Strip Packing Machine: An Ultimate Guide

A good pharmaceutical packaging must offer identification information on your product, protection against loss of ingredients or contents, physical damage, etc.

Furthermore, it must not introduce undesirable constituents of the environment like light, oxygen, and water vapor.

That’s where strip packaging machine comes in.

And this guide explores all the critical aspects of strip packaging machine; from definition, benefits, parts, to working principle, among other critical aspects.

Strip Packing Basics

Strip Packaging – Photo credits: Alibaba

What is Strip Packing Process?

The process of Strip Packing entails packaging of pharmaceutical products consisting of lozenges, tablets, capsules, etc. between two sheets of heat-sealable foil like paper-poly and aluminum-poly.

You seal the pharmaceutical product inside pockets created within two, continually moving foil sheets.

The area about the pockets creates a hermetic seal hence providing a specific shelf life to the items contained within it.

Strip Packs

Strip packs offer an optional mechanism of the pack for a unit dosage.

You can produce strips from single or multi-ply substances.

This is practical provided you can seal the two inner plies using heat or pressure (for example cold ‘self-adhesive’ seal).

Strip pack

The materials used in making the strip packs vary from reasonably permeable plies to those that include a foil ply of adequate thickness and efficiency of seal.

Irrespective of the type of ply, you will be able to produce hermetic seal for each dosage.

Production of strip packs normally happen at lower speeds and equally, take up bigger volume than blisters.

Strip Forming Material

Strip packs compose of one or two plies manufactured from:

• Regenerated cellulose
• Paper
• Plastics
• Heat Sealable Cellophane
• Heat Sealable Polyester
• Paper / Polyethylene / Foil

Basically, you form a strip pack by introducing the pharmaceutical product which stretches a pocket area in the process of insertion.

As well, the formation of the strip pack can be through a preforming operation before filling.

The second technique offers less tension or more controlled production to the pocket area and minimizes the material required by 20–35%.

It is possible to form either one or both sides of the plies mechanically.

However, you can only apply this process to substances which will ‘extend’ without tearing.

Strip Designs

Strip designs are very elementary, as the emerging products are always square or rectangular strips.

Strip packaging of drugs

Nonetheless, the pocket part can be square, round, or oval.

The pocket area is crucial to the shape, thickness, and diameter of the pharmaceutical product.

If the pocket is excessively ‘tight,’ tearing, creasing of the seal area or perforation of the pocket circumference may take place.

The width of the seal may be as low as 4 mm; nevertheless, most strip packing machines usually employ 5 mm.

Broader seals may be necessary in case there is a possibility of wrinkling of the seal area.

Advantages of Strip Packing Technique in Pharmaceutical Industry

• Strip packaging gives a more user-friendly packaging alternative compared to bottled capsules and tablets.
• It offerscost-effective packaging option for highly sensitive pharmaceutical products.
• It is a secure and an ideal packaging technique for protection and supply of pharmaceuticals.
• Strip packs are the same size of the tablet or capsule in question. This makes the pharmaceuticals appear organized, separated, and secure.
• Strip packing technique enables individuals to consume a single capsule or tablet without touching the pack of the other products.

Disadvantages of Strip Packing Process in Pharmaceutical Industry

• Strip packs take up more space
• Patients with arthritic fingers have difficulties using strip packs.
• Strip packing process has a high variation in cost when packaging pharmaceutical products of different kinds.

What is a Strip Packing Machine?

Also referred to as strip pack machine, the machine widely find application in pharmaceutical packaging.

It is a high-speed machine designed to pack tablets, capsules, or similar products.

You can use a variety of materials for strip packing consisting of PET foil, paperback foil, and Alu-Alu (cold form).

Strip packing machine

You can design and print individual packs in a variety of colors to strengthen your branding.

In addition, it also helps in displaying all the necessary product and regulatory information.

Strip packing machines is far simpler and smaller compared to blister packing machines.

Strip packaging machine vs. blister packaging machine

Normally made up of a feed mechanism, product insertion, and heat sealing system, and a guillotining mechanism for cutting to size.

Product feeding is commonly through a vibratory bowl having feeding tracks (normally up to a maximum of 16).

Conversely, the product feeding can be via a rotating table with a sweep or drop.

Most strip packaging machines use a vertical feed (gravity drop) though sometimes the web is driven horizontally using a platen-type sweep.

Recesses either in a platen or more often in a heat sealing cylinder, create the pocket area of the strip pack.

The machine makes a circumferential point seal between two intermeshing cylinders.

The maximum speed of the strip packing machine depends on the size of the products and gravity.

Typical machines can achieve a maximum speed of 250–300 per track with a 325 mg (five grain) kind of aspirin product.

A vacuum extractor helps in removing powder, chips, among others while a rotary die cutting or guillotine motion or scissors helps in cutting the arising web.

You can add extra stages into the machine like printing, batch coding, perforating, etc.

Contrary to blisters, perforation does not commonly add to the seal width, since pocket seal are theoretically 5 mm or more.

Majority of strip packaging machines employ two distinct webs though at times you may apply a single centrally-folded web.

It is possible to use two different plies (top and bottom) so long as the sealants are compatible.

Strip packing machine allows you to fill several different sizes of strip packs with a variety of solid dose products consisting of capsules, tablets, powders, or liquids.

This enables you to customize the pharmaceutical packaging to achieve your specific needs.

It is important to note that there is close relation between strip packaging and sachet packaging.

In some scenarios, it might be difficult to tell the difference between the two.

Modern strip packing machines allow you to generate significant amounts of strip packs very fast.

They can give strip packs in single or dual strip configurations with perforations to aid in opening the strip without damaging the product.

Blister packaging vs strip packaging

With strip packaging machine, you can semi-automatically or automatically pack a broad range of pharmaceutical products.

Additionally, it is very easy and simple to operate most strip pack machines.

You simply feed the product via the hopper and the feeding mechanism moves to the heat sealing roller cavities.

After drawing the required laminated foil, the sealing rollers package and seal the pharmaceutical products continually.

The sealed strip goes through the vertical and horizontal cutters to attain the desired sizes of strip.

Features like variable pressure for sealing rollers, temperature controllers and tough and precision construction ensures high quality sealing.

Using strip packing machines help enhance your products safety, protect them from moisture and contamination, and boost their shelf life.

Uses of Strip Packing Machine in Pharmaceutical Industry

The global strip packing machine industry is distinguished by the supply of strip pack machines having versatile properties to package a myriad of products.

The industry takes care of a group of end-use industries, including pharmaceutical, electronic devices, food, among others.

However, the pharmaceutical industry boasts of dominant use of strip packaging machine.

Strip packing machines have versatile design so as to facilitate the packing of different sorts of products.

The pharmaceutical industry extensively use the machine for packing products such as coated or uncoated tablets, gelatin capsules, both soft and hard.

Also, the supply of inexpensive strip packing machines in the global market has offered pharmaceutical packaging companies exceptional benefits.

The machine enhances their ability to pack capsules and tablets inappropriate and effective packaging solution.

Advantages of Strip Packing Machine

Adavanced strip packing machine

1. Maintain Product Integrity

Strip packaging material shields the pharmaceutical products packed from extreme environmental conditions that may impact on their shelf life.

It offers the ideal protection and safety that is of the topmost quality standards.

The plies enclosing the capsules or tablets, isolates them from the external environment.

Due to the enclosing, your pharmaceutical products will be guarded from excessive light, moisture, oxygen among other environmental factors.

Of course, it will be based on the kind of packaging material you use.

Generally, there is no any possibility of the products getting contaminated.

In addition, the written information on the strip pack will stay in place for a long duration.

These may comprise of the content of the strip pack, instructions on use, date of manufacture, date of expiry, etc.

2. Tamper Proof

Strip packaging secures tablets, capsules, or other pharmaceutical products from any interference or adulteration before use.

Blister packaging protects capsules, tablets, or other products from any interference or contamination before use.

Every item is in its cavity, and you can only reach it after tearing or breaking the pack.

This signifies that you will be aware whether someone has messed up with the product or not.

3. Economical Method of Packaging

Unlike other forms of pharmaceutical packaging such as plastic packaging, there is no need of altering numerous aspects of the strip packing machine for it to carry different products.

You can still achieve high return on investment (ROI) even when you are packing sophisticated products.

The process of strip packaging is simple and straightforward.

4. Ensure Easy Dose Accuracy Maintenance

Maintaining dose accuracy is easier due to the fact that the individual capsules or tablets are separate cavities.

This minimizes any possibility of an accidental drug overdose.

Furthermore, it as well aids patients keep watch of how they consume their medication by simply looking at the strip pack.

This is different case for bottles where they will be forced to empty and count the remaining tablets or capsules.

This can lead to contamination of the drugs.

From these advantages, we realize that strip packing machine plays an essential role in pharmaceutical industry.

Types of Strip Packing Equipment

There are many types of strip packing machines available in the market today.

Therefore, the type of machine will depend on your unique specific needs.

Let’s look at some of the most common options.

i. High-speed Tablet Strip Packing Machine

This is a fully automatic strip packaging machine commonly applied for packaging huge amounts of pharmaceutical products.

You can install the machine with an adjustable conveyor table, easily alterable film feeding system, pinhole device among other peripheral connections.

This type of strip packing machines can meet different products’ needs.

High speed strip packing machine

High-speed strip packaging machine forms sealed foil packs at exceptionally high speed.

The light, moisture, and air-tight nature of the unit dose packaging is suitable for pharmaceutical solids.

It can pack 1200 to 6400 tablets or capsules per minute and weighs between 1200 to 4000 kg based on the model of the machine.

Salient Features of High Speed Tablet Strip Packing Machine

• Efficient product feeding enables high-speed processes
• Compact machine having an outstandingly small footprint
• It is possible to assemble the machine for either vertical or horizontal feed and configuring for both is very easy.
• Adjustable cutting configurations.
• Silent and trouble-free operations.
• Standard interchangeable components.
• Heavy duty electrically vibrating feeding system.
• Sealing rolls having precise knurling.
• Easy change-over of components for different products.
• Made appropriate for majority of the heat sealable coated foils such as Glassinepoly, laminated aluminum, Cellophane Cellopoly, Paperpoly among other types, with easy temperature control.
• It has a secure glass enclosing which protects the machine operator.
• You can connect the machine to the manufacturing line for automatic production

ii. Alu-Alu Strip Packing Machine

Alu-Alu strip packing machine packages each capsule or tablet between two sheets of aluminum foil.

The strength of seal is exceptionally high and provides great protection for packed products hence enhancing their shelf life.

Double Aluminum strip packaging machine is a twofold web laminated foil packing machinery.

The products from the hopper flow via a stainless steel feeding mechanism and enter into sealing roller cavities.

In the cavities, laminated aluminum foils pulled from the two rollers, package and seal the pharmaceuticals in an endless strip.

The formed strip then goes through vertical and horizontal cutter assemblies to release the required sizes of strip packs.

AluAlu strip packing machine

Because of the versatility of Alu-Alu strip packing machine, it finds use in other fields apart from food, chemistry and pharmaceutical industry.

You can as well use the machine to pack pins, ball bearings, buttons, or similarly sized items.

There are available various models of this type of strip packing machine, with some having output of up to 8 tracks.

Most double Aluminum strip packaging machines are innovative in design and advanced in structure.

They incorporate PLC touchscreen control system and offer such benefits as low noise, ease of operation, and high efficiency.

The machine has a product vibratory type feeding system and photoelectric monitoring system.

It can control the tablets or capsules feeding process automatically and position the cutting plates optically.

Furthermore, most double aluminum strip packaging machines complete the products conveying, charging, sealing, batch numbering, cutting, and counting processes automatically.

In addition, the machine produces air and light-tight packages at very high speeds.

It is ideal for packaging all sorts of capsules and tablets with double aluminum strip packs in pharmaceutical industries.

Furthermore, it also finds use in the electronics industry for packaging of tablet-shaped electronic components.

Due to the great sealing and light- and air-tight effect, Alu-Alu strip packing machine largely extends the shelf life of your products.

The nature of the aluminum foil seal also makes it easy to take the packaged drugs.

iii. Foil Strip Packing Machine

For most packaging applications, this type of strip packing machine is becoming the favorite among other kinds of packaging machinery.

The machine’s versatile design makes it highly adaptable for packing a range of products including pharmaceuticals.

It operates with utmost precision and speed of up to 2400 items per minute, with standardized parts which ensure fast interchangeability.

Section of foil strip packing machine

The foil strip packing machine packs the pharmaceutical products between two continually moving foil sheets because of hermetic sealing.

Normally, the machine uses two reels to feed the packaging materials to the sealing station.

The system then accurately timed, feeds the products between the two layers of the foil before sealing together using heat and pressure.

After sealing, the foil strip packaging machine then perforates and cut the strip pack into desired sizes.

Consequently, you can then categorize and transfer the finished and qualified packs to the appropriate end packing system.

Salient Features of Foil Strip Packing Machine

• Designed according to the current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP).
• Stainless steel makes all the contact and non-contact parts.
• Available in various models of different tract having tablet capacity from 400 to 3000, with maximal seal with of 250 mm.
• Standardized, fast interchangeable parts.
• Compact steel fabricated body having sufficient inspection windows.
• Variable foil cutting and slitting gadget.
• Noiseless, smooth operation.
• Vibratory feed control ensuring higher output.
• Knurl design and cavity shape of choice.
• Heaters and thermostatic temperature control appropriate for all kinds of packing materials.
• Guarantees airtight and leak-proof packaging.
• They fit for most heat-sealable foils such as Aluminum Poly, Paper Poly, Glassine Poly, Cellophane, and Cello Poly.
• Conveyer belt as according to your requirement.
• Disc feeding system for abnormally shaped products.
• Electric temperature control system having indicator to show foil sealing temperature as the machine is working.
• Batch coding and Strip counter attachment.
• Feed chute with Pusher mechanism.
• Flameproof Electricals

iv. Fully Automatic Strip Packing Machine

As suggested by the name, the machine carries out the following operations automatically:

• Material feeding
• Crisp removal
• Material filling
• High speed heat-sealing
• Vertical and horizontal perforation
• Batch code printing
• Product cutting
• Defective sorting
• Finished product counting
• Waste material disposal,
• Product output.

This type of strip packing machine is the ideal automatic packaging equipment since its design enables it to achieve the needs in the market.

Fully automatic strip packaging machine has programmable logic controller (PLC) human-machine interface (HMI) and frequency converter.

Technical drawing of fully automatic strip packing machine

Most of these machines are easy to operate, offer excellent performance and full function, and are highly durable.

They have great designs that offer higher automation while still conforming to GMP standards.

Generally, automatic strip packing machines have their body and most parts made from stainless steel.

This as well helps in complying with the current Good Manufacturing Practices standards.

The machine comes in varying specifications and sizes in addition to customized models and widely finding use in pharmaceutical sector for packaging purposes.

Features: of Fully Automatic Strip Packing Machine

• High efficiency since the machine conducts automatic feeding, sealing, cutting, and slitting concurrently. The automation reduces labor cost, which eventually decreases the cost of production.
• Easy and convenient to change dyes because of the simple positioning and operation of the specific components of the strip packaging machine.
• Easy to handle and anyone can learn to operate it within a short time.
• Has compact structure, high strength,and advanced performance.
• Stable operation, easy maintenance, Low noise, low noise, and long service life.
• Uses PLC control system and servo tracking synchronous linkage
• Appropriate for most heat-sealable foils such as paper poly and aluminum poly among others.
• Human-machine interface that you can set its display panel to show certain parameters like cumulative output, speed of the machine, and individual roller temperatures. The display also indicates temperature sensor failure, ‘low-temperature’ cut-off, and heater failure.

The automatic strip packing machine is one of the fundamental and most essential requirements of any pharmaceutical firm dealing with medical equipment and machines.

The reliability and convenience that comes with it is unrivaled with other packing instruments of similar functionality.

v. Semi-automatic Strip Packing Machine

Generally, this type of strip packing machine is appropriate for automatic foil heat sealing packaging for capsules, candy, and tablets in chemical, foodstuff, healthcare, and pharmaceutical industries.

The equipment can carry out feeding of material, sealing, cutting, and slitting automatically.

Majority of the semi-automatic strip packaging machines have their body made of stainless steel, in compliance with the current Good Manufacturing Practices standards.

You can find the packing machines in various specifications and sizes coupled with customized models.

Strip packaging process

The machine employs advanced technology to meet the needs in pharmaceutical packing sector.

The strip packing machine offers high speed and steady performance at reduced maintenance cost.

They are appropriate for high-speed sealing of lozenges, capsules and coated or uncoated tablets of any shape or size in cellophane, polyethylene, aluminum foils or any other heat sealing material.

Semi-Automatic Strip Packaging Machine ensures smooth handling of materials and maximum production.

Its simple operation leads to perfect reliability and ease of control, with a continuous operation process resulting in reduced noise level and wear.

Salient Features of Semi-automatic Strip Packing Machine

• Simultaneous automatic feeding of material, sealing, slitting, and cutting. This enhances the machine’s efficiency, thus reducing cost of workforce.
• Ease of cleaning due to the material used to make the strip packing machine, which in most cases is stainless steel.
• Easy to replace the change parts.
• The machine ensures maximum foil usage and lowest waste
• Has vibration feeder having material level sensor to ensure stability in material feeding.
• Adopts PLC and human-machine interface for operation. Some come fitted with frequency converter and can change travel range and cutting speed at random.
• Comes in different models with capacity varying from 400 to 2500 units per minute.
• Quick and efficient change over from a specific package size to another.
• Low consumption of power and easy access to all moving parts, temperature control, and maintenance.

vi. Capsules Strip Packing Machine

The machine packs a variety of capsules in easily dispensable strip at high speed and cost-saving technology.

Just like any other type of strip packing machine, capsule strip packaging equipment is most appropriate for heat-sealable foils.

Capsule strip packing machine feeds the products in the hopper into the round table through gravitation and the vibratory rotary system.

The system transfers the capsules via supply tubes to the finger gadget.

The finger device holds the products and positions them for their introduction into the sealing stage.

A number of these machines have product sensor for controlling the product feeding process.

In case there are no items, the vibrator begins to vibrate the hopper which in turn feeds the capsules into the rotary feeder.

Sealing rollers are instrumental in packaging the capsules in the desired shape and size of strip pack.

A precise temperature control device helps in maintaining the temperature of the sealing roller.

Drag roller tenses the strip and ensures there is perfect sealing and cutting of the strip packs.

The machine can cut accurately with minimal noise.

Section of the feeding system

Most capsule strip packing machines have eye mark sensor, which makes sure the foil is in the correct position.

Others as well have reject sensor that detects and rejects unfilled strip packs.

The strip packing machine makes it possible for you to adjust the row number of cutting from 1 to 99 rows.

In addition, it is equally possible to adjust the location of the slitting and the column number easily.

Features of Capsule Strip Packing Machine

• The machine has a beautiful, and compact body design fabricated using 304 stainless steel.
• Employs PLC with a touchscreen display panel. You can set and adjust optionally the cutting section of machine plate on the display. This is instrumental in helping avoid the issue of changing all types of cams and gears when changing the type of pharmaceutical and packing specification.
• Fitted with temperature controller having PID to regulate the temperature of the sealing roller. This helps the strip packing machine make sure that the temperature of the sealing roller is perfectly stable and reliable.
• Uses standardized parts which ensure the interchange ability of spares and change parts.
• Applies stepless frequency converter, has a stable and reliable operation and convenient to maintain with simple drive structure.
• Ability to link the machine with other optional applications such as image marking, optical fiber detection for lacking material, solid-ink roll coding, and waste rejection to satisfy various requirements of different clients.

vii. Carton Strip Packing Machines

This type of packaging machine is fit for cartoning cosmetic, food, electronic, pharmaceutical, and dairy products, among others.

The machine has the ability to perform all tasks such as carton opening, carton stuffing, carton sealing, leaflet folding, and batch number printing, among other operations automatically.

You can use carton strip packing machine alone, or link it with other equipment to be a production line.

And closely related to this is box strip packing machine.

The machine has four distinct stages during the entire procedure of from in feeding cartons to eventually finishing package:

1. Carton coming downwards,
2. Erecting,
3. Filling and
4. Sealing the ends

A sucker fetches a single box from the in-feed entrance, moving it downwards to the primary line for cartoning.

One of the machine’s guide detent fixes the carton as one of the push pedals erects it.

In the meantime, two detents capable of moving forward will rise and seal the two sides of the carton.

Additionally, they as well erect the carton at 90 degrees and move it to the filling area.

After filling the products into the carton, the strip packing machine will fold the carton’s two small flaps into the right and left guide rails and then close the cover.

Main features:

• Has electrical component such as PLC touch screen display panel, frequency converters, and speed control technology among other essential components.
• Adopt human-machine Interface operation system.
• Rejects automatically cartons lacking package product and leaflet.
• On-line monitoring and elimination and comes with multiple function system.
• Automatically count finished products, display trouble, and alarm.
• Easy operation and reliable performance.
• Capable of stopping automatically in case of overload.

viii. Soft Double Al Strip Packing Machine

This type of strip packing machine is perfect for products that needs to be packaged between two sheets of aluminum foil, for example, foodstuff, candies, capsules, and tablets.

The machine boasts of an advanced structural design, ease of operation, and high efficiency.

It utilizes frequency control to setup motion at will, accelerate the vibration of the whole column feed mechanism.

Soft double aluminum strip packing machine also comes fitted with optical monitoring devices and can automatically do the filling, sealing, batch coding, cutting and counting at high-speed.

Main Features of Soft Double Al Strip Packing Machine

• Suitable for aluminum to aluminum foil heat sealed packing of products
• You as well use it for plastic to plastic sealing
• The machine automatically finishes operations such as material feeding, broken piece filtering, and cutting margin scrap. It also automates transverse impressing and batch number printing.
• The machine is completely programmable through PLC.
• Fully adjustable travel range and cutting speed.
• Enhance the appearance of the product and extend their shelf life.
• Suitable for pharmaceutical companies

ix. Manual Strip Packing Machine

Typically, the design of manual strip packing machine favors it for small health care plants, pharmaceutical factories, and food factories.

Like other types of strip packaging machines, you can also use it for packaging solid drugs such as candy, hardware, milk tablet, gelatin pearl, suppository, capsules, and tablets.

Manual strip packing machines utilize a single sheet of foil material wound about a core, commonly referred to as rollstock.

Strip packing

Motor-driven rollers unwind the foil from a reel found at the rear end of the packing machine.

The entire system is compact in design, thus beautiful appearance and produces low noise and smooth functioning.

The strip packaging machine generates four-sided sealed foil packs at high rates.

The resultant strip packs are exceptionally moisture, light and air-tight type of unit dose packaging specifically perfect for pharmaceutical solids.

Some of the main features include:

• cGMP design having surface finish as per the relevant pharmaceutical regulations
• Compact machine having an outstandingly small footprint
• Efficient product feeding enables high-speed processes
• Interface features that facilitate easy and swift setting and operation.
• Clear failure display and self-failure diagnosis.
• Highly sensitive photoelectric eye color tracing
• Numerical keying of cutting and sealing position for extreme accuracy.
• Temperature independent PID control making it appropriate for different packaging materials.
• Simple servo driving system that guarantees reliable working and convenient maintenance.
• All control is via software, easy for operation modification and technical upgrade.

x. PP Strip Packing Machine

Polypropylene strapping, commonly known as PP is among the lightest and most adjustable materials, making it fit for sealing, strengthening, and securing lighter packages.

It is easier to work with and handle this type of strapping compared to heavier duty materials like polyester or steel strapping.

However, you must wear gloves when handling and loading it onto PP strapping machine.

PP strip packing machine is an appropriate closure solution for packaging for all kinds of different materials and from all industries.

You can use the machine in food, printing, construction, or pharmaceutical industries among many more.

The strapping equipment is electrically powered and applies PP strapping to put a secure seal on packages consistently.

Most PP strip packing machines have straight parallel edges and regular embossing.

There exist three types of PP strap packing machine; handheld strapping device, semi-automatic strapping machine, and fully automatic strap packing machine.

The machines have different benefits and uses based on your requirements.

The working principle of the PP strap packing machine is very simple; you simply insert the packaged goods you want to seal into the machine.

It then applies the PP strap in the desired position about the package and fastens it to the desired tension.

The strap packing machine then welds the strap ends.

These machines carry out all the hard work, saving materials, time, and energy in a typical strip packing procedure.

They perform this without the necessity for manual strap packing devices such as cutters, tensioners, or combination tools.

 Strip packing machine

The operator can set the strap and tension strength, offering complete control over the whole process of strap packing.

This machine should be among your production system to boost your efficiency and speed up operation.

You can use the equipment as a stand-alone machine handled by one person or part of a bigger, fully automated strip packing system.

Most PP strap packing machines come having various customizations and features, such as moveable belts and rollers.

Features of PP Strip Packing Machine

• Automatic strap feeding, tensioning and heat sealing
• Track design facilitates precision strap positioning
• External tension control for fragile or solid packages
• Energy–saving, variable timer automatically switch shuts off motor when machine is not in use.
• Bypass, single, Dual and Multiple strap modes
• dependable microprocessor (PLC) control
• Panel switch and foot bar standard on each machine

xi. Rotary Type Tablet Strip Packing Machine

The machine allows you to strip pack any sealable heat material. It seals the products inside pockets created by two moving films via two rotary sealing rollers that make seal about the thick layer strip packs.

This helps in protecting the packed products and prolonging their shelf life.

Rotary strip packing machine – Photo courtesy: Asia Machinery

Machine Features of Rotary Strip Packing Machine

• Has HCI for parameter setting
• Self-checking functionality
• Precise positioning of sealing and cutting
• Independent PID which controls temperature
• No sticking knife
• Simple power train system
• Reliable performance and ease of maintenance
• Easy function modification and technology upgrade
• Perfect for different types of products such as pallet, daily appliances, paper boxes, drugs, among others.

In a nutshell, these are some of the most common types of strip packing machines in the industry.

Of course, they come in different shapes and models.

Parts of A Strip Packing Machine

This machine has several parts, components, and systems.

It is quite apparent, given that it performs a wide range of integrated functions.

In this article, I want us to look at some of the Strip Packing Machines Change Parts.

The essence, of course, is to enable you to have an idea of what the equipment revolves around and how the roles of these parts.

Parts of strip packing machine – Photo courtesy: Inter Tech Global

i. Feeding System

In a strip packing machine, feeding system refers to a mechanism which selects, guides, and positions the parts to facilitate and allow subsequent handling and assembly.

Section of feeding system

Importantly, is to know that the feeding system comes in two; manual and automatic, of course, depending with the particular type of machine.

 Tablet feeding system

ii. Perforation Mechanism

It refers to the system of creating perforations on the work tool.

This mechanism comprises of unwinding, cutting, and straightening components.

iii. Product Cutting

It is a system which consists of blades that cut the material pneumatically according to the control settings.

Cutting mechanism

iv. Defective Sorting Mechanism

This refers to the process of selecting and separating any product that has defects hence preventing it from getting to the packaging section.

It is usually set automatically and has sensors that detect any form of defect on a product.

v. Product Counting System

It is a mechanism within the machine that is set automatically to accurately and speedily count the product before packaging.

This system organizes the products into groups depending on a wide range of factors, including size, among others.

vi. Bowl plate

It refers to a device which you use for feeding individual component parts for assembly on a strip packing machine.

It comes in handy when randomly sorting bulk package of small components and feeding them in another machine one by one in a specific direction.

 vii. Chute Channel with Release Pin

This is the component which grips the numerous pieces and centers them to allow them to enter into the sealing roller.

The speed of operation at this section is also what makes the release pin fundamental, given that they are made to handle shear loads.

viii. Sealing Roller Cavities

It is a heated component that comes in handy when sealing the products during the production process.

You can steadily maintain the temperatures of the sealing roller because there is an adopted precise temperature control device.

ix. Toe Cutting Cams

It refers to the component which you use to cut the products after sealing.

It is set in a specific manner that ensures it cuts the products into size consistently.

x. Drive Mechanism

This is primarily a system that provides automatic and precise motion control to its various elements.

In a strip packing machine, the drive mechanism consists of various drive motors, ball lead screws, and conveyor belts among others.

 Drive mechanism

xi. Gutter Assembly

It refers to a component that is used for collecting the finished products once they get from the conveyor belt.

xii. Back Gear

This is a gear that is mounted at the back of the headstock, which allows the chuck to rotate slowly with significantly increased power.

xiii. Batch Printing Unit

This refers to the components involved in printing the batches on the surface of the package.

The unit is essential because it helps in providing information regarding the content of the products and other relevant details.

xiv. Electrical Panel Box

It is a component which consists of various electrical elements that the machine uses for different electrical functions.

In other words, it is the main distribution point for electrical circuits within the machine.

xv. Hopper

It is a funnel-shaped component which the machine uses for moving material from one receptacle to another.

xvi. Disc Plate

It is a rounded flat and wide metallic sheet that moves rotationally as it collects the product material for packing.

xvii. Chute

This component refers to a relatively steep and narrow metal inclined sloppily to allow for the packed materials to slide downwards.

 xviii. Brush Shaft

It refers to a lean galvanized metal explicitly designed to maintain electrical contact with a rotating surface.

xix. Cutting Mechanism

It refers to the entire integrated system that the machine uses to cut the packaged products at different stages of the packing process.

xx. Foil Holders

It is a component on the strip packing machine used for holding foils that are ultimately used for wrapping the packaged products.

xxi. Foil Running Shaft

It is a cylindrical component that moves rotationally, thus helping in the efficient dispensation of the foil from the foil holder to the packaged material.

Shaft

Now, as you can see, strip packing machine change parts are quite several.

In fact, we cannot even exhaust all of these parts in just one article.

But for the sake of this guide, the ones we have described above are vital at least to give you an idea of what they are and their functions in the machine.

Strip Packing Machine Principle of Operation

Well, as the name suggests, this machine takes care of blister pack, dyeing, printing, and polishing the looks of finished products.

What you ought to know is that this machine is quite big and hence may take up a good portion of your space.

Nevertheless, you can easily take it apart and assemble it, which makes it possible only to fix the specific parts you need to use at that time.

It happens, however, that we have several types of this machine, but what you ought to know is that the working principle is more or less the same.

However, in this guide, I want us to look at the general principle of operation of this particular machine.

It will enable you to get an idea which is quite fundamental when using this equipment.

So this machine packs various types of products in easily dispensable strips with the economy as well as speed.

This instrument works on the principle of pressing and air formation.

And that’s what leads to the formation of blister-like shapes suitable for packing tablets and medicines of irregular shapes.

Now it happens that this machine consists of spindles equipped with forming thermal sealing, impressing, cutting as well as batch number printing.

All these functions are integrated in a manner that ensures they’re executed automatically in perfect, accurate, and efficient ways.

It has a ruler within which is positioned appropriately, and you can quickly move it around depending on how you want it to be.

What’s more, is that all the other parts and components of this machine are quite easy and flexible to clean and conveniently alter the functions of the equipment.

The strip packing machine consists of a helical gear reducing box.

Now the key function of this component as far as its principle of operation is concerned is the active transmission of the finished product.

At the same time, the pin positioning determines the dyes which go onto packing of the finished product and also includes thermal sealing and a pressing plate.

Simple positioning and working of the individual parts of the strip working machine make it pretty convenient and easy to change dyes.

Features of Strip Packing Machine – Here’s What You Must Consider

So when working with a strip packing machine, you’ll notice that it has several features all integrated to provide efficient operation.

It is vital to understand that all these features are not on the machine by a fluke but by purpose.

In this section, I want us to look at all the key features of this machine, in particular, the technical ones.

It, therefore, implies that our focus on this section will mostly be based on specifications revolving around the material, models, construction, standards, and technology, among others.

Strip packing machine specification

1. All the contact parts of this machine are made of high-quality stainless steel material with an auto-feeding hopper for tablets and a conveyor.

In other words, it means that the contact parts are made of high-quality material, making them sturdy and durable accordingly.

2. The exterior parts of this machine are also made of high-grade stainless steel, which apparently conforms to the GMP standards requirement.
3. It is a low noise machine. This is essential given that in several instances, the equipment will be running non-stop throughout.

So it helps in creating a conducive environment for operation and production as a result of low noise and less environmental pollution.

4. The speed of this machine is quite commendable. Of course, it depends on the particular model, but in most cases, the speed ranges between 500 to 3000 strips per minute.

You can find other models, however, which can produce over 3000 strips per minute.

That notwithstanding, it is still speedy hence suitable for bulk packaging of the specific products.

5. Another technical feature of this machine is that it can support a foil width of between 100mm to 300mm or more.
6. It weighs approximately 500kgs with a dimension of 1000mm by 850mm by 1800mm. The more reason why it’s seemingly quite huge as I earlier did mention.
7. It also has an electrical motor half HP, three phases 415 volts, 50Hz.
8. It can be customized to different sizes and shapes to suit your specific needs.
9. You can find a few manual strip packing machine. However, most of the models in the market presently are completely fully automatic.

And while at it, all the full automatic operations and designs are as per the cGMP requirement standards.

10. It has a trouble-free, smooth operation and an adjustable foil cutting and slitting device.
11. Comes with standardized, quickly interchangeable parts
12. It also features an electrical temperature control mechanism with an indicator which enables it to read foil sealing temperature while the machine is in use.
13. It comes with performing rollers to pack coated tablets, caplets, and capsules for the economy of packing material.
14. A protective grill also features in front of this machine as one of the safety element.

You see, a strip packing machine is quite large, and obviously, it means that that it has numerous features.

In fact, we have only mentioned a few of them here, which we consider somewhat key.

So in the next question, I want us to look at the quality standards of the strip packing machines in the market.

Quality Standards for Strip Packing Machine

Knowing the quality standards for a particular strip packing machine is essential by any measure.

You see, several manufacturers produce these types of machines.

So at times, it becomes difficult for you to know the specific one which meets the approved quality standards.

So I will describe the significant standards for this machine and highlight a few elements regarding the same.

 Quality standards

· cGMP

Well, cGMP is an initialism of the current good manufacturing practice.

Essentially, cGMP refers to the practices needed to conform to all the guidelines endorsed by agencies which control accreditation and licensing of manufacture of various instruments.

These guidelines primarily outline the minimum requirements that the machine manufacturer needs to meet as an assurance of high-quality consistency.

The key purpose of the cGMP as a quality standard is to always prevent you as the end user from whichever form of harm from the machine or product.

This standard also stipulates that the product conforms to all the required quality checks.

It is usually ensured through the effective use of quality management system.

The agencies that oversee good practices in the manufacturing of this type of machine vary from one country to another.

· CE

CE Marking one refers to a certification mark that indicates conformity with safety, health, and environmental protection standards, particularly for the European Economic Area.

The two letters CE are initialism for a French word ConformitéEuropéenewhich, in other words, means European Conformity.

Basically, this standard refers to the manufacturer’s declaration that the equipment or product is compliant with all the relevant European health, safety, and environmental legislation.

One of the CE tenets as a mark of quality is that it’s only the manufacturer that can affix the mark on their product.

In other words, once you put it on your product, you basically claim to comply with the European standards.

Affixing the mark is also an indication that the manufacturers take responsibility for the conformity of the machine or product with all applicable requirements.

· RoHS

RoHS is another fundamental quality standard for strip packing machines you find in the market.

Apparently, it is an initialism of the Restriction of Hazardous Substances.

This standard originated from the European Union, and in some instances, it is referred to as Directive 2002/95/EC.

What it does is that it restricts the use of some specific hazardous elements that are found in electronic as well as electrical products.

For instances, some of the substances banned under the RoHS include mercury, polybrominated diphenyl ethers, and cadmium, among others.

This standard is essential because such restricted elements are often hazardous to the surrounding and pollute landfills.

It is thus applicable to any manufacturer that sells this machine as a whole or any of its components.

The RoHS ensures compliance of the standard by engaging its dedicated staff and high-end equipment as well as workstations.

· ASTM

This refers to an international standards organization which creates and publishes voluntary consensus technical standards for a wide range of products and systems.

ASTM is an abbreviation for American Society for Testing and Materials.

Interestingly, ASTM is an essential quality standard even for strip packing machine.

However, it doesn’t play any role in enforcing compliance with its standards.

So the standards of this body can only become mandatory if referenced by an external contract or government.

It thus means that it’s upon the corporations that do international business to choose whether or not to reference a particular ASTM standard.

· ISO

It refers to the international organization for standardization.

Primarily, there are quite several ISO quality for different products.

In this case, though, we’re interested in one that’s related to strip packing machine.

ISO 12100:2010 is the quality standard that describes the safety of the machine, mainly the general principles for design.

This standard specifies the principles of risk assessment of the machine as well as the risk reduction to enable designers in achieving the objective.

What happens is that these principles based on knowledge and experience of the design, use, incidents, and other risks associated with the machinery.

· FDA Requirements

This refers to standards for protecting and promoting public health through the control and supervision of pharmaceutical drugs and other related elements.

It is an abbreviation for the Food and Drug Administration.

So it happens that this agency outlines a wide range of rules and regulations revolving around food and pharmaceutical processing and consumption.

Therefore, it has a responsibility when it comes to the approval of the machines which manufacture these particular products.

FDA analyzes, tests, and examines the strip packing machine and approves that its benefits outweigh the potential risk.

In other words, manufacturers need to make sure that inspection, measuring, and test machine is fit for the intended purpose and can provide valid results.

So these are the key quality standards for strip packing machine which you ought to know.

They are essential and make it possible for you to obtain the best results in one way or the other.

Difference between Blister and Strip Packaging

At some point, you’ve bought products, whether pharmaceutical, cosmetic or food, that come sealed in a plastic casing.

It would be important if you know the process involved in packaging such products in such types of packaging.

Blister packaging vs strip packaging

Of course, they come in two categories, which in many instances seem to be difficult to distinguish from one another.

In this section, we want to look at the major differences between blister and strip packaging.

Ideally, one of the critical difference here is that strip packaging doesn’t have a cold formed or thermoformed cavities.

This is to mean that in strip packaging, the pack is formed around the capsule or tablet when it’s dropped to the sealing area between sealing molds.

It happens that blister packaging has two major types of configurations;

• One is where the cavity is constructed of clear, thermoformed plastic. The lid here is formed of clear plastic and or better still a combination of plastic, paper, and foil.
• The second type is one which consists of foil as the significant component of both webs, where cold stretching is used to create its cavity.

Now when it comes to the production of blisters, it is essential to know that you can form them using these three methods;

• Thermoforming
• Cold forming
• Thermo-cold complex blistering

Thermoforming essentially is about wrapping a plastic sheet from the reel and then guide it through a pre-heating station on the blister line.

It goes through a dedicated process and at the end of it, is cooled to make the plastic rigid and allow it to maintain its shape after removal from the mold.

Cold-forming, on the other hand, revolves around using an aluminum-based laminate film by pressing it into a mold using a stamp.

The aluminum material will elongate and also maintain the formed shape.

The blister packaging consists of four primary components which include the following;

• The forming film
• The lidding material
• Heat seal coating
• Printing ink

Generally, we have three main types of blister packing machines, which include;

• Thermoform blistering machine
• Cold form blistering machine
• Thermo-cold complex blistering machine

Now, on the other hand, we have strip packaging.

Strip packs ordinarily present an alternative form of the pack for a unit dosage.

You can as well produce strips from single or multiple materials given that you seal the two inner plies by pressure or heat.

Production of strip often packs on low speeds and tends to occupy a greater volume than blisters.

Strip packs consist of one or two plies made from the following materials;

• Plastics
• Paper
• Regenerated cellulose
• Foil or any combination.

Well, the good thing with strip packaging is that it provides a more user-friendly packaging solution than bottled pharmaceutical products.

It also allows you to consume a single tablet without interfering with the packaging of other tablets.

The process of strip packaging is quite straightforward but at the same time involving.

You can form it by introducing an item which extends to a pocket area during insertion.

During the process, either one or both sides of the plies are formed mechanically.

However, the process is only applicable to materials that can stretch without tearing.

Comparatively, the strip packaging machines are quite smaller than those for blister packaging.

The former consists of a feed system, product insertion with heat sealing, and a guillotining operation to size.

Most of the strip packaging machines usually use vertical feed, but occasionally the web runs horizontally with a platen type sweep.

Additional stages that you can include in the machine include, printing, batch coding, and perforating, among others.

Compared to blisters, perforation in strip packaging does not add to the seal width, and most machines tend to use two separate webs.

The designs for strip packaging are quite basic as the emerging units tend to be invariably rectangular or in other instances, square strips.

Well, from the comparison, it is apparent that strip packaging offers excellent protection and superior to blister packaging.

It is also clear that you can find certain sophisticated machines which offer high-speed strip packaging compared to blister packaging.

How to Troubleshoot Strip Packaging Machine

Well, as you can see so far, a strip packaging machine is quite vital in the pharmaceutical manufacturing process.

It needs always to be steadfast and reliable if at all, you need to attain the best results.

But many at times, you’ll realize that this particular machine develops some hitches which may compromise its efficiency during the packaging process.

In light of that, I want to highlight a few tips for troubleshooting some of the common technical hitches that you may experience when working with this machine.

Strip packaging process

1) Entire Machine is Not Working

In such a scenario, there could be several reasons which you need to look into.

It could be that the voltage is possibly low and the fuse is blown.

It also could be there is a trip switch alignment, the motor is stuck, or plug is loose or damaged.

So you need to look into all these possibilities and adjust accordingly.

2) Poor Sealing Quality

It could be as a result of several reasons including, poor contact at the connection line and damaged or closed sealing voltage selection.

The remedy is to ensure that you repair the switch to prevent voltage fluctuation factor.

You also need to select the right sealing voltage for repair and tighten adjustment seal time.

3) Control Heating Temperature Band Switch Poor Contact

The remedy for this is to repair or replace the control heating AC contactor.

4) Stroke Switch is Static

Troubleshooting this problem requires that you need to adjust the switch paddle.

5) Irregular Cutting of the Strips

It means that there is a wrong setting on the cutting mechanism.

You, therefore, need to check and recheck all the relevant parameters and ensure that it provides consistent results.

Well, there could be numerous technical hitches that you will likely experience with the strip packaging machine.

However, the most important thing as far as troubleshooting is concerned is making sure that you read the user manual.

If you suspect the problem is serious, you can then choose to seek the services of a qualified technician.

User Requirement Specification (URS) for Strip Packaging Machine

I will be short here;

Apparently, URS is among the stringent that all forms of machinery need to adhere to.

It helps in maintaining and enhancing it maintains all stipulated quality standards as far as the performance of the machine is concerned.

Once you purchase this equipment, you’ll also get a URS, which is a mandatory document.

So let me take you quickly though URS of this machine;

· Approvals

This part points out the specific bodies and persons involved in the review and certification of the use of this machine.

· Introduction

It is the section of the URS which documents the highlights of this machine.

Generally, it provides the overall description, design, and SOP, among others.

· Outline

It highlights some critical information regarding the operation of this particular equipment.

For instance, it describes the production rate and frequency of changes, among others.

· Production Requirements

This is the part of the URS which describes the various process and design specifications such as packaging rate, operating system, and general maintenance of the equipment.

· Safety Requirements

It is the section which outlines the details surrounding the safety concerns and measures of the instrument and the user.

· Compatibility

This part outlines all the possible instruments and accessories which you can integrate with this machine and ways of doing it.

· Acceptance Tests and Supply Requirements

This part describes the significant elements which the manufacturer of the machine needs to adhere to as far as supply to customers

Others include, quality standards, restriction, and abbreviations.

It the section of the URS that explains all the shortcodes used in the document related to the strip packing machine.

You also need to know that this machine also comes with SOPs of this machine just as a way of enhancing efficiency and reliability.

SaintyCo, Your Trusted Strip Packing Machine Manufacturer

Ideally, one of the best strip packing machines that you can ever get in the market is Stripack-350 Advanced from SaintyCo.

SaintyCo strip packing machine

It features a four-side sealed foil pack which contain pharmaceutical solids.

You can as well use it for several applications hence an ideal option in the market.

It has impeccable feeding system, sealing quality as well as cGMP compliant.

The pharmaceutical strip packing machine price ranges depending on the model and other factors.

But the price averages between $10,000- $20, 0000.

So if you’re looking for a reliable brand of this machine that guarantees efficiency, then this is the best choice to go for.

Conclusion

Well, as you can see from this guide, the strip packing machine is quite involving.

Herein, we have explained all the essential nitty-gritty surrounding this instrument.

But then, I now want to hear from you.

Do you have any suggestions, inquiries, or any point you need to be clarified?

Just let us know. Drop your concern at the comment section down here, and I will get back to you.