Tablet manufacturing requires specialized machinery to ensure precision, consistency, and quality for supplements and nutraceuticals. The key types of machines used in this process can include:

1. Tablet Press Machines: These machines compress powdered ingredients into tablets. They come in two main types: single-station (single punch) and rotary presses. Single-station presses are used for small-scale production, while rotary presses are ideal for high-volume production due to their efficiency and speed.
2. Granulation Machines: Granulation is the process of forming powder into granules, which helps improve the flow and compressibility of the material before tablet compression. Wet granulators and dry granulators are commonly used, depending on the nature of the ingredients.
3. Coating Machines: These machines apply a protective or functional coating to the tablets, which can improve the tablet's appearance, taste, and stability. The coating also allows for the controlled release of active ingredients. TurnKey Nutrition utilizes advanced coating technologies to ensure your supplements meet the highest quality standards.
4. Mixing Machines: These blend active and excipients (inactive ingredients) into a homogenous mixture. Proper mixing ensures that each tablet contains the correct active ingredient. TurnKey Nutrition employs high-efficiency mixers to guarantee consistent product quality.
5. Dedusting Machines: They may have excess powder on their surface after pressed tablets. Dedusting machines remove this powder to ensure the tablets are clean and meet aesthetic standards before packaging.

At TurnKey, we use state-of-the-art equipment and advanced technology to ensure that every tablet we manufacture is of the highest quality. Our commitment to innovation and compliance with GMP and cGMP standards ensures that your products are produced efficiently and meet all regulatory requirements.

The manufacturing of tablets involves several key steps, each designed to ensure the final product's quality, safety, and efficacy. Here's a simplified overview of the process:

1. Formulation: The process begins with the tablet's formulation, where active ingredients are combined with excipients (inactive ingredients) to create a mix that can be compressed into tablets. Excipients help with the tablet's shape, stability, and absorption. TurnKey Nutrition's expert formulation team works closely with you to make a product that meets your needs and industry standards.
2. Granulation: The formulated powder may undergo granulation, a process that improves its flow and compressibility. Granules are more uniform in size, which helps ensure consistent tablet weight and drug distribution. TurnKey Nutrition uses wet and dry granulation techniques depending on the properties of the ingredients.
3. Tablet Compression: Once the powder or granules are ready, they are fed into a tablet press machine and compressed into tablets. The machine's punch and die system form the tablets into the desired shape and size. Our cutting-edge compression technology ensures that each tablet is consistently formed to your specifications.
4. Coating: Tablets may be coated to enhance their appearance, make them easier to swallow, or control the release of the active ingredients. The coating can also protect the tablet from moisture, air, and light, extending its shelf life. At TurnKey Nutrition, we offer various coating options, including film coatings, sugar coatings, and enteric coatings, to meet your unique and product needs.
5. Quality Control: Throughout our custom manufacturing process, rigorous quality control measures ensure that the tablets meet all required specifications, including weight, thickness, hardness, and disintegration time. TurnKey Nutrition's commitment to quality means that every batch of tablets undergoes thorough testing before they are released for packaging.
6. Packaging: The tablets are packaged in containers that protect them from damage and contamination. Proper packaging also ensures compliance with labeling regulations and helps maintain the integrity and quality of the product throughout its shelf life.

TurnKey prides itself on using advanced manufacturing techniques and state-of-the-art equipment to produce high-quality tablets that meet our clients' needs.

From formulation to packaging, we ensure your product is always safe, effective, and compliant with all known industry standards.

The most prominent tablet manufacturers in the world include some of the biggest names in both the pharmaceutical and nutraceutical industries.

Pfizer, Johnson & Johnson, and Roche are leading pharmaceutical companies known for their extensive production of medicinal tablets. Companies like Amway and Herbalife are prominent manufacturers in the nutraceutical space, producing a vast array of vitamin and supplement tablets.

These companies have become leaders through their commitment to quality, innovation, and large-scale production capabilities.

At TurnKey, we strive to meet the same high standards as these industry giants by leveraging our experience, cutting-edge technology, and commitment to quality and compliance.

Our facilities are designed to scale production efficiently, ensuring that we can always meet the needs of our clients, whether they require small batches or large volumes.

Regarding sales volume, companies like Pfizer and Bayer really do dominate the pharmaceutical tablet market, while GSK (GlaxoSmithKline) also holds a significant share.

These groups produce and sell a wide range of tablets for common ailments and chronic conditions, making them household names in the healthcare industry.

In the nutraceutical market, brands like Herbalife and Nature Made are among the top sellers, offering a broad spectrum of dietary supplements in tablet form.

Their extensive distribution networks and strong brand recognition contribute to their success in selling tablets globally.

TurnKey partners with companies looking to enter or expand within this competitive market. Our tablet manufacturing expertise and our ability to provide customized solutions help our clients create products that stand out and succeed in the marketplace.

Many companies worldwide specialize in tablet manufacturing, each catering to different market segments. In the pharmaceutical sector, companies like Teva Pharmaceuticals and Novartis are well-known for producing both branded and generic tablets. They manufacture various medicinal tablets used to treat numerous health conditions.

In the nutraceutical industry, many companies are recognized for their high-quality supplement tablets. It's a long list :-)

These companies focus on producing tablets that cater to health-conscious consumers, often using natural and organic ingredients.

TurnKey specializes in the production of nutraceutical tablets, offering our clients the flexibility to create unique and high-quality supplements.

Whether you're looking to produce vitamins, minerals, or herbal supplements, TurnKey provides the expertise and technology needed to bring your tablet products to market confidently.

Tablets are manufactured worldwide, with significant production facilities in countries like the United States, Germany, India, and China. These countries have established themselves as pharmaceutical and nutraceutical manufacturing leaders due to their advanced technology, skilled labor, and stringent regulatory environments.

TurnKey operates in the United States, adhering to strict GMP and cGMP standards. Our state-of-the-art facilities are equipped to handle every aspect of tablet production, from formulation and granulation to compression and packaging.

This ensures that the tablets we produce are of the best and highest quality, meeting the needs of consumers both domestically and internationally.

The manufacturing process for tablets involves several vital steps to ensure that the product delivered is safe, effective, and consistent. Here's an overview of the process:

1. Formulation: The process begins with the formulation of the tablet, where active ingredients are mixed with excipients (inactive ingredients) to create a homogenous blend. Excipients help with the tablet's structure, stability, and absorption.
2. Granulation: The powder mixture may undergo granulation, where it's processed into granules to improve flowability and compressibility. Granulation ensures uniformity in the tablet's weight and composition.
3. Compression: The granules are then compressed into tablets using a tablet press machine. This machine uses punches and dies to form the tablets into the desired shape and size, ensuring consistent quality and dosage in each tablet.
4. Coating: Tablets may be coated for various reasons, including masking taste, enhancing stability, or controlling the release of active ingredients. The coating also improves the tablet's appearance and makes it easier to swallow.
5. Quality Control: Rigorous quality control measures are implemented throughout the manufacturing process to ensure that the tablets meet all required specifications, such as weight, hardness, and disintegration time.
6. Packaging: Finally, the tablets are packaged to protect them from moisture, light, and contamination. Proper packaging is essential for maintaining the tablets' efficacy and shelf life.

At TurnKey, we take pride in our comprehensive tablet manufacturing process, which combines cutting-edge technology with our always strict quality control protocols. We aim to ensure that every tablet we produce meets or exceeds industry standards, providing our clients with products they can confidently bring to market.

The best size for a tablet depends on several factors, including the dosage, intended use, and target audience. Smaller tablets (around 5-8 mm in diameter) are more accessible to swallow, making them ideal for consumers who may have difficulty with larger pills, such as children or older people. Medium-sized tablets (8-11 mm) are commonly used for standard doses of supplements and medications, striking a balance between ease of swallowing and sufficient space for the necessary dosage. Larger tablets (over 11 mm) are often used when a higher dosage is required or when the tablet contains multiple active ingredients.

At TurnKey, we work with you to determine the optimal tablet size for your product, considering factors like dosage, consumer preferences, and ease of use.

Our goal is to create a tablet that delivers the right amount of active ingredients while being user-friendly.

Tablets come in various shapes, each serving different purposes regarding functionality, aesthetics, and consumer preference. Common tablet shapes include:

1. Round: The most traditional and widely used shape, easy to produce and swallow.
2. Oval/Oblong: Often used for larger tablets, this shape makes swallowing easier despite the larger size.
3. Caplet: A hybrid between a capsule and a tablet, caplets are elongated and easy to swallow, often coated for additional benefits.
4. Triangular: Less common, triangular tablets stand out on the shelf and can be easily griped.
5. Square/Rectangle: Used for specific branding or marketing purposes, though less common due to potential swallowing difficulty.
6. Diamond or Custom Shapes: These are typically used for branding or to differentiate the product in the marketplace.

Full list of tablet shapes:

Standard Convex

• Description: A traditional round shape with a slightly curved surface on both sides.
• Usage: Commonly used for general-purpose tablets, easy to produce and swallow, suitable for a wide range of medications and supplements.

Standard Convex Bisect Not Flush

• Description: Similar to the standard convex but with a non-flush bisect line across the surface.
• Usage: Designed for easy splitting, allowing for adjustable dosing while maintaining a classic round shape.

Standard Convex Quadrisect Flush

• Description: A round tablet with a flush, cross-shaped groove on the surface.
• Usage: Used for tablets that need to be divided into equal quarters, commonly seen in medications requiring precise dosage adjustments.

Standard Convex Straight-Through Bisect

• Description: A round tablet with a deep, straight-through bisect line.
• Usage: Ideal for tablets that need to be easily split into two equal doses, maintaining ease of use for patients.

Compound Cup

• Description: A concave shape with a slight indentation on both sides.
• Usage: Typically used for chewable tablets or lozenges, providing a comfortable mouthfeel.

Convex with Bevel

• Description: A round tablet with a slightly convex surface and beveled edges.
• Usage: Common in tablets where aesthetics and ease of swallowing are important. The beveling helps prevent chipping.

Flat-Faced Plain

• Description: A flat surface on both sides, with no additional features.
• Usage: Often used for tablets that require engraving or printing, such as brand logos or dosage information.

Flat-Faced Bevel-Edged

• Description: Flat surfaces with beveled edges around the perimeter.
• Usage: Provides a clean, professional look, often used for tablets requiring easy handling and reduced chipping.

Flat-Faced Bevel-Edged Bisect

• Description: Flat surfaces with a beveled edge and a bisect line.
• Usage: Designed for easy splitting while maintaining a sleek appearance, commonly used for medications requiring half doses.

Flat-Faced Bevel-Edged Quadrisect

• Description: Flat surfaces with beveled edges and a cross-shaped quadrisect line.
• Usage: Allows for tablets to be divided into four equal parts, ideal for flexible dosing.

Flat-Faced Radius-Edged

• Description: Flat surfaces with rounded, radius edges.
• Usage: Provides a smooth feel and ease of swallowing, often used for over-the-counter medications and vitamins.

Lozenge

• Description: An elongated, flat tablet shape with rounded edges.
• Usage: Commonly used for tablets that dissolve slowly in the mouth, such as throat lozenges and some oral supplements.

Modified Ball

• Description: A slightly flattened spherical shape.
• Usage: Used for chewable tablets or unique branding, providing a more playful, consumer-friendly appearance.

Core Rod Type (Hole in Center)

• Description: A round tablet with a hole through the center.
• Usage: Often used for time-release or controlled-release formulations, allowing for a more controlled dissolution rate.

Capsule

• Description: An elongated, oval shape similar to a traditional capsule.
• Usage: Commonly used for supplements and medications, offering an easy-to-swallow option and can house a large amount of active ingredient.

Modified Capsule

• Description: A variation of the standard capsule shape, often with additional features like scoring.
• Usage: Provides flexibility in dosing while maintaining the benefits of a capsule shape.

Oval

• Description: A simple, elongated oval shape.
• Usage: Widely used for a variety of medications and supplements, offering a compact, easy-to-swallow design.

Bullet

• Description: A cylindrical shape with a rounded tip.
• Usage: Often used for medications designed to be taken rectally or vaginally, ensuring ease of insertion.

Arrowhead

• Description: A pointed, triangular shape resembling an arrowhead.
• Usage: Typically used for branding purposes, offering a unique and memorable tablet shape.

Triangle

• Description: A simple triangular shape.
• Usage: Provides a distinctive look, often used for medications where branding or differentiation is important.

Arc Triangle

• Description: A triangular shape with curved edges.
• Usage: Used for unique branding opportunities, offering a softer appearance than a traditional triangle.

Square

• Description: A square-shaped tablet with flat surfaces.
• Usage: Often used for chewable tablets or branding purposes, though less common due to potential swallowing difficulty.

Pillow (Arc Square)

• Description: A square shape with slightly curved, pillow-like surfaces.
• Usage: Provides a comfortable feel in the mouth, often used for chewable tablets or supplements.

Rectangle

• Description: A rectangular shape with flat surfaces.
• Usage: Commonly used for larger tablets where more space is needed for active ingredients, though less preferred for swallowing.

Modified Rectangle

• Description: A variation of the rectangular shape, often with rounded edges or additional features.
• Usage: Offers the benefits of a rectangular shape while improving ease of swallowing and aesthetics.

Diamond

• Description: A diamond-shaped tablet.
• Usage: Typically used for branding or to create a distinctive look, offering visual appeal on the shelf.

Pentagon

• Description: A five-sided polygon shape.
• Usage: Provides a unique appearance, often used for brand differentiation or specialty medications.

Hexagon

• Description: A six-sided polygon shape.
• Usage: Used for both branding and functionality, offering a larger surface area for engraving or logos.

Octagon Natural Edge

• Description: An eight-sided shape with natural, slightly rounded edges.
• Usage: Offers a distinctive shape while remaining easy to handle and swallow, used for specialty tablets.

Heart

• Description: A heart-shaped tablet.
• Usage: Often used for supplements related to heart health or children's vitamins, creating a strong brand connection with consumers.

Half Moon ("D" Shape)

• Description: A half-circle or “D” shaped tablet.
• Usage: Provides a unique, easily recognizable shape, often used for branding or specific dosage forms.

Almond

• Description: An almond-shaped, elongated tablet with tapered ends.
• Usage: Typically used for larger tablets, offering an easy-to-swallow shape with a premium look.

At TurnKey, we offer a wide range of tablet shapes and can create custom shapes to align with your brand's identity and product requirements. Our advanced tablet press machines can produce tablets that are not only functional but also visually appealing, helping your product stand out.

When choosing the right tablet type for your supplement, it's essential to consider the nature of the active ingredients, the desired release profile, and the target market. Here are a few options:

1. Standard Compressed Tablets: Ideal for most supplements, these tablets are simple, cost-effective, and easy to produce. They work well for vitamins, minerals, and herbal extracts.
2. Chewable Tablets: These are best for supplements for children or consumers who prefer not to swallow pills. They can be flavored and are designed to be chewed before swallowing.
3. Effervescent Tablets: These tablets dissolve in water to create a drinkable supplement. They're great for consumers who want a more enjoyable, hydrating way to take supplements.
4. Sustained-Release Tablets: Designed to release active ingredients slowly over time, these tablets are ideal for supplements that need to provide a steady dosage throughout the day.
5. Enteric-Coated Tablets: If your supplement contains ingredients sensitive to stomach acid or need to be absorbed in the intestines, enteric-coated tablets are the best choice. This coating prevents the tablet from dissolving in the human stomach, ensuring it reaches the intestines intact.
6. Bi-Layer Tablets: These tablets can deliver two different formulations simultaneously, either by separating incompatible ingredients or providing immediate and sustained release in one dose.

TurnKey expertise in supplement formulation and tablet manufacturing means we can help you choose the best tablet type for your product. We consider factors like ingredient stability, consumer preferences, and desired release profiles to create a supplement that meets your needs and stands out in the market.