Tablet Hardness Tester

Tablet Hardness Tester: Technical Overview

The Tablet Hardness Tester is an electromechanical instrument designed to quantify the structural integrity and mechanical strength of compressed solid dosage forms, primarily pharmaceutical tablets. Operating on the principle of controlled diametrical compression, the device subjects a tablet to progressively increasing force until fracture occurs. The maximum force applied—recorded in standardized units such as kiloponds (kPa), Newtons (N), or Strong-Cobb (SC)—defines the tablet’s hardness.

This parameter is critical in pharmaceutical quality assurance, as inadequate hardness may cause chipping, capping, or premature disintegration during manufacturing, packaging, or distribution. Conversely, excessive hardness can impede dissolution and bioavailability.

Modern testers feature digital load cells, automated test sequences, statistical analysis software, and compliance with pharmacopeial standards (e.g., USP <1217>, Ph. Eur. 2.9.8). Applications extend beyond pharmaceuticals to include testing capsules, confectionery, and industrial pellets.

As a cornerstone of GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice) environments, tablet hardness testers ensure batch consistency, regulatory compliance, and optimal product performance throughout the product lifecycle.