GENERANL APPEARANCE Size, shape and thickness Size and shape: Can be controlled by size and shape of punches and die of tablet compression machine. Tablet thickness (dimensional variation) related to: a) Constant compression load: Tablet Thickness varies with tab. weight, die fill and Particle Size distribution. b) Constant die fill: Thickness varies with compression load. Tablet thickness can be measured by: Micrometer: Measure individual tablet thickness (so accurate information on variation between tab.) Holding tray: measure total tab. thickness of 5-10 tablet with a sliding caliper scale (not accurate information provider on variation between tabs but overall estimation) to give more rapid readings. Shape: Shape of tablet influence the choice of tablet machine used with special slotted punches that run at lower speed than conventional punches that produce round tablets. Organ...