Tablet Hardness
Tester
The FM-204T is a portable tablet hardness tester built for pharmaceutical QC benches: a digital tablet hardness tester that reads breaking force directly in kgf, gf, N or Lbf, with peak-hold so no fracture point is missed during tablet hardness testing.
0.5% FS
±1 DIGIT
A precision, portable tablet hardness tester
The FM-204T series tablet hardness tester is a digital-display pill hardness tester engineered for high precision, straightforward operation, and easy transport between bench, lab and line. It measures the breaking force of a compressed tablet as steady pressure is applied through a manually driven probe.
Scientific use of the instrument covers 10%–100% of full scale; the metrology department recommends against readings under 1% of full scale. Before each test, place the fixture and sample in position and press ZERO to clear the display and cancel out the weight of the fixture — a habit that keeps every hardness reading traceable and repeatable.
Because it runs on two AA batteries or a 5V DC adapter and weighs just 390g, the FM-204T works equally well as a benchtop unit or a portable tablet hardness tester carried between QC stations.
Built for repeatable tablet hardness testing
Every feature on the FM-204T digital tablet hardness tester exists to remove guesswork from a destructive, one-shot measurement.
High precision, high resolution
±0.5% FS + 1 digit accuracy with resolution down to 0.01kgf / 0.1N / 0.0126F across the full test range.
Four-unit digital display
Switch between kgf, gf, N and Lbf on the four-digit liquid-crystal, dual-direction screen — no manual conversion needed.
Peak-hold measurement
Locks the maximum breaking force on screen the instant the tablet fractures, so nothing is missed at the point of failure.
Real-time or peak mode
Toggle PEAK to switch between live load tracking and locked maximum-value hardness readings mid-session.
Auto power-off
Shuts down automatically after 10 minutes idle, or power off manually — green-conscious design for battery life.
Dual power options
Runs on two AA alkaline batteries or a 5V DC adapter, so the tester keeps working on the bench or in the field.
How the tablet hardness test works
Fit the sensor screw and select a unit
Mount the load-sensing screw with the four M3×10 screws, then choose kgf, N or Lbf — the manual recommends against switching units mid-session.
Choose PEAK or real-time mode
Press PEAK so "MAX" appears on the display for peak-hold hardness testing, or leave it off to watch the load in real time.
Zero the display
With the fixture in position, press ZERO so the reading clears to "0", removing the fixture's own weight from the result.
Lower the probe onto the tablet
Turn the handwheel clockwise to raise the probe, place the tablet on the test bed, then turn counter-clockwise so the probe descends and pressure increases gradually.
Read the locked hardness value
At fracture, the display locks the maximum pressure — the tablet's hardness value. Press ZERO again to reset and repeat the test.
Clean and power down
Brush the probe and test bed clean after use, then power off — manually, or let the 10-minute auto shutdown take over.
FM-204T technical parameters
| Test scope | 0–20Kgf, 0–196N, 0–4426gF |
|---|---|
| Resolution | 0.01Kgf, 0.1N, 0.0126F |
| Diameter of test range | 15mm |
| Precision | ±0.5% FS (range) + 1 digital peak |
| Unit | kgf, gf, N, Lbf |
| Measurement values | Peak, instantaneous value |
| Display | Four-digit liquid crystal, dual-direction, double screen |
| Shutdown mode | Automatic (10 min idle) or manual |
| Backlight | Yes |
| Allowable overload | 150% F.S. (buzzer alarm from 110% E.S.) |
| Power supply | 2 × AA batteries or 5V DC adapter |
| Working temperature | 0°C – 50°C |
| Working humidity | < 80% |
| Work environment | Away from heat sources and corrosive media |
| Net weight | 390g |
| Dimensions | 211 × 80 × 36mm |
Where the tablet hardness tester is used
A digital tablet hardness tester belongs anywhere a compressed tablet needs to prove it can survive coating, packaging and transport intact.
In-process release testing
Spot-check tablet batches against hardness specifications during compression runs.
Formulation development
Compare hardness across binder ratios and compression forces while tuning a new formulation.
Pill hardness testing
Verify vitamins, supplements and OTC pills meet the same breaking-force targets as pharmaceutical tablets.
Portable spot checks
Carry the FM-204T to the compression line for on-the-spot hardness testing without a fixed lab setup.
Standard & optional accessories
Common questions
What is a tablet hardness tester used for?
A tablet hardness tester measures the breaking force of a compressed tablet by applying steadily increasing pressure until it fractures. Pharmaceutical QC and R&D teams use the reading to confirm tablets meet compression, disintegration and handling specifications.
What is the test range and precision of the FM-204T?
The FM-204T covers 0–20kgf, 0–196N and 0–4426gF, with a resolution of 0.01kgf / 0.1N / 0.0126F and a precision of ±0.5% FS + 1 digit.
Is the FM-204T a portable tablet hardness tester?
Yes. At 390g and 211×80×36mm, running on AA batteries or a 5V DC adapter, it moves easily between bench, lab and compression line.
How do I zero the tester before a test?
Place the fixture and the sample in position, then press ZERO to clear the display to "0" and cancel out the weight of the fixture before applying load.
Can the FM-204T switch between kgf, N and Lbf?
Yes — press the UNIT key in either real-time or peak mode to convert the display between kgf, gf, N and Lbf. Tlead recommends picking one unit and not switching mid-test.
Specify the FM-204T for your QC line
Qingdao Tlead International supplies the FM-204T digital tablet hardness tester with full documentation, calibration certificate and worldwide shipping.