Consumers have unique demands for the packaging of certain products especially if these products are being ingested or somehow interacting with their bodies in a way that could be harmful. Blister packaging was developed to address such concerns. This type of packaging prevents harm to small products, such as medication, after they are packaged. Blister refers to the look of the packaging when products are inside of it. The products are placed into small cavities or pockets made from plastic that are shaped to fit the product. This type of packaging is commonly used for medications and other small items that industry and consumers do not want to be contaminated. Two key approaches for blister packaging are discussed below.
Thermoforming
The technique of thermoforming includes the use of a rigid, thin plastic film which is shaped and molded to include the product – usually small consumer goods, foods, or pharmaceuticals. The plastic film has to be heated in order to change its shape; hence the name thermoform. A forming station is used to shape the plastic into a unique mold that contains blisters, each one for one unit of the product. The forming station uses pressure for easy shapes and a special device called “plug-assist” for more complex shapes. After the mold cools the plastic becomes rigid again, leaving the perfect container for the product. However, the plastic is still thin enough for individuals to push it through the cover that is placed onto the blister plastic film. This cover is added after the product has been inserted into the blister packaging.
Medical Blisters
Another blister packaging technique that may involve similar types of products but contains harder plastic films which cannot be easily manipulate to push a product through a thin cover is called medical blisters. These are trays of blisters which are made of thicker plastic. The plastic is thin covered with another film that can be peeled off by a consumer. This type of packaging often has the unique feature of being porous in order for the product to be sterilized post-packaging. This can be quite useful in settings such as hospitals and other health care settings which need sterile products.
Package Development Company offers high quality design and fulfillment for all of your thermoforming and packaging requirements.
