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Blister machines: advantages and functions of blister packaging

A blister packaging machine is a packing machine for unit dosages of pharmaceuticals. Blister cards are a common unit dosage packaging for different pharmaceutical products. They are moist and airtight, which helps to prolong the shelf life of the product.

Pharmaceutical blister packaging machines use a form-fill-seal process. In this process, the container is formed, after which the pharmaceutical product is filled in the container. Finally, the container is sealed.

The container is formed by the blister packaging machine directly from a roll of plastic wrap or other material such as PVC, PVCD, aclar, or aluminum. This is done by thermoforming or cold forming depending on the material used. For pharmaceutical products, foil or a combination of foil and paper is normally used to close and seal a blister card. The entire process takes place on the same blister line.

Blister foil and other sealing material used in blister packing

For push-through blister packs, foil is commonly used to close and seal it. Child-resistant blister cards are most often made of a mix of foil and paper. This makes it harder to push the product through the sealing.

Further, blister cards can be made from cold formed aluminum-aluminum (alu-alu). Alu-alu is the only blister packaging that provides 100% protection against moisture, air and light. Therefore, it typically applies to extra sensitive products. Moreover, blister foil helps to 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. This includes common types of thermoforming films, cold forming films and film for alu-alu blister cards.

Complete blister packaging line

By combining IMA blister packaging machines with Promatic cartoning solution, PPS and IMA offer a complete blister packing line. Each blister line can be configured according to individual needs. An example of a complete blister line includes:

• 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