This paper investigates the effects of processing and equipment parameters of a ribbon blender (i.e. loading method Of lubricant, fill level, blade speed and blade design) on magnesium stearate homogeneity. A core sampling technique is used to obtain at least one hundred samples per sampling event, which are extracted throughout the blender and yield a thorough characterization of the entire bed. The results presented here call be used as a guideline to develop appropriate blending processes and characterization protocols for ribbon blenders. (c) 2008 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.