10 Tips For Buying Your First Blister Packaging Machine

1. Output

The output is determined by how many blister packs the machine can produce within a specified duration. Before purchasing one, you can make a decision based on your daily production target. Generally, if it is lower than 1000 packs, we suggest the following models.

Manual,Semi Automatic Blister Packing Machine DG-130

Alu Blister Packing Machine DPP-80 Button

2. Speed

You should consider buying a blister packaging machine with adjustable speed for easy control. For example, we offer one which, in one minute, can punch 10 to 20 times. If you produce over 100,000 capsules on a daily basis, we suggest the machine which discharges 4 packs every one punch, or with higher capacity.

If your output reaches 1000,000 capsules, we suggest a production line to meet you large-scale production target. Such line has the function of secondary packaging including cartoning, labeling, and palletizing.

3. Stroke Range

The stroke range determines how far the blister packaging machine can cover during the packaging process. For example, a range of 40–220 mm can cover nearly 90% of blister products on the market. Before purchasing a blister machine, make sure the length and width of your product and inform the manufacturer to recommend the proper model.

4. Dimension

Dimension refers to the size and weight of a blister packaging machine. It determines the area in your factory that should be left for the machine. Plan the factory layout and the area before purchasing one, ensuring at least 2 meters around the machine.

5. Power and Air Pressure Requirements

Power refers to the energy needed for the machine to perform specific functions, while air pressure requirement determines the force required to seal materials hermetically. The two most commonly used methods to regulate the pressure in blister packaging machines are mechanical and pneumatic.

Feature of the Mechanical Mechanism

Such mechanism features accurate transmission, high efficiency, compact structure, reliable operation, and long service life. Gear transmission can be classified into different types based on various standards.

Advantage:

• Compact structure, applied for short-distance transmission.
• Wide range of applicable circumferential speeds and power.
• Accurate, stable, and efficient transmission ratio.
• High reliability and long service life.

• Capable of transmitting between parallel shafts, intersecting shafts at any angle, and crossing shafts at any angle.

Disadvantages:

• Requires high manufacturing and installation precision, leading to higher costs.
• Unsuitable for long-distance transmission between two shafts.
• No overload protection.

2. Electrical Mechanism

Mechanism use electric motor to convert electrical energy into mechanical energy. Driving different types of production machinery, such as vehicles, and items that require movement in daily life.

Advantage:

1. High Precision: Servo motors are used as the power source, forming a simple yet highly efficient transmission mechanism with ball screws and synchronous belts. The repeatability error only 0.01%.

2. Energy Saving: The energy released during the deceleration phase of the work cycle can be converted into electrical energy for reuse, reducing operating costs. In addition, the number of connected electrical components are only 1/4 of those required by hydraulic system.

3. Precise Control: Precise control is achieved according to the set parameters. With the support of high-precision sensors, metering devices, and computer technology, its accuracy exceeds than other control methods.

4. Environmentally friendly: Reduced energy sources and optimized performance lead to fewer pollution and lower noise levels, ensuring better environmental protection for the factory.

5. Noise Reduction:  The noise during operation below 70 decibels, approximately two-thirds of hydraulic-driven machines.

6. Cost Saving: Eliminates the cost and hassles associated with hydraulic oil, reduces the need for hydraulic oil cooling, and significantly cuts down on cooling water costs.

6. Material Specifications

You should consider a machine that allows you to change the material types according to production needs. In this case, you can choose a machine with either cold forming or thermoforming capabilities.

Blister packaging machines typically offer three combinations of packaging materials: Alu Alu, Alu-plastic, and Alu-Plastic-Alu. You should choose one based on your product characteristics. If you are in the pharmaceutical industry, alu-plastic-alu and alu-alu packs are perfect for you. For the food industry, alu-plastic packaging is more appropriate(with plastic materials typically using PVC or PP).

7. Level of Automation

This determines whether you need a manual or automatic blister packaging machine based on cost. Nowadays, most blister machines have reached full automation, but some are still semi-auto( between manual and fully automatic types). which allows users to monitor production progress and adjust the process in real-time.

Automatic function: Feeding, blister forming, material filling, heat sealing, and punching.

Manual Handling: Film loading, waste rejection, product moving, parameter adjustment, etc.

8. Choosing a Reputable Brand

Well-known brands in the blister packaging machine industry include Uhlmann, IMA, Romaco, etc. Their blister machines represent the Top quality in the world, ensuring reliability. Choosing these brand will make pack faster, and more stable, with lower energy consumption, reduce manual labor, and a lower unqualified rate.

If you purchase a low-quality machine, the amount of packaging film wasted during the blister production process will not be insignificant, especially given the current rise in packaging material costs!

9. Purchase Decision Based on Your Industry and Product

If you are in the pharmaceutical industry, you need to determine whether your product is a tablet or capsule. Most pharmaceutical blister machines support capsule sizes from 00# to 5#, while for tablets, custom molds and filling heads are usually required.

If your product is in the food or hardware industry, you can look for a factory producing PVC or PP blister machines. Over 90% of these blister machines are suitable for non-pharmaceutical industries but may require customized non-standard models.

10. Budget

The price of a blister machine is determined by its capacity and level of automation. If your budget is ample, you can choose a European or Japanese brand. If your budget is limited, you may consider importing from Chinese brands, such as the "Grand", a blister packaging machine manufacturer with over 18 years of experience and internationally recognized with CE and ISO certifications. Its machines offer reliable quality with and affordable prices, meeting your low-budget needs!