What is a primary cause of picking/sticking in tablet production?

The primary cause of picking or sticking in tablet production is inadequate lubrication during the tablet compression process. Lubricants are crucial as they reduce friction between the tablet punch and the granule material, allowing for smoother ejection of the tablets from the die. When the lubrication is insufficient, the granules can adhere to the punch faces and die walls, leading to issues such as picking, where tablet material sticks to the punch and affects the appearance and integrity of the final product.

In contrast, excessive tablet thickness can contribute to other issues such as increased ejection force, but it is not directly responsible for picking or sticking. High humidity conditions can affect the flow of powders and the stability of the tablets, but they do not inherently cause sticking as a primary factor. Lastly, low compaction pressure may lead to tablets with inadequate hardness or structural integrity, but it does not specifically lead to increased instances of picking or sticking. Thus, the role of lubricants is critical in ensuring efficient tablet production and minimizing issues related to sticking.