Streamlining Pharmaceutical Quality Control with the MultiCheck 6

The ERWEKA MultiCheck 6 is a cutting-edge, fully automated tablet hardness tester that measures five critical parameters: weight, diameter (or length), thickness, width, and hardness.

Image Credit: ERWEKA

This versatile device is essential for pharmaceutical quality control as it guarantees compliance with international pharmacopoeial standards.

A standout feature of the MultiCheck 6 is the patented Oblong Navigator^®, which allows for precise measurement of irregularly shaped tablets. This innovative system uses a spinning disk and positioning flap to facilitate accurate alignment of all tablet shapes.

Users can customize various settings, including spin speed, reverse times, and wait times, to accommodate each tablet's unique characteristics. The Oblong Navigator supports two measurement methods, Constant Speed and Constant Force, providing a flexible approach for different tablet properties.

This adaptability guarantees reliable and consistent measurements of width, diameter, length and hardness, even for complex or unusually shaped tablets.

The MultiCheck 6's standard measurement range of 3 to 500 N and optional extension to 1000 N for more demanding applications make it well-equipped to handle a diverse range of tablet formulations.

Stage 1: Separation Drum

The MultiCheck 6 testing process is separated into individually configurable stages, beginning with the separation drum. This component efficiently isolates tablets and is adjustable to match the flow characteristics of individual samples.

Key parameters, including swing angle and speed, are customizable, facilitating precise handling of tablets with various shapes and sizes.

The separation drum runs quietly and smoothly, enhancing the overall efficiency of the testing process and preventing tablet overlap through a light barrier sensor.

Extra settings, including emptying speed and timeout strokes, provide further control and help prevent errors in the separation phase.

Fig. 1. MultiCheck 6 separation drum. Image Credit: ERWEKA

Stage 2: Weighing

After separation, the tablets move to the weighing station, which is the first checkpoint for evaluating the sample's specifications. This station is equipped with high-precision balances that ensure accurate weight measurements between 20 mg and 120 g, with an accuracy of ±0.1 mg.

Fig. 2. MultiCheck 6 weighing station with integrated balance. Image Credit: ERWEKA

Users can immediately dispose of tablets outside the defined tolerance range or continue the measurement and address incorrect tablets following the process. This flexible approach enables thorough quality control without disrupting the testing workflow.

After the weighing stage, the tablets are moved to the next measurement stations. A crucial component during this phase is the alignment bar, which guarantees that tablets are oriented properly for accurate measurement of thickness.

The height of the alignment bar and the speed of the transport feeder are both adjustable, enabling users to tailor the settings for each tablet.

Brushes under the transport feeder maintain cleanliness by wiping the measurement stations, guaranteeing reliable operation during extended testing sessions.

Fig. 3. ERWEKA MultiCheck 6. Image Credit: ERWEKA

Stage 3: Thickness Measurement

The thickness measurement station features a highly accurate linear potentiometer able to measure tablet thickness between 2 and 10 mm to a precision of ±0.05 mm.

This phase does not require sample-specific configuration, streamlining the testing process while upholding the highest standards of accuracy.

Fig. 4. Thickness measurement station. Image Credit: ERWEKA

Stage 4: Oblong Navigator^®

The final stage of the MultiCheck 6 workflow centers on the Oblong Navigator^®, which is crucial for managing complex tablet shapes.

Fig. 5. Oblong Navigator^®. Image Credit: ERWEKA

Advanced configuration options enable users to adjust parameters such as feeder speed, spinning speed, and alignment bar height, ensuring smooth and accurate measurements.

This customization is especially beneficial for irregularly shaped or challenging tablet designs. By optimizing tablet handling, it enhances measurement precision and reduces testing times.

With its highly customizable and automated testing process, the ERWEKA MultiCheck 6 is an essential solution for pharmaceutical laboratories and production facilities.

The combination of cutting-edge measurement technologies, precise configuration options, and user-friendly operation facilitates fast, accurate, and reliable tablet hardness testing across various tablet shapes and sizes.

This makes it vital for ensuring pharmaceutical product quality and adapting to the industry's evolving demands.

Image Credit: ERWEKA

About ERWEKA

ERWEKA is an international manufacturer of test equipment for the pharmaceutical industry. In addition to large pharmaceutical and life science companies, we supply development and contract laboratories as well as universities around the world with equipment for the development and testing of medicines.

ERWEKA was founded in Germany in 1951 and has been an integral part of the Verder Scientific Division since 2023. As a manufacturer with extensive experience in the testing equipment industry, ERWEKA offers the full range of tablet testing devices for solid dosage forms. Our benchmark is top quality. From development, design and production to service for our devices, we are uncompromising in our commitment to premium quality. ERWEKA stands for excellent product quality, attractive design and individual customer care. Our customers have been relying on this for over 70 years.

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