Originally Published PMPN November
2004
Product Update
Advanced Blister Machinery
High-speed systems
ease the forming and sealing of blister packaging.
Blister Card Machine
A third-generation high-speed blister card packaging system has a modular design and flexibility for size changeover. The company offers a solution for automatically handling and folding heat-sealed blister cards as well as an in-line fully automated hot-melt glue alternative. In a typical application, a blister card configuration module transfers blister cards from the last station of the customer’s existing blister card heat sealer and arranges the cards for in-line processing. The second station is the gluing or sealing module, followed by the card-folding module, which automatically folds the cards at speeds up to 300 cards per minute. Change parts are designed as toolless subassemblies for quick, reliable, repeatable changeovers. A variety of HMIs, from push-button to high-end Windows-based touch screens, can be supplied with the modules. All modules and components are CGMP and 21 CFR Part 11 compliant. The company’s experience with validation assistance helps make installation a virtually seamless process. MGS Machine Corp., Maple Grove, MN; 763/425-8808; www.mgsmachine.com.
B 1260
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A thermoformer features a machine length of 2.6 m, unmanned operation of up to 25,000 blisters, and a single-lane production output of 240 blisters per minute on foil widths up to 144 mm. With rotary sealing rollers that provide good process security and blister quality, the B 1260 has a GMP-compatible balcony-style design with V2A lining. Other machine features include automated tool changeover, self-adjusting web indexes, several blister transfer options, and low-cost tool sets. Uhlmann Packaging Systems, Towaco, NJ; 973/402-8855; amayer@ uhlmann-usa.com.
PEWO-Wallet
A continuous-motion packing machine is designed for wallet card production.
With compact, stable construction in a balcony-style design, the PEWO-Wallet
is capable of producing up to 200 heat-seal wallets or up to 300 hot-melt wallets
per minute. During operation, the multipaneled blanks are taken from the magazine
by vacuum cups and placed into a flighted chain, after which one or more blisters
and/or booklets are fed onto the flat blank. The panels are folded and either
heat-sealed or hot-melt closed. The final folded wallet can be tape closed and
passed to a subsequent packing machine. Infeed configuration provides for direct
linking with a thermoformer or manual infeed of blisters from cassettes. The
PEWO-Wallet is constructed from high-grade steel and aluminum will all surfaces
refined or of corrosion-resistant material in accordance with GMP standards.
The balcony-style design also allows for easy cleaning of the machine and eliminates
areas where products or dust can be trapped or concealed. Pester USA,
Allendale, NJ; 201/327-7009;
www. pester.com.
BP Series
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A series of blister pack machines is designed to provide pharmaceutical manufacturers with convenience, ease of operation, and regulatory compliance. The advanced technology built into the BP series is highlighted by servo-driven performance, balcony-style design, and a positive transfer system. The balcony-style design of the BP series separates the mechanics of the machines from the drives, eliminating product clogs caused by particulate generation and dust. The machines are completely driven by independent servos that enable the adjustment of individual process times without affecting the rest of the stations. The BP series’ positive transfer system ensures that blisters are always guided and transported through the machine in a continuous, controlled fashion to eliminate the potential for jamming. IWKA PacSystems, Fairfield, NJ; 973/227-5575; www.iwkapacsystems.com.
C96-A96
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A blister line reaches a production speed of 1200 blisters/min and 450 cpm. It can be used for high-volume production and alu-alu blisters. The machine is continuous motion, which is advantageous for materials like polypropylene and Aclar and allows the use of high-performance feedings, such as the new Combifill. Integrated blister stacking and a special transfer system to the cartoner result in high efficiency. The cartoner has a balcony design. Features of the machine include fast changeover and easy cleaning. IMA North America Inc., Bristol, PA; 215/826-8500; sales@imausa.net.
Blister Feed Systems
A company manufactures feed systems for blister packaging applications. The
products are randomly fed into a tray. Through the tray’s movement, the
tablets are oriented in an upright position and introduced into the individual
fill tubes. A twin-shuttle system, with pins, always releases a single product
via a drop-chute into the blister cavities. A variety of feed frames and accessories
are available for numerous feeding applications. The XYZ feed frame series is
usually installed onto the machine frame of the blister packer, thus allowing
faster blister-tool changes without removal of the feed system. The two cantilevered
arms support and operate the feeder-change parts. Feeder insert removal from
the feed frame and installation take seconds and do not require any hand tools.
All individual items are marked clearly for speedy change of components and
assembly. Different products or changes in blister layouts may require partial
or completely new feeder inserts. Aylward Enterprises Inc., New Bern,
NC; 252/633-5757; www.aylward.com.
Copyright ©2004 Pharmaceutical & Medical Packaging News
