## 3 Discussion  
The results of this study demonstrate how both the choice of manufacturing method and process parameters significantly affect the quality, reproducibility, and performance of tablets containing sodium naproxen as the active pharmaceutical ingredient (API), dolomite and cellulose as fillers, polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) as a binder, and magnesium st  
Figure 12: Average API content. Figure 13: Standard deviation of average API content. The reference batch (REF), produced using a conventional V-type tumble mixer, consistently exhibited the weakest performance across multiple quality attributes. Although the average API content in REF tablets was relatively high, it was accompanied by the largest standard deviation, indicating poor content uniformity. Such variability is consistent with prior findings showing that conventional low-energy blending techniques can lead to content segregation in multi-component formulations, particularly when the particle size or density of excipients and API differ significantly [28]. The high values of tablet abrasiveness and its variability further emphasize the limitations of this standard blending method, particularly when processing formulations with low natural cohesiveness or a tendency toward demixing [29]. In contrast, the direct compression approach using a vibrating ball mill showed promising results, especially at extended mixing times. The DT2 and DT3 batches demonstrated improvements in API content uniformity, tablet mass consistency, and reduced abrasiveness compared to both REF and DT1. Notably, DT2 achieved the lowest standard deviation in API content, suggesting that a 5-min vibratory mixing duration may be sufficient to produce a homogeneous blend for direct compression. Vibratory mixing has been shown in other studies to promote more uniform particle distribution due to the intense mechanical energy and rapid particle agitation, which enhances homogeneity and can mitigate segregation risks [30]. Tablet mass and thickness in the DT series were slightly higher than the overall mean, potentially reflecting better die fill due to improved powder rearrangement under vibratory energy [31]. The indirect tableting process, which involved wet pan granulation, led to robust performance across all parameters. Batches IT1-IT3 showed consistently low values of tablet abrasiveness and dimensional variability, with IT2 exhibiting optimal performance, including the lowest API content standard deviation and high reproducibility in tablet properties. These results validate the granulation process as a highly effective method for stabilizing powder flow and improving compressibility, especially for multi-component formulations. The performance advantages of wet granulation are well documented, particularly in achieving enhanced uniformity and mechanical strength in tablets composed of poorly flowing or highly cohesive materials [32]. The similar outcomes observed among IT1, IT2, and IT3 further underscore the robustness of the granulation step, even with variation in pan inclination angles. Importantly, the findings indicate that vibratory ball mill mixing may serve as a viable and simpler alternative to wet granulation, particularly in formulations where direct compression is desired but hindered by challenging powder properties. When properly optimized, as seen in the DT2 batch, this method can yield tablets with quality attributes comparable to those obtained by conventional granulation--yet with reduced processing steps, lower equipment requirements, and no need for solvents or drying. This aligns with current trends in pharmaceutical manufacturing that prioritize continuous, solvent-free, and environmentally sustainable processes [31]. In the context of industrial pharmaceutical manufacturing, where process efficiency, reproducibility, and cost-effectiveness are paramount, these results are highly relevant.