Automatic blister packaging machines are commonly used packaging equipment in the pharmaceutical, food, and medical device industries. By sealing materials between blister packs and aluminum foil (or composite film), they achieve moisture-proof, dust-proof, and easy-to-store and transport effects. The following details usage methods and maintenance techniques to help standardize operation and extend equipment life.
I. Usage Methods of Automatic Blister Packaging Machines
The core process of an automatic blister packaging machine includes "plastic sheet heating and forming → material filling → sealing → die cutting." Specific operating steps need to be adjusted according to the equipment model (e.g., flatbed or roller type). The following are general guidelines:
1. Pre-start Preparation
Material and Packaging Material Inspection:
Confirm that the plastic sheet (e.g., PVC, PET, PP) specifications match the mold (thickness and width meet forming requirements), and there are no scratches or impurities; the aluminum foil (or composite film) must be flat and the adhesive layer uniform to avoid poor sealing due to material defects. The material to be packaged must be clean and dry. Granular materials must be screened to remove lumps to ensure smooth filling.
Equipment Inspection:
Check the lubrication of all transmission components (chains, gears, guide rails), and add special lubricating oil (such as food-grade grease); confirm that the mold is securely installed and the forming cavity is aligned with the punching die. Connect the power supply and air supply (air pressure is usually set to 0.4-0.6MPa), turn on the cooling system (such as a water cooling device), and ensure that all instruments display normally.
2. Parameter Setting and Adjustment
Heating Molding Parameters:
Set the heating temperature according to the plastic sheet material: PVC sheets are typically 120-150℃, PET sheets are typically 160-180℃ (too high a temperature will cause the plastic sheet to age, too low a temperature will result in incomplete molding). Adjust the molding pressure (0.3-0.5MPa) and time (1-3 seconds) to ensure consistent blister molding depth and no damage.
Sealing Parameters:
Sealing temperature: Set according to the melting point of the aluminum foil adhesive layer (usually 100-140℃). Insufficient temperature will cause incomplete sealing, while excessive temperature will cause the aluminum foil to scorch. The sealing pressure (0.2-0.4MPa) and time (0.5-2 seconds) must be matched to ensure a tight seal between the blister pack and the aluminum foil, with no air bubbles at the edges.
Cut-out parameters:
Adjust the cutting blade height to ensure neat edges and no burrs on the finished package after cutting; set the cutting frequency to be synchronized with the production line speed (e.g., 30-60 times/minute).
3. Trial Production and Formal Operation
Trial Production: Conduct 3-5 sets of sample packages to check the blister pack forming quality (no deformation, no perforations), material filling amount (no omissions or overfills), sealing performance (verifiable through negative pressure testing or immersion tests), and cutting dimensions (conforming to drawing requirements).
Formal Operation:
Monitor the equipment's operating status in real time: Observe the plastic sheet tension (too tight and it will tear easily; too loose and it will cause positioning deviation), the temperature display at the sealing point, and the appearance of the finished product. If any abnormality is found, immediately press the emergency stop button.
4. Shutdown Procedure
First, shut down the heating system and feeding device. Once the equipment temperature drops below 50℃, turn off the power, air supply, and cooling system.
Clean up residual materials and packaging waste. Properly store easily damaged parts such as molds and cutting tools.
II. Maintenance Techniques for Automatic Blister Packaging Machines
Equipment maintenance should follow the principle of "regular cleaning, lubrication, inspection, and replacement," focusing on the forming, sealing, and transmission systems:
1. Daily Maintenance (After Each Shift)
Clean the Equipment:
Wipe the forming mold and sealing roller with a soft cloth dampened with neutral detergent to remove residual plastic sheets and adhesive layers (avoid scratching the mold surface with a metal brush). Clean the hopper and feeding channel to prevent material residue from becoming damp and clumping, affecting the next filling.
Inspect Key Components:
Check if the heating tubes and thermocouples are loose, and if the wiring is damaged (to avoid short circuits causing malfunctions). Check pneumatic components (cylinders, solenoid valves) for leaks. If abnormal noises or pressure drops are found, replace the seals promptly.
2. Weekly Maintenance
Lubrication:
Add lubricating oil to moving parts such as chains, gears, and guide rails (food-grade lubricating oil is required for the food industry) to ensure smooth transmission and reduce wear. Check the reducer oil level; add dedicated gear oil if insufficient (the oil level should submerge the gears by 1/3).
Seal Inspection:
Replace aged silicone seals (such as at sealing joints and mold connections) to prevent air leakage in packaging or equipment due to poor sealing.
3. Monthly Maintenance
Precision Component Calibration:
Calibrate the temperature sensor: Use an infrared thermometer to detect the actual temperature of the heating plate and compare it with the instrument display value. If the deviation exceeds ±5℃, the sensor needs to be adjusted or replaced.
Adjust the alignment accuracy of molding and sealing: If misalignment is found between the blister pack and aluminum foil, loosen the mold fixing bolts and calibrate using the fine-tuning mechanism to ensure the deviation is ≤0.5mm.
Electrical System Inspection:
Clean dust from the distribution box, check for loose or overheated (blackened) wiring terminals, tighten loose parts, and replace aging wires.
III. Extended Precautions
Safe Operation:
Do not put your hands into the forming or punching area when starting the machine. Wear protective gloves when handling heated parts (avoid burns).
Material Compatibility:
Different plastic sheets and aluminum foils require matching molds and parameters. When changing materials, readjustment is required; do not directly use old parameters. Record keeping and traceability: Establish equipment operation logs to record daily parameters, malfunctions, and maintenance details, facilitating root cause analysis (especially useful for industries with high compliance requirements, such as pharmaceuticals).
Summary
Through standardized use and regular maintenance, not only can the operating efficiency of automatic blister packaging machines be improved (reducing downtime), but the equipment's lifespan can also be extended (typically by 3-5 years), reducing production costs.