Blister packaging is a packaging technology that forms a bubble by forming a transparent plastic sheet through vacuum forming. This bubble is then heat-sealed to a base material (such as aluminum foil or cardboard) to achieve a sealed, individually sealed product. The blister packaging machine is the best example of this technology. This article introduces the aluminum-plastic packaging machine within the blister packaging machine family, focusing on one important technical branch: the flat-bed aluminum-plastic packaging machine.
What is an aluminum plastic packaging machine?
Aluminum-plastic packaging machines, a type of blister packaging machine, use an automated process to seal products between plastic blisters and aluminum foil. These machines are characterized by compact design, low cost, and advanced performance. They feature internal heating and are equipped with rubber wheels for easy mobility.
Workflow
Blister Forming: A plastic roll, such as PVC (polyvinyl chloride), is heated and formed into a predetermined groove (called a blister) through a mold.
Material Filling: The product to be packaged is filled into the formed blister.
Heat-Compression Sealing: PTP (pharmaceutical aluminum foil) is applied to the blister and sealed using heat and pressure.
Die Cutting: The finished packaging section is die cut into individual units according to the specified dimensions.
What is a flat-plate blister packaging machine?
The flat-plate blister packaging machine is named after its core mechanical structure (forming and heat-sealing). Its main technical feature is its use of a flat mold.
This differs from other types (such as roller-type) in the following ways:
Flat-plate positive pressure forming: This machine uses two flat molds, one above the other, to clamp a heated PVC sheet. Then, compressed air (positive pressure) is applied to form the plastic film through blow molding.
Flat-plate heat sealing: This machine uses a flat heating plate to heat-press the PVC blister and aluminum foil in surface contact. This method ensures uniform pressure and temperature distribution, ensuring a complete and airtight seal.
Flat-plate equipment uses intermittent motion, meaning the packaging belt stops after each forward step to complete the forming, filling, and heat-sealing processes.
Examples of technical parameters for specific equipment
There are many models of flat-bed aluminum-plastic packaging machines. Let's take the DPP130 as an example to better understand its specific performance specifications. The main unit utilizes positive pressure forming. Equipped with a frequency converter, the punching frequency can be adjusted to meet production needs. This model can be used to package a variety of products, including tablets, capsules, honeyed pills, suppositories, candies, medical devices, and other unusually shaped items.
Main technical parameters
| Parameter Item | Value or Description |
|---|---|
| PVC Sheet Specification | 130mm × (0.25～0.35) mm |
| PTP Aluminum Foil Specification | 130mm × 0.02mm |
| Cutting Frequency | 20～40 strokes/minute |
| Number of Blisters per Stroke | 1～3 blisters |
| Packaging Efficiency | (2～5) × 10⁴ units/hour |
| Power Supply | 380V, 50Hz |
| Total Power Consumption | 3kW |
| Overall Dimensions (L×W×H) | 1950mm × 650mm × 1500mm |
| Machine Weight | 400kg |
What are the key components of the transmission system of this equipment?
The transmission system has numerous components, so we'll focus on the more important ones.
Main Motor and Reducer: This is the equipment's power unit, providing driving force and adjusting output torque and speed. Hansheng Automation can provide reducers such as cam indexers and planetary reducers, as well as compatible motors for the equipment.
Main Drive Shaft: The main shaft that transmits power, connecting the reducer to the cams of the various actuators.
Cam Mechanism: This converts the continuous rotation of the main shaft into the time-sequential reciprocating or intermittent motion required by various functional components (such as molding, heat sealing, and punching dies).
Connecting Rod: This transmits the motion generated by the cam, driving the actuators.
Bearings: Supporting the rotating shaft and reducing friction, they are essential components for ensuring transmission accuracy and are also critical, vulnerable parts.
Chain Drive: Consisting of a chain and sprockets, they are commonly used for power transmission and step-by-step material traction. Hansheng Automation recently supplied a batch of sprockets to a packaging machinery customer in Vietnam. We have extensive experience in sprocket processing and production.
Timing Belts: Used in applications requiring non-slip, high-precision timing transmission to ensure coordination between workstations. As a packaging machinery parts supplier, Hansheng Automation understands the importance of industrial control spare parts like timing belts and pulleys. Therefore, we offer a dedicated FA parts service for our customers.
FAQ
Q: What are the main differences between flatbed and roller-type blister packaging machines?
A: The primary difference lies in the mechanical principles of forming and heat sealing. Flatbed machines use positive pressure forming and flat heat sealing (surface contact), while roller-type machines mostly use negative pressure forming and roller heat sealing (line contact). This results in differences in forming quality, sealing reliability, and operating speed.
Q: What are the environmental requirements for the equipment?
A: It must be used in a temperature and humidity-controlled environment to prevent moisture or large temperature fluctuations that may affect performance.
Q: Why are flatbed machines often used for products requiring high sealing performance?
A: This is because flatbed heat sealing provides uniform pressure and temperature, a large contact area, and controllable contact time, resulting in a highly reliable seal and effective environmental protection, which is crucial for sensitive products such as pharmaceuticals.
Q: What are the components of a flatbed blister machine that require key maintenance?
A: In addition to bearings, timing belts, and chains in the drive system, other components that require regular inspection and replacement include the heating plate, temperature sensors (thermocouples), pneumatic components (such as solenoid valves and cylinders), and molds (forming, heat sealing, and punching dies).
Q: Can you provide equipment parts support?
A: Hansheng Automation supplies key transmission system components such as bearings, guide rails, and chains, and also offers technical consulting.