Marchesini launches high-speed blister line
machinery that is set to reduce the time it takes to carry out
validation and get into production, which is aimed at manufacturers
in the pharmaceutical, cosmetics and food industries.
The new technology could provide a valuable tool to the industry, with promises of greater flexibility and increased end product numbers.
The new MB460 system line handles 600 blister packs a minute Each cavity is formed by the combined use of punches and compressed air to produce constant film thickness and product protection.
Flat sealing without the use of rollers ensures that an even pressure is applied over the entire surface of the blister tile. The feed and sealing stations operate with continuous movements, so that blister tiles are handled with greater care.
Additional features of the MB460 include size changeover as the feeder can be removed. Use of 12 PC-controlled brushless motors and vertical forming with progressive temperature plates.
The feed station can be removed with a single movement reducing conventional size changeover times by up to three hours.
The machine is divided into two parts thanks to a modular structure which separates the "first" zone including filling and closing from the second zone where the product is already closed in the pack.
Use of the PC is crucial for the size changeover because the operator does not have to adjust or change anything. All of the parameters are PC-controlled and the machine alters them automatically.
When the machine stops, the plates descend vertically, so that they don't overheat the material. Product feed is linear, with a recirculating system, providing a constant operating flow.
There are no brushes. The horizontal sealing uses a sophisticated system that checks for blister tiles which are not in phase.
The cooling plates are in the shape of the blister tile that re-establishes the temperature balance. Cut blister tiles are picked up by suction cups, which place them on a belt.
Adding to the MB460, the MA352 is a continuous motion cartoner suitable for high speed cartoning of all products normally found in the pharmaceutical market.
Built with a balcony structure (separating the mechanical part from the product and carton conveyor zone), it allows easy identification and removal of any residual components at the end of the production batch.
A feature of the MA352 is the possibility of picking up the carton from the magazine using a rotary drum comprising a pre-shaping device at 150 degrees, allowing processing even of low quality cartons at very high speed (up to 400 cartons/minute).
Marchesini's new range comes up against a well-established group of competitors that are jostling for positions, launching ever-faster machines at competitive prices. Main players include Uhlmann, Nicol, and Bosch.
Meanwhile, IWKA PacSystems of the UK recently introduced a new blister-packing machine that can also operate at speeds of up to 600 packs per minute. The Blisterpac BP20 was the first machine in the new range.
