The Effect of Tamping Force

Formulation of bi-layer or multi-layer tablets enables the combination of two or more drugs that may be incompatible or maybe intended for delivery at different rates. As part of combining the layers in a multi-layer tablet, layers that precede a second or third layer must be lightly compressed or “tamped” before the successive layer is applied. The amount of tamping force applied has a direct effect on the strength of the bond created between the two layers. This paper analyzes the effect of varying the tamping force on the resulting bond between layers.