Sotax MT50 Tablet Hardness Tester
The Sotax MT50 Multi-Parameter Tablet Hardness Tester
The Sotax MT50 Multi-Parameter Tablet Hardness Tester (Pharmatron MultiTest 50, Part Number 15510-01) is a precision benchtop instrument. Engineers designed it for the physical testing of solid dosage forms. Furthermore, pharmaceutical facilities deploy the MT50 across quality control (QC), research and development (R&D), and in-process control (IPC) environments. As a result, the system automates core tablet measurements to ensure strict compliance with global pharmacopeial standards.
Sotax MT50 Multi-Parameter Measurement Capabilities
The system consolidates multiple physical quality checks into a single automated test run. Consequently, it minimizes operator error and reduces routine handling time:
- Hardness (Breaking Force): The tester uses a precision load cell to measure breaking force. It runs in both constant speed and constant force modes, meeting USP Chapter <1217> and Ph. Eur. 2.9.8 guidelines.
- Thickness and Diameter/Length: Integrated electronic linear measurement gauges capture exact dimensions before fracture testing begins.
- Width: Configurable tools measure the third dimension on non-standard tablet geometries.
- Weight Integration: The unit connects directly to external analytical balances. Therefore, it automatically logs individual and batch tablet mass alongside dimensional data.
Core Design and Operational Features
The MT50 features a robust mechanical base and an adaptable testing compartment for high sample throughput:
- Smart Orientation and Positioning: The test jaw mechanism automatically aligns round, oblong, oval, and uniquely shaped tablets. Thus, it applies force across the correct geometric axis without manual adjustment.
- Fast Test Cycles: Automated debris clearing and fast jaw returns reduce cycle times between tablets. As a result, operators can perform high-frequency testing directly beside tablet presses.
- Touchscreen Interface: Users operate the tester through an intuitive onboard touchscreen. In addition, the interface stores custom product methods, calibration protocols, and testing limits.
- Data Integrity and Reporting: Built-in RS-232, USB, and Ethernet ports allow direct reporting to external printers. Furthermore, the unit supports bidirectional integration with LIMS and data management platforms like q-doc.
Applications Across Solid Dosage Manufacturing
In a production workflow, the MT50 serves primarily as an in-process tool to monitor tablet press stability, alerting operators immediately to variations in compression force, tooling wear, or granule flow. In QC and analytical laboratories, the instrument delivers reproducible batch release testing, generating complete statistical summaries—including mean values, relative standard deviation (RSD), and min/max ranges—necessary for regulatory audit trails.
Summary of Specifications
- Parameters: Hardness, thickness, diameter/length, width, and weight (via connected balance).
- Measuring Principles: Linear load cell / constant speed or constant force.
- Tablet Shapes: Round, oval, oblong, capsule-shaped, and custom solid geometries.
- Regulatory Compliance: USP, Ph. Eur., and 21 CFR Part 11 data governance compatibility when linked to compliant software.