Understanding tablet tooling pricing helps you budget accurately and make informed purchasing decisions. This guide breaks down what affects the cost of tablet dies and punches and provides current price ranges for different configurations.
For specific 2026 pricing with detailed tables, see our India Price Guide 2026. For help selecting the right tooling, see our selection guide.
Price Ranges by Shape
| Shape | Price Range (per set) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Round | ₹1,000 – ₹2,000 | Most affordable — no keyed punches needed |
| Capsule | ₹1,500 – ₹2,500 | Keyed punches required for orientation |
| Oval | ₹1,500 – ₹2,500 | Similar to capsule — keyed punches |
| Triangle | ₹1,500 – ₹2,500 | Geometric shape — keyed punches |
| Star | ₹2,000 – ₹3,000 | Complex profile — precision grinding |
| Moon | ₹2,000 – ₹3,000 | Crescent profile — precision grinding |
| Fish / Bottle | ₹2,000 – ₹3,000 | Novelty shapes — detailed profiles |
| Heart | ₹2,000 – ₹3,000 | Specialty shape — keyed punches |
| Custom | ₹2,000 – ₹3,500 | Any shape from your design or CAD file |
| Multi-tip | ₹2,500 – ₹3,500 | 2-7 tips per punch — higher output |
One set = 1 upper punch + 1 lower punch + 1 die. Minimum order: 10 sets.
What Affects Pricing
Shape Complexity
High impactRound is cheapest (no keyed punches, simple die bore). Non-round shapes require keyed punches and custom die bores. Complex profiles like star and moon require precision CNC grinding.
Steel Grade
Medium impactOHNS is the standard and most affordable. HCHC (D3) costs more due to higher hardness and wear resistance. S7 is premium for impact-prone applications. EMMKAY Special Steel is optimized for corrosive formulations.
Coatings
Medium impactChrome plating is standard and included in base pricing. DLC, TiN, and CrN are premium coatings that add to the per-set cost but significantly extend tooling life.
Configuration
High impactSingle-tip is standard. Multi-tip punches (2-7 tips) cost more due to precision alignment requirements but dramatically reduce per-tablet tooling cost.
Order Quantity
Medium impactLarger orders receive better per-set pricing. The minimum order is 10 sets. Orders of 50+ sets and 100+ sets receive progressively better rates.
Embossing and Scoring
Low impactLogo embossing, text engraving, and break lines add to the cost. Simple text is less expensive than detailed logos or multi-line engravings.
Standard vs Custom vs Multi-Tip — Cost Comparison
| Configuration | Cost per Set | Output per Cycle | Cost per Tablet |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard single-tip (round) | ₹1,000 – ₹2,000 | 1 tablet | Baseline |
| Custom shape (single-tip) | ₹2,000 – ₹3,500 | 1 tablet | ~2x baseline |
| Multi-tip round (3-tip) | ₹2,500 – ₹3,500 | 3 tablets | ~0.4x baseline |
| Multi-tip round (5-tip) | ₹3,000 – ₹4,000 | 5 tablets | ~0.3x baseline |
Multi-tip tooling has a higher upfront cost but dramatically reduces the per-tablet tooling cost. For high-volume production, multi-tip is almost always the most cost-effective option. See our multi-tip guide for details.
How to Get the Best Value
Choose the right material for your formulation — overspending on HCHC when OHNS suffices wastes money, but underspending leads to frequent replacements
Consider multi-tip for high-volume products — the upfront cost is higher but per-tablet cost drops significantly
Order in larger quantities — 50+ and 100+ set orders receive better per-set pricing
Invest in coatings for problem formulations — DLC or TiN coating costs more upfront but can double or triple tooling life
Maintain your tooling properly — cleaning, lubrication, and correct storage can double tooling lifespan at zero additional cost
Read our tooling selection guide and maintenance guide for more on maximizing your tooling investment.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do tablet dies and punches cost in India?
What factors affect tablet tooling pricing?
Is there a minimum order quantity?
Are custom tablet dies more expensive than standard shapes?
Get a Custom Quote
Transparent pricing · No hidden costs · Min. 10 sets
Request a Quote WhatsApp Enquiry →