Blister Packaging Machine Pharmaceutical Industry Complete Guide

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The blister packaging machine is a crucial piece of equipment in the pharmaceutical industry, responsible for packaging medication in individual blister packs.

Blister packs are designed to protect medication from light, moisture, and other environmental factors that can affect its potency.

A typical blister packaging machine can package up to 300 blister packs per minute, making it a highly efficient process.

The machine uses heat to seal the blister packs, ensuring a tight seal that prevents the medication from escaping.

The blister packaging machine is a popular choice for pharmaceutical companies due to its ability to produce high-quality blister packs quickly and efficiently.

The machine is also relatively low-maintenance, requiring only occasional cleaning and replacement of worn-out parts.

The cost of a blister packaging machine can vary depending on the size and complexity of the machine, but it's a worthwhile investment for pharmaceutical companies that want to produce high-quality blister packs in-house.

Types of Blisters

There are several types of blisters used in the pharmaceutical industry.

Colorful blister packs and loose pills on a blue backdrop with copy space.
Credit: pexels.com, Colorful blister packs and loose pills on a blue backdrop with copy space.

A type of blister is the Carded Blister, which is a type of blister packaging that is made using a carded blister machine, where the product is placed on a card and then sealed in a plastic blister.

The Carded Blister is often used for products that require a higher level of protection, such as pharmaceuticals and medical devices.

It is also suitable for products that need to be packaged in a specific shape or size.

Another type of blister is the Clamshell Blister, which is a type of blister packaging that is made using a clamshell blister machine, where the product is placed in a two-piece blister that is sealed on three sides.

The Clamshell Blister is often used for products that need to be packaged in a way that allows for easy opening and closing, such as products that require frequent use or re-use.

The Push-Through Blister is a type of blister packaging that is made using a push-through blister machine, where the product is pushed through a foil or plastic material to create a blister.

The Push-Through Blister is often used for products that require a high level of protection and are sensitive to moisture or light.

For more insights, see: Sustainable Wine Packaging

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The Foil Blister is a type of blister packaging that is made using a foil blister machine, where a foil material is used to create a blister.

The Foil Blister is often used for products that require a high level of protection and are sensitive to moisture or light.

The Hinged Blister is a type of blister packaging that is made using a hinged blister machine, where the blister is made in two parts that are hinged together.

The Hinged Blister is often used for products that need to be packaged in a way that allows for easy opening and closing, such as products that require frequent use or re-use.

Check this out: Wine Box Packaging

Materials and Sealing

Blister packaging machines use a variety of materials to create secure and protective packaging for pharmaceutical products.

Blister foil is commonly used to close and seal push-through blister packs, while child-resistant blister cards are often made of a mix of foil and paper to prevent accidental opening.

Gold Blister Pack and Tablets on Black Surface
Credit: pexels.com, Gold Blister Pack and Tablets on Black Surface

Aluminum-aluminum (alu-alu) blister cards provide 100% protection against moisture, air, and light, making them ideal for extra sensitive products.

Blister cards can be made from cold formed aluminum-aluminum, which is the only type of blister packaging that offers this level of protection.

The choice of material for blister packaging depends on the adaptability of the plastic film and the packaged product, and must meet the technical requirements of blister packaging, including cost control.

Rigid plastic sheets, such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyvinylidene chloride (PVDC), and composite materials, are commonly used in pharmaceutical blister packaging due to their high barrier properties and durability.

Roller Plate

The roller plate type pill blister pack machine is developed on the basis of the roller type and flat type blister machines.

It combines the two advantages of plate forming and roller sealing, making it widely used.

This type of machine can pack various specifications of sugar-coated tablets, plain tablets, capsules, capsules and special-shaped tablets.

It can also be used to package chocolate beans, bubble gum and other small foods, but generally larger than 16 mm in diameter.

Items that are smaller in size are suitable for this type of machine.

Other Sealing Material

Credit: youtube.com, A Guide to Common Seal Materials

Blister foil is commonly used to close and seal push-through blister packs. It's also used to make child-resistant blister cards, which are harder to push through.

Alu-alu blister cards are made from cold formed aluminum-aluminum, providing 100% protection against moisture, air, and light. This type of packaging is typically used for extra sensitive products.

Blister foil helps ensure the integrity of the product, as any breakage of the foil will be clearly visible. IMA pharmaceutical blister packing machines can process several different types of sealing material, including thermoforming films, cold forming films, and film for alu-alu blister cards.

Some blister cards are made from a mix of foil and paper, making it harder to push the product through the sealing. This type of packaging is often used for products that require a high level of protection.

Benefits and Advantages

Blister packaging machines offer several benefits and advantages in the pharmaceutical industry.

One of the key advantages is the ability to prolong the shelf life of pharmaceutical products by using moist and airtight blister cards.

Credit: youtube.com, The important role of blister packaging machines

This is made possible by the form-fill-seal process used in blister packaging machines, which forms the container directly from a roll of plastic wrap or other material.

The use of foil or a combination of foil and paper to close and seal a blister card is also a significant advantage, as it provides an additional layer of protection and preservation for the product.

This process takes place on the same blister line, making it efficient and streamlined.

Benefits of

Blister packaging machines offer several benefits, including the ability to prolong the shelf life of pharmaceutical products. This is due to the moist and airtight nature of blister cards.

The form-fill-seal process used by pharmaceutical blister packaging machines helps to ensure a precise and efficient packaging process. This process involves forming the container, filling it with the product, and then sealing it.

Blister packaging machines can form containers directly from a roll of plastic wrap or other materials like PVC, PVCD, aclar, or aluminum. This is done through thermoforming or cold forming, depending on the material used.

The use of foil or a combination of foil and paper to close and seal blister cards is a common practice in pharmaceutical packaging. This helps to create a secure and airtight seal.

Transparent and Intuitive

Monochrome close-up of assorted blister packs with pills, highlighting pharmaceutical packaging.
Credit: pexels.com, Monochrome close-up of assorted blister packs with pills, highlighting pharmaceutical packaging.

The transparent blister pack is a game-changer for product visibility. It's easy to see the shape and size of the goods through the transparent blister.

The substrate can be printed with basic information such as commodity code, name, specification, and barcode, making it convenient for identification and quantity tracking.

This level of transparency and organization makes it simple to keep track of your equipment and inventory.

Packaging Machines

Blister packaging machines are designed to produce blister packs, which consist of a product sealed between a transparent plastic sheet and a base plate.

These machines can process a wide range of products, including fragile tablets, thanks to the unique Sombrero blister feeding system.

The blister line GIANT5-A96, for example, can produce up to 1,300 blisters per minute and 500 cartons per minute, making it ideal for large batch production.

The machine's compact design and easy changeover capabilities also make it a popular choice for pharmaceutical companies.

Here are some key features of the GIANT5-A96:

  • The unique Sombrero blister feeding system allows any product type
  • Easy changeover and reduced cleaning times
  • Up to 1,300 blisters/min and 500 cartons/min
  • Ready for containment technology integration

Flatbed

Close-up Photo of Pills on Blister Packs
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The flatbed packaging machine is a versatile option for pharmaceutical companies, allowing for the packaging of multiple drugs in one plate. This machine has a large filling space.

It can arrange multiple filling machines at the same time, making it easier to pack a variety of products. The flatbed model is designed for high efficiency.

The machine uses a flat heating device to soften the film, which is then blown into a blister by compressed air. This process is crucial for creating the desired shape and size of the packaging.

The filling device fills the packaged material into the blister, and then sends it to the flat sealing device to seal the cover film and the forming film under suitable temperature and pressure. This ensures a secure and airtight seal.

The printing and imprinting device is used to print the batch number and press out the breaking line.

Complete Line

A complete line of packaging machines is a game-changer for businesses, especially those in the pharmaceutical industry. By combining blister packaging machines with cartoning solutions, companies can achieve a high level of efficiency and flexibility.

Credit: youtube.com, Complete Sachet Packaging Line with Flow wrapper

For instance, IMA blister packaging machines can be configured to meet individual needs, and a complete blister line can include a pharmaceutical blister packaging machine, blister inspection system, cartoning machine, shrink foil unit, and palletizing equipment.

A specific example of a complete blister line is the IMA GIANT5-A96, which offers unparalleled flexibility and speed in both primary and secondary packaging. This machine can process any product type, including fragile tablets, thanks to its unique Sombrero blister feeding system.

Here are some key features of a complete blister line:

  • Pharmaceutical blister packaging machine
  • Blister inspection system
  • Cartoning machine, including box folding, feeding of information leaflets and blister cards, as well as printing and marking the boxes
  • Shrink foil unit
  • Palletizing equipment

The IMA GIANT5-A96 can produce up to 1,300 blisters per minute and 500 cartons per minute, making it an ideal choice for large batch production. Its compact design and easy changeover capabilities also make it a popular choice among businesses.

What Is Packaging?

Packaging refers to the method of enclosing a product in a protective material to prevent damage and preserve its quality.

The blister packaging method involves sealing a product between a transparent plastic sheet and a base plate.

New Syringes in a Packed
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Blister packaging was invented and popularized in Germany in the late 1950s, where it was first used for packaging tablets and capsules.

This packaging method was designed to replace the inconvenience of taking bottled tablets and reduce the investment in packaging production lines.

Blister-packed tablets are squeezed by hand when taking the medicine, allowing the tablets to break through the aluminum foil.

Pharmaceutical Industry

The pharmaceutical industry is a highly regulated sector that requires precise and efficient packaging solutions. Pharmaceutical companies often produce a wide range of products, from prescription medications to over-the-counter (OTC) drugs.

The use of blister packaging machines is becoming increasingly popular in the industry due to its ability to provide accurate and consistent dosing. This is particularly important for medications that require precise dosing, such as insulin.

Blister packaging machines can also help reduce the risk of medication errors by providing a clear and visible indication of the medication's contents. This can be especially beneficial for medications that have similar packaging or labeling.

Pink Tablets in Blister Pack
Credit: pexels.com, Pink Tablets in Blister Pack

The pharmaceutical industry is heavily regulated, with strict guidelines in place to ensure the safety and efficacy of medications. This includes regulations surrounding packaging and labeling.

The use of blister packaging machines can help pharmaceutical companies comply with these regulations and ensure that their products meet the required standards. By providing accurate and consistent dosing, these machines can help reduce the risk of medication errors and improve patient safety.

Product Examples

Let's take a look at some product examples of blister packaging machines in the pharmaceutical industry. The Altec BLISTER PACK is a popular machine used for packaging tablets and capsules, with a speed of up to 150 cycles per minute.

The Altec BLISTER PACK features a compact design, making it ideal for small to medium-sized production lines. It's also easy to clean and maintain, reducing downtime and increasing overall efficiency.

The Bosch BLISTER PACK is another well-known machine, designed for high-speed packaging of pharmaceuticals. It can reach speeds of up to 300 cycles per minute, making it suitable for large-scale production.

Empty Blister Pack and Capsules
Credit: pexels.com, Empty Blister Pack and Capsules

The Bosch BLISTER PACK also features advanced safety features, such as automatic shutdown in case of an error or malfunction. This ensures a safe working environment for operators.

The Uhlblister 2000 is a high-precision machine designed for packaging small to medium-sized tablets and capsules. It features a unique blister forming system, which allows for precise control over the packaging process.

The Uhlblister 2000 also includes a built-in quality control system, which checks the packaging for any defects or errors. This helps to ensure that only high-quality products are packaged and shipped.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is blister packaging in pharma industry?

Blister packaging is a type of unit-dose packaging used in the pharmaceutical industry to protect tablets, capsules, and lozenges from damage and contamination. It provides a barrier against external factors and offers a degree of tamper resistance.

What is the machine used for blister packaging?

The Blister Packaging Machine is used to create blister packs, a type of packaging that protects products with a plastic or foil shell. It's a multi-functional machine that completes various stages of the packaging process.

What is the problem with blister packaging?

Common issues with blister packaging include adhesive build-up, thermal expansion, and clean-up problems, which can be costly and time-consuming to resolve. Proper press maintenance is key to preventing these issues and ensuring a smooth packaging process.

Nellie Kling

Copy Editor

Nellie Kling is a seasoned copy editor with a keen eye for detail and a passion for clear, concise writing. She has honed her skills over years of experience, ensuring that every article she touches is polished and engaging. Nellie's expertise shines through in her coverage of cruise line news, where she provides insightful and well-researched content that captivates her audience.

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