International tooling standards: European and TSM standards

The European and TSM standards optimize the efficiency and quality of your pharmaceutical plant's production. In this article, we will explain the characteristics of these standards and how their consideration can impact your operations.

The European and TSM standards define specifications for punches in the pharmaceutical industry, but their differences can affect the performance of tablet press machines. The "Euro standard" is preferred in Europe and offers advantages in terms of durability and tablet quality, while the TSM standard predominantly prevails in North America.

These differences influence production, making it paramount to determine which standard might be the most suitable for your equipment.

European and TSM standards comparison

Euro and TSM are international and establish standard specifications for compression tools used in the pharmaceutical industry. The European standard, often known as Euro, Euronorm, or EU, is globally adopted by ISO and most tablet press manufacturers in Europe and other regions. In contrast, in North America, the TSM (Tablet Specification Manual) standard is predominantly used for these tools.

Although both standards have similar specifications, essential differences can impact tablet press performance. Therefore, it is crucial to identify the standard corresponding to the machine.

It is important to note that Euro-compliant punches can be used in machines that follow the TSM standard, although this compatibility does not extend to high-production equipment with more stringent specifications. In contrast, TSM punches are incompatible with machines operating under European standards without tooling modifications.

The main differences between these standards include the following items:

Head shape

Head angle/radius

Head thickness

Head length

Total punch length

The rounded head shape of the European punches allows for smoother flow over the rollers, compared to the angular shape of TSM punches, minimizing punch and machine wear. The European standard is the preferred option by modern machine manufacturers as it ensures adequate contact time for optimal compaction of granules and better tablet quality.

PAT Group advisors will guide you in selecting the best tooling for tablet manufacturing.