PTB 330 5-in-1 Tablet Tester
5-in-1 Tablet Testing Instrument with Balance Connection
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.
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 instrument’s fingerprint sensor to log on.
Balance Connection
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 force jaw runs forward again to measure the tablet at its widest point. Then it moves back again, so that the tablet can be rotated a final time to test its diameter (or length) and immediately its hardness (tablet breaking force). The on-screen menu will lead the user through the test either in an automatic re-start mode, where the test procedure initiates every 5 seconds without the user confirming the next measurement step, or manually where the user confirms the correct position of the tablet by pressing a button before each measurement. Once the test is finished and the sample is broken, the driven jaw moves backwards, and the tablet can be discarded into the removable waste container below the test station by using a brush. The five results are immediately displayed and can be printed directly on the integrated printer (optional), printed on a connected printer or transferred to a LIMS system or other external system via a serial interface.
Printer and Data Transfer Options
When printing directly via a the internal printer (optional), a connected ticket printer or when exporting to the PT-Node network adapter (optional) three options are available: print the data including each individual result as well as product information, date, time, user, instrument serial number, statistics can be added to this information of just print the breaking curve of the last broken tablet. It is always possible to activate or de-activate separate testing stations. This way it is possible, for example to just test the hardness of a tablet without measuring any other parameters. For this, deactivate the other parameters like thickness simply by leaving the field for the nominal value empty.
