A Checklist for Developing Blister Cards for Packaging
Developing effective blister cards for packaging requires careful planning and attention to detail. Here’s a checklist of things to consider when designing your own blister cards.
What Is a Blister Card?
Blister packaging is a cost-effective packaging solution for solid unit dose pharmaceuticals. While the transparent part of the packaging allows consumers to visibly see the medication, most blister packs also include a type of blister card or paperboard that includes graphics and product details, such as a logo and instructions for use.
Don’t Miss a Step With This Blister Card Printing Checklist
Once your blister packaging is manufactured, you’ll need to print your logo and product information on the blister card. Here’s a checklist that also includes other packaging considerations to help guide you through the process:
Step 1: Select a Lidding Material
When it comes to packaging your product, the choice of backing for your blister card is an important one. While paperboard, aluminum foil, and cardboard are the most common lidding materials used for blister packs, there are a variety of other options that can provide the best fit for your product’s packaging needs. If your product needs to be water resistant, UV protected, or tamper-proof, you may want to consider using a film or laminate material. These substrates provide extra layers of protection and are great for high product visibility. Plastic sheets are another option that can give you the desired level of protection while also providing a glossy finish.
Step 2: Choose the Right Ink for Your Blister Pack
Making the right choice of ink is an important part of producing quality blister packs. When selecting the right ink for your blister packaging needs, consider the type of lidding material you’re printing on. Different inks are used on different materials. For example, a water-based ink may be suitable for paper but won’t work well on plastic or vinyl.
Step 3: Consider Printing Press Compatibility
When it comes to printing your packaging materials, make sure you have the right press for the job. Whether it’s a thin film or a thicker paperboard material, you need a press that’s capable of adjusting and adapting to the thickness of the material. Before starting your project, make sure to double-check with your printing team to confirm that your press is compatible with the packaging materials you plan to use.
Step 4: Prepare Your MSDS Documentation
Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) are critical for any facility using chemicals. MSDS documents provide you valuable information about hazardous materials you’re using on-site and must be made available to employees in the event of an emergency. In terms of packaging design, it will provide you with information on the right kind of image carrier covering needed to protect your product and ensure maximum safety for your employees. MSDS documents also provide other important facts, such as potential material hazards, required protective gear, and safety procedures.
Step 5: Invest in In-House Blister Packaging Machinery and Tooling
Assembling your blister packaging in-house requires much more than a printing press. The good news is that there’s a lot of equipment available to help you get the job done. Automatic blister packaging machinery, adhesive application capabilities, and blister tooling are essential for creating high-quality blister card packages. While purchasing this equipment is a big investment, it’s one that can pay off in the long run.
Step 6: Make Sure Your Anilox Rolls Work
Anilox rolls are an essential component of any printing process. They transfer ink, adhesive, or glue to the image carrier and are responsible for controlling the amount of substance that is transferred. Ensuring that anilox rolls are in good shape is key to a high-quality printing job.
Step 7: Think About Special Considerations
When it comes to pharmaceutical blister packaging, it’s also important to understand how to properly match the print or gluing to the die cut board by ensuring the image carrier and die cylinder are an exact match. It’s also essential to consider which type of cutting process will be used—whether it’s rotary or flatbed. In addition, factor in any material transfer considerations for your ink, glue, or other adhesive.
Thermoforming blister packaging is a method that uses heat to create blister packs.
Complete Your Card Assembly With Blister Packaging Tooling and Equipment
At Ascend Packaging, we understand how important the right tooling and equipment are for creating the perfect blister pack. That’s why we offer a wide range of blister packaging tooling and equipment to help you achieve the best results. Contact us today to learn more about our innovative tooling and machinery.
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About Us
Ascend Packaging Systems LLC is focused on bottle filling and blister packaging for the pharmaceutical industry. With our mix of self-manufactured and distributed products, we can support our customers with all their packaging equipment needs.
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Ascend Packaging Systems LLC.
3885 Industrial Avenue
Rolling Meadows, IL 60008
