Composite tooling assembly

A method of making a tooling assembly, comprising the steps of:

• a) providing an elongated ceramic member having a plurality of spaced protuberances extending therefrom and at least one groove formed therein;
• b) overmolding an elongated polymer member onto the elongated ceramic member;
• wherein a joint is defined by the overlap of the elongated polymer member over the elongated ceramic member;
• wherein at the joint, polymer material fills the at least one groove and surrounds the plurality of protuberances;
• and
• wherein the respective elongated members extend away from the joint and one another.

A punch and die assembly for producing pharmaceutical tablets, comprising:

• a punch portion, further comprising:
• an elongated ceramic member having a distal end and an oppositely disposed proximal end;
• a plurality of spaced protuberances extending from the elongated proximal end;
• at least one groove formed in the proximal end;
• an elongated polymer member enveloping the distal end;
• wherein overlap of the elongated polymer member and the elongated ceramic member defines a joint;
• and
• a generally hollow cylindrical die portion sized to cooperate with the punch portion.