The Indian machine tool industry is witnessing a sustained performance in recent quarters despite a slowdown in the overall economy. According to reports, the key user industries such as automobile, auto components, health, defence, aerospace and power are set to fuel the growth of the Indian machine tool industry. The industry's current market size stands at US$2.05 billion of which the domestic production makes for around 33 per cent of the total consumption.

Joining the bandwagon is Parle Elizabeth Tools Pvt Ltd, a leading manufacturer of tablet tooling, tablet press, tool polishing and blister change parts for the pharmaceutical sector. Based in Vasai near Mumbai, Parle Elizabeth has carved a niche for itself in the manufacturing sector with its commitment and dedication besides making the optimum use of advanced technology.

The company today successfully manufactures tablet punches and dies. While the punches are mainly of two types - D with bigger die and B with smaller die - the tablet presses determine sizes of the punches. A tablet press is a mechanical device that compresses powder into tablets of uniform size and weight. A press can be used to manufacture tablets of a wide variety of materials and to form a tablet; the granulated material must be metered into a cavity formed by two punches and a die.

The company also manufactures blister changing parts that help put tablets into wrappers. The two types of blister changing parts - Alu-PVC and Alu-Alu - are made based on the drawing. The Haas machining centres used by the company to manufacture blister changing parts and tablet tooling has helped the Vasai-based unit pose a stiff challenge to its competitors.