5-in-1 Tablet Testing Instrument with Balance Connection and Width Measurement
The 5 in 1 tablet testing instrument PTB 330 is a dual test mode instrument to measure five different parameters of one sample. Hardness, diameter (or length), thickness, width and the weight of tablets can be determined here. Using the unique fingerprint sensor, logging into the instrument is easier and more secure than ever before. The instrument is made in strict compliance with the EP [2.9.8] and USP [1217] Pharmacopoeia.
PTB 330 5-in-1 tablet testing instrument
Measurement of 5 different parameters
PTB 330 features one testing station to determine the thickness, width, diameter (or length) and the hardness of tablets. Furthermore, PTB 330 allows connecting a METTLER TOLEDO or Sartorius analytical balance to measure the weight of the samples as well. PTB 330 offer two modes for the weight measurement: either weigh each sample individually, before placing them in the testing station or weigh all samples together and calculate the average weight.The bottom piece of the test station is switchable. It can be replaced with a version featuring a groove for an optimum positioning of tablets and oblongs which tend to move during the test procedure. The measuring units can be selected from mm or Inch and KP (Kilopond), N (Newton) or Sc (Strong Cobb).
Running a Test
PTB 330 features a large, back-lit colour LCD. Navigate the menu using the arrow keys on the left side of the instrument. There are two ways to start a test with PTB 330 - start a quick test immediately after powering on the instrument without logging on or login to start a method-based test. You can use the instruments fingerprint sensor to log on.
When running a test, you first choose the approximate tablet shape (round, oblong or capsule). Afterwards enter the nominal values or directly start a test without entering this information. Just enter the batch number and start the test. A method-based test includes the option as well to choose the tablet shape and to enter the nominal values first, but also offers the option to "learn" the parameters instead of entering the nominal values. For this several tablets can be tested one after the other and the instrument will calculate the mean values of each parameter and propose these in a newly created method. The values can then be changed from there by the user as well.
A method-based test includes the option as well to choose the tablet shape and to enter the nominal values first, but also offers the option to "learn" the parameters instead of entering the nominal values. For this several tablets can be tested one after the other and the instrument will calculate the mean values of each parameter and propose these in a newly created method. The values can then be changed from there by the user as well. Place the tablets one by one into the test station and orientate them according to the parameter tested next. The instrument gives clear instructions including pictures to the user at every step.
Test Procedure
In case a balance is connected to the PTB 330, the weight of the tablet (or tablets) is measured and directly transferred to the instrument. Take the tablet from the balance dish and place it into the testing station of the PTB 330. Place the tablet in an upwards position towards the wall and start the thickness measurement. Now the force jaw will move forward, touch the tablet at its highest point to measure the thickness. It then moves back so that the user has time to rotate the tablet for the (optional) width test.
The main features of the PTB 330 instrument are:
| Parameter | Specification |
| Hardness testing range | PTB 330: 2.0 - 300.0 N PTB 330-500: 5.0 - 500.0 N PTB 330-1000: 10.0 - 1,000.0 N |
| Hardness accuracy | Better than ۫ N |
| Hardness resolution | 0.1 N |
| Thickness testing range | 2.00 - 35.00 mm, expandable to 70mm |
| Thickness accuracy | Better than ۪.02 mm |
| Width & diameter testing range | 2.00 - 35.00 mm, expandable to 70mm |
| Width & diameter accuracy | Better than ۪.02 mm |
| Thickness, width & diameter resolution | 0.01 mm |
| Weight measurement | By external METTLER TOLEDO or Sartorius balance (balance not included in standard supply scope), individual or average weight |
| Measuring units | Thickness, diameter and width selectable between millimeter (mm) and inches (IN); Hardness selectable between Newton (N), Kilopond (kp) and Strong Cobb (Sc) |
| Force mode | Selectable: linear force increases or linear speed increase |
| Force rate | 5 - 250 N/sec. (linear force increase); 5 - 250 mm/Min. (linear speed increase) |
| Display | color LCD, backlit |
| Data entry | Keypad |
| Number of users | Up to 100 |
| Fingerprint sensor | Up to 40 different user fingerprints can be saved |
| Number of methods | Up to 100 |
| Number of tests per run | Up to 200 tests in one run |
| Interface | 2 x RS-232 serial port to connect a PC or Epson TM-U220B ticket printer, 1 x USB port type B for data export and firmware updates |
| Instrument Housing | Stainless steel (304) to meet GLP requirements |
| Power | 115/230 Volt AC, 50/60 Hz |
| Installation Requirements | Ambient Temperature 15-35 ˚C Relative Humidity 15-80 %rH Desk with at least 50 kg working load. All around the instrument at least 10 cm free distance to walls or other equipment. Free access to the mains power plug and switch. |
| Instrument Dimensions | Approx. 450 x 300 x 250 mm (Length x Width x Height) |
| Packaging Dimensions | Approx. 550 x 400 x 350 mm (Length x Width x Height) |
| Net / Gross Weight | Approx. 9 kg / 13 kg (without optional accessories) |
| Certification | All components certified to USP / EP requirements |
| CE / EMC Certification | All CE / EMC Certification provided |
| Validation | All IQ & OQ documents included |
We reserve the right to make technical changes without any prior notice.
The PTB 330 comes ready to use with the following standard scope of supply:
In addition to the standard scope of supply Pharma Test offers a broad range of accessories and options including:
