The bottom web to be formed is fed into the machine. A gripper chain pulls the web in cycles. The cycles are controlled by a PLC and the chain is positioned by means of a servo controlled motor. Once in the forming station, the web is heated and formed to a blister.
During the forming process, the blister is cooled, enabling the web to retain the form which was manufactured to the client's specific requirements. For blisters which require specially strong corners, dies which pre-stretch the web can be installed in the forming station (plug assist unit).
The loading zone has a variable length from 1.8m to 2.8m. Depending on the variable length chosen, the loading is done by hand, with aid of a handling unit, liquid products by means of a filler (volume); other products by predetermined weight (scales) or a counters (numeric). After loading the top web is added.
A simple sealing onto the bottom web at atmospheric conditions can be extended to a vacuum and seal, or vacuum and thereafter re - gassing with different kinds of gases and then sealed. The remaining oxygen content in the blister is below 1%.
Arriving at the cutting station, the packs are divided into the desired quantity. It is possible to cut the blisters into single packs or with perforated cuts leave several packs together to separate at demand. For rigid packs, a die cutting press is used. After cutting, the packs fall onto a conveyor belt. The transports cycles are synchronised with the production cycles.
An additional handling unit can be installed to grasp the product with aid of suction. Any additional handling of the product, can now be determined by the customer.
For operating this machine, less than one operator is required (one operator can supervise several machines at the same time).