Choosing the right tablet blister machine is crucial for ensuring efficient, secure, and high-volume packaging of pharmaceuticals. Factors such as production volume, material compatibility, and machine flexibility are key considerations. This guide will provide specific parameters and tips to help you make an informed decision tailored to your production needs.
1. Assessing Production Volume
The first factor to consider is your production volume. The right blister machine depends on the number of blister packs you need to produce per hour. Machines come with different production capacities measured in cycles per minute (CPM). For instance, semi-automatic machines can typically handle 15–30 CPM, while fully automatic machines can process over 60–300 CPM, depending on the model.
Manual and Semi-Automatic Machines: These machines require manual intervention for feeding and sealing. They are suitable for small-scale operations with batch sizes of up to 10,000 packs per day.
Fully-Automatic Machines: These are designed for high-speed, large-scale production, handling upwards of 100,000 packs per day. High-speed models can package up to 500 blisters per minute, depending on the tablet size and material used.
2. Material Considerations
Blister packaging machines must support the specific materials used for your products. PVC, PVDC, and aluminum foil are the most common materials. Each material provides varying levels of protection against moisture, light, and oxygen:
PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride): Commonly used due to its transparency and durability. It is suitable for most standard pharmaceutical products.
PVDC (Polyvinylidene Chloride): Offers superior moisture barrier properties, ideal for moisture-sensitive products. Machines must be able to handle this material if it is part of your packaging requirements.
Aluminum Foil: Often used for sealing blister packs, it ensures tamper-evidence and strong barrier properties. Machines capable of heat sealing are required for this type of packaging.
Parameters to consider:
Machines should be able to handle forming materials with thicknesses ranging from 0.2 mm to 0.5 mm.
They should also support heat-sealing temperatures from 150°C to 220°C, ensuring proper adhesion of PVC or aluminum.
3. Customization and Flexibility
Customization is crucial, especially if you handle various products or packaging designs. A flexible machine should accommodate different tablet sizes, blister shapes, and packaging designs.
Custom Tooling: Machines should offer interchangeable molds for different blister designs. A good blister machine will handle tablet diameters from 5 mm to 25 mm and accommodate varying blister sizes.
Forming Area: Most machines offer adjustable forming areas, such as 220 mm x 150 mm for compact models, or up to 300 mm x 200 mm for larger, high-capacity machines. This ensures that the machine can produce various blister configurations to suit your production needs.
4. Maintenance and After-Sales Support
Ensuring your machine’s long-term performance depends on regular maintenance and strong after-sales support.
Scheduled Maintenance: Machines with easily accessible parts and clear maintenance intervals (e.g., monthly checks for heating elements, quarterly replacement of sealing components) will reduce downtime and prolong machine life.
Remote Diagnostics: Some machines are equipped with remote monitoring systems, allowing manufacturers to troubleshoot issues remotely, ensuring fast repair times and minimized operational disruptions.
Key parameters:
Downtime: Opt for machines with minimal setup times, typically under 30 minutes for mold changes or adjustments.
Parts availability: Ensure the manufacturer provides a warranty of at least 2–5 years and quick access to spare parts like seals and blades.
Choosing the right tablet blister machine involves balancing production volume, material compatibility, and customization capabilities, all while ensuring reliable maintenance support. For high-efficiency operations, fully-automatic machines with modular tooling and robust after-sales support provide the best long-term value. Ensure you assess all the parameters carefully to meet both current and future production needs.
For more information or to inquire about customizable tablet blister machines tailored to your production line, feel free to contact us for expert advice and special offers!