Twin-screw extruder for pharmaceutical formulations
Streamline your pharmaceutical production with a dual-purpose extruder, perfectly suited for continuous extrusion and granulation processes, enhancing formulation efficiency and flexibility.

Processes Pharmaceutical Formulations in Continuous Mode
The Pharma 16 Twin-Screw Extruder from Thermo Scientific is engineered for pharmaceutical manufacturers seeking efficient pilot-scale and continuous R&D processes. This dual-function extruder effortlessly switches between hot melt extrusion (HME) and wet granulation (TSG) to optimize drug process development. It facilitates the production of extended-release tablets, film-coated pills, and granulated APIs, minimizing the use of costly materials and time typically required in batch processes. With a throughput of up to 5 kg/h for HME and 15 kg/h for TSG, it meets the demands of solid dosage forms. The system integrates seamlessly into existing production lines with plug-and-play compatibility, ensuring quick setup and scalability to larger extruders. Constructed to meet GMP and FDA standards, the Pharma 16 supports various operational conditions and offers reliable performance with minimal energy wastage. Enhanced with seven barrel zones, including a permanently cooled first zone and die heater, it ensures precise temperature control. Benefiting from its compact design, the extruder simplifies cleaning and maintenance, making it ideal for dynamic pharmaceutical environments.
Benefits
- Enhances product development efficiency with rapid switch between HME and TSG processes.
- Minimizes material waste and costs through scalable design for smaller batch operations.
- Facilitates easy integration and setup with existing production lines using plug-and-play functionality.
- Complies with GMP and FDA standards, ensuring regulatory adherence in pharmaceutical manufacturing.
- Provides precise temperature control with seven barrel zones for optimum product quality.
- Applications
- Pharmaceutics,Drug delivery,Solid dosage forms,Pharmaceutical formulations
- End products
- Film-coated pills,Oral disintegrating tablets,Granulated active pharmaceutical ingredients (apis),Extended-release tablets,Hot melt extruded drug formulations
- Steps before
- Material Feeding,Pre-Mixing,Formulation Preparation
- Steps after
- Cooling,Pelletizing,Drying,Product Collection,Quality Control
- Input ingredients
- pharmaceutical formulations,active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs),excipients
- Output ingredients
- hot melt extrusions,wet granulations,solid dosage forms,drug formulations
- Market info
- Thermo Fisher Scientific is renowned for providing innovative scientific instruments, laboratory equipment, and engineered-to-order solutions across various industries, esteemed for their high-quality products and expertise in life sciences, pharmaceuticals, and biotechnology sectors.
- Max. Speed
- 1000 rpm
- Speed Range
- 10 to 1000 rpm
- Electrical Requirements
- 400 V 3Ph +N + PE (± 10%)
- IP Rating
- IP 54
- Pressure
- 150 bar
- Throughput (HME)
- 0.5-5 kg/h
- Throughput (TSG)
- 1-15 kg/h
- Max. Torque
- 18 Nm/Screw
- Barrel Zones
- 7 barrel zones + 1 die heater
- Dimensions (L x W x H)
- 1750 x 610 x 1220 mm
- Barrel Length L/D
- 40
- Temperature Range (HME)
- 10 to 300°C
- Temperature Range (TSG)
- 10 to 100°C
- Weight
- 350 kg
- Center Line Spacing
- 1050 mm
- Batch vs. continuous operation
- Continuous
- Process type
- Hot Melt Extrusion / Wet Granulation
- Automation level
- Plug-and-play functionality
- Cleaning method
- Quick disassembly for easy cleaning
- Scale-up capability
- Easily scalable to larger extruders
- Integrated process steps
- Seamless integration with upstream and downstream equipment
- Density/particle size
- 0.5–2.5 g/cm³ / 50–1000 µm
- Drug Process Development
- Optimization and scaling capabilities
- GMP Compliance
- Yes
- FDA Compliance
- Materials
- CE Marking
- Yes
- IP Rating
- IP 54
- Machine footprint
- 1750 x 610 x 1220 mm
- Weight
- 350 kg
- Barrel Zones
- 7 barrel zones (1st zone permanently cooled) + 1 die heater
- Center Line Spacing
- 1050 mm
- Barrel Length
- L/D = 40
- Control panel type
- Not specified
- Compact footprint
- Yes
- Control panel type
- PLC-controlled
- Discharge method
- Continuous / Batch
- Compact footprint
- Yes
- Integration possibilities
- Upstream/Downstream equipment