Blister feeder

Types of blister feeders

A blister feeder is a machine that automatically feeds tablets, pills, or other products packed in blister trays to different types of machines. There are many kinds of blister feeders, each designed to meet different needs and preferences. Below are some common types:

• Rotary blister feeders:

  This type of blister tablet feeder has a rotating mechanism that turns the feeder drum or disc to move tablets or pills from one place to another. The rotation speed can be adjusted, allowing for smooth and continuous feeding of blisters at high speeds. It is compatible with many applications, including packaging machines, counting machines, and bottling lines.

• Linear blister feeders:

  This variety features a linear mechanism that moves blister trays or bands in a straight line. Linear blister feeders are ideal for applications that require precise positioning and controlled movement of blisters over short distances. They are commonly used in small-scale production lines where space is limited but efficiency must not be compromised.

• Vibratory bowl feeders:

  As its name suggests, this type of blister feeder uses vibration to move tablets from one place to another. The bowl or hopper containing the tablets vibrates continuously, causing the tablets to slide smoothly along its inclined surface. This feeder is simple, reliable, and suitable for feeding tablets of different shapes and sizes.

• Custom blister feeders:

  These blister pack feeders can be designed and manufactured according to specific requirements. Custom-built designs can take the form of any other type of feeder, such as a rotary, linear, or vibratory feeder. Custom blister feeders are usually more expensive and time-consuming to produce, but they perfectly meet the needs of clients.

Design of blister feeders

• Vibratory bowl feeder

  This feeder consists of a bowl mounted on a vibrating platform. The vibration causes the parts to move up and down and slide across the bottom of the bowl. The amplitude and frequency of the vibrations can be adjusted to control the feeding rate. The base of the bowl has ridges or channels that direct the parts towards the outlet. The bowl feeder can be made from stainless steel, plastic, or a combination of both materials.

• Linear feeder

  A series of trays or conveyors arranged in a straight line make up the linear feeder. Each tray has a slight incline to move parts along its surface from the input end to the output end. The trays may vibrate, oscillate, or slide to move the parts forward. They can be made of metal, plastic, or fabric, depending on the application requirements.

• Rotary barrel feeder

  This feeder has a cylindrical barrel that rotates around its horizontal axis. The barrel has internal fins or flights that lift and drop parts as it rotates. The parts tumble inside the barrel and move towards the outlet due to the rotation. Depending on the application, the barrel feeder can be made of metal, plastic, or both materials.

• Hopper feeder

  A hopper holds a large quantity of parts and feeds them through an opening at the bottom. The bottom opening is usually equipped with a gate or an agitator mechanism to control the flow of parts. Hoppers can be made from steel, plastic, or fiberglass, depending on the application requirements.

• Escapement mechanism

  Escapement mechanisms release parts from the storage reservoir to the conveyor or work surface one at a time. They can be made of metal or plastic and use levers, cams, or wheels to control the release.

Scenarios of blister feeder

Blister feeders are used in different industries and have various applications. They can be used in different ways, depending on the needs of the industry. For example, in the pharmaceutical industry, blister packaging machines are used to package pills and tablets. The machine feeds the blister packs into the packaging line and inserts pills or tablets into each cavity before sealing it with a backing material.

Similarly, in the medical devices industry, blister pack feeders are used to package small surgical instruments like scalpels and forceps. These items are very delicate and must be handled carefully throughout shipping and storage. Therefore, blister packaging provides an extra layer of protection against damage due to external factors such such as moisture or contamination.

Moreover, other industries like food processing and electronics also make use of blister pack feeders to package their products. For example, the packaging machine can be used to package candies, batteries, and small electronic components, among others. Blister packaging is important in all these industries because it helps keep products safe and fresh while also making them easier to display on store shelves.

Additionally, there are different types of blister feeders designed for different purposes within these industries. For instance, some machines may have automatic feeding systems that can work continuously without stopping, while others may be semi-automatic, requiring manual intervention at certain stages during operation. The choice between these two options depends largely on factors such as cost, space available, and level of automation required within a given facility.

How to choose blister feeder

From a technical perspective, choosing the right blister feeder requires a thorough assessment of certain critical factors. These factors are:

• Production speed and capacity:

  For some businesses, the production speed and capacity of the blister feeder are among the most critical factors to consider. Thus, they will opt for blister feeders with fast production rates and large capacities to meet their high-volume demands. For instance, high-speed blister feeders with automatic or carousel feeding systems are ideal for large-scale production lines that require rapid feeding of capsules, pills, and other pharmaceutical products.

• Product compatibility:

  Different types of blister feeders are suitable for feeding different products. Therefore, business buyers should choose the type of blister feeder based on the specific products they will be using. For example, if they need to feed irregularly shaped items, they should choose a blister feeder with an inclined belt and bucket type feeding system that will ensure gentle handling and prevent product damage.

• Material and construction quality:

  Business buyers should choose blister feeders with materials and construction quality that can withstand the demands of their production environments. Opting for blister feeders with sturdy materials and robust construction will increase the longevity and reliability of the machines. For example, blister feeders made with stainless steel are ideal for the pharmaceutical industry as they are corrosion-resistant and easy to clean.

• Maintenance and ease of operation:

  Considering the ease of operation and maintenance of the blister feeder is crucial for ensuring smooth production processes. Business buyers should look for features such as user-friendly controls, easy-access maintenance points, and clear documentation. For instance, blister feeders with intuitive touchscreen interfaces allow operators to set and monitor machine parameters easily.

Q&A

Q1: What is a blister feeder?

A1: A blister feeder is a machine that automatically feeds and supplies products packed in blister trays to other machines or workstations.

Q2: How does a blister feeder work?

A2: A blister feeder works by using a combination of motors, sensors, and mechanical components to pick up blisters from a moving tray and drop them into a designated space.

Q3: What are the types of blister feeders?

A3: The blister feeders are classified based on their mechanism and construction into pneumatic, mechanical, and electromagnetic types.

Q4: What products can a blister feeder handle?

A4: Blister feeders can handle a wide range of products packed in blisters, including pills, batteries, tools, cosmetics, and electronic components.

Q5: What are the advantages of using a blister feeder?

A5: The advantages of using a blister feeder include increased efficiency, reduced labor costs, improved product placement accuracy, and minimized risk of product damage.