling cost is similar across all standards (fewer expensive sets vs. more cheap sets)

  • Cost per tablet is lowest with BB tooling due to maximum stations per turret

  • D tooling remains most popular due to versatility, not cost advantages

Conclusion

D tooling is the LARGEST standard (38.10mm die OD) and the right choice for most tablet manufacturing. It can handle tablets from 3mm up to 25mm diameter. B tooling is MEDIUM-sized (30.16mm die OD) and handles tablets up to 18.5mm. BB tooling is the SMALLEST standard (24mm die OD) for compact presses, also handling tablets up to 18.5mm. DB tooling provides flexibility on B tooling presses when you need to produce tablets larger than 18.5mm (up to 25mm).

Remember: Only D tooling can produce tablets from 18.5mm to 25mm diameter. The tooling standard is determined by your press and your tablet size — not by preference. If you are unsure which standard your press uses, contact EMMKAY INDUSTRIES with your press brand and model number. We will confirm the correct tooling standard and provide a quote.