Small and large: pharmaceutical packaging on a compact footprint

The BEC 400 networks feeders, blister machine and cartoner into a perfect unit over a length of less than nine meters.  Designed for large-volume folding boxes and the packaging of multiple blisters in a single pack, the line has the largest format range in the BEC family. With a speed of up to 400 blisters per minute, it packs all common solid geometries in two lanes and with high performance. Time-saving format changes in under 30 minutes, easy cleaning, and intuitive operation via the SmartControl HMI ensure maximum performance and safety – for flexible packaging of batches up to a size of around 150,000 folding boxes.

Combined with Uhlmann's services and digital solutions, the BEC 400 blister line forms a coordinated complete system that reliably supports pharmaceutical producers in every market requirement.

The benefits to you of the BEC 400 blister line

Large

Reliable complete system especially for packaging large-volume folding boxes and large stacks

Small

High-performance pharmaceutical packaging of batch sizes between 30,000 and 150,000 packages in a compact space

Flexible

Maximum flexibility in dynamic markets thanks to fast format changes in less than 30 minutes and processing of all common solid geometries

Safe

Highest levels of performance and safety thanks to reliable technology and simple, intuitive operation, even by inexperienced operators

Digital

Unmatched productivity thanks to seamless integration into fully automated production environments

Mediengalerie: Blisterlinie BEC 400 im Fokus

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Blister line BEC 400
 

Heating and forming station

Brush box feeder

Vibratory feeder

SimTap feeder

Rotary sealing

Embossing, perforating and punching station

Carton feeder
The design of the rotary carton feeder takes ergonomics into account. The carton blanks are easily loaded into the magazine.

Product loading
The servo-regulated product loader accurately inserts blisters and leaftlets in the cartons.

Closing station
The cartoner module – here the closing station – is also designed for fast, tool-free format changeovers. An optional alternative is the integration of a station that permits a changeover from tuck-in to hot-melt closure. All marking and inspection systems for a Track & Trace application can be incorporated into the closing unit.

Platen sealing station

Cutting-Edge Machines Blister Line BEC 400 + USP + E 4004
Perfect integration of a blister and cartoner module as well as serialization platform and end-of-line equipment. Max. output: 400 blisters, 150 cartons and 4 cases per minute.

Uhlmann Blister line BEC 400
The BEC 400 is the ideal line for the processing of all common solid dose products and types of forming material in batches of up to 150,000 packs. Particular characteristics of the compact combination incorporating a blister and a cartoner module include a high level of flexibility and very fast format changeovers.

BEC 400 in detail

Technical data at a glance
Max. output 400 blisters/min.
Mode of operation 2-lanes
Scope of application solid dose products
Sealing principle platen or rotary sealing
Max. format area [index x width] 200 x 284 mm
Max. forming depth 12 mm (PVC), 11 mm (Al)
Max. reel diameter forming material 600 mm (800 mm*), lid material 300 mm (400 mm*)
Processable forming materials laminated Al foils, PVC, PVC/PVDC, PVC/Aclar, PP
Processable lid materials hard Al, soft Al, paper/Al, Al with defined hardness, others upon request
*optional extension  

 

Max. output 150 cartons/min.
Scope of application blisters
Max. carton size [A x B x H] 105 x 100 x 170 mm
Pitch 140 mm
Max. no. of blisters 14
Max. blister stack height 95 mm
Types of closure  tuck-in and hot-melt, 4th flap

 

Questions & Answers about the BEC 400 blister line

How many blisters can the BEC 400 blister line pack into one folding box?
On the BEC 400 blister line, up to 14 blisters with a maximum stack height of 95 mm can be packed in one folding box. The line is designed for the packaging of large-volume pharmaceutical products and, with more than three blisters per folding box, represents the most economical alternative among Uhlmann's blister lines.

Which formats can be packaged on the BEC 400 blister line?
The BEC 400 has the largest format range of the BEC family. Accordingly, pharmaceutical operators can package a variety of solid formats on the line:

  • Large blister formats of up to 100 x 165 mm can be packaged highly efficiently.
  • A maximum folding box height of 170 mm enables the implementation of a wide variety of folding box sizes or formats.
  • Drawing depths of 12 mm for PVC blisters and 11 mm for aluminum blisters are possible with the forming film without any performance restrictions.
  • The BEC 400 is particularly suitable for packaging larger stacks of blisters and packs stacks of up to 14 blisters in one folding box.
     

How powerful is the BEC 400 blister line?
The BEC 400 packs solid products at a maximum speed of up to 400 blisters and up to 150 folding boxes per minute.

How fast are format changeovers on the BEC 400 blister line?
With the BEC 400, a format change can be performed by one person in less than 30 minutes. The few, lightweight format parts can be replaced without tools. The SmartControl operating system also guides inexperienced operators step-by-step through the format changeover and supports them during the production phase.

Is special training required to operate the BEC 400 blister line?
No, because user-friendliness is the focus of the BEC 400 – as it is for all Uhlmann blister lines: The system is easy to clean, retool and operate. The few, lightweight format parts allow changeovers in a very short time. In addition, the operating system guides operators through format changes and provides support during operation. The rotary folding box feeder is designed for ergonomic operation thanks to the optimum working height. Smooth surfaces and the easily visible balcony design enable fast, GMP-compliant cleaning in a short space of time - which is why the BEC 400 can also be operated by inexperienced personnel.

If particularly fast ramp-up and high process reliability are important issues for you, Uhlmann offers customized training for operating and maintenance personnel.

Can the BEC 400 be set up at an angle or offset?
With the BEC 400, the blister machine and the cartoner can be arranged in a straight line, offset or in an L-shape relative to each other. We will be happy to advise you on how to fit the BEC 400 into your production space.

Can the BEC 400 be interrupted by a pharmaceutical wall?
The blister machine and the cartoner can be separated by a pharmaceutical wall or can be set up in different rooms (e.g. different cleanroom classes).

How can the BEC 400 blister line be controlled?
The SmartControl operating system, Uhlmann's unique HMI (Human Machine Interface), can be used to operate the entire line from feeding to palletizing. With an exceptional graphical user interface, intuitive user guidance and the clearly structured layout, even operators with little experience will quickly become familiar with the BEC 400 blister line.

Can the BEC 400 blister line be integrated into fully automated production processes?
The BEC 400 blister line can be smoothly integrated into existing or new IT environments. This applies to "Track & Trace" solutions from Uhlmann or other manufacturers as well as to fully automated, digital processes. Our Pexcite software platform is particularly well suited for the complex, digital requirements of Production 4.0. In this way, we offer you manufacturer-independent networking of machines and equipment along the entire pharmaceutical value chain from a single source.

Can the BEC 400 be equipped with a "Track & Trace" system?
There is sufficient space in the cartoner of the BEC 400 for the integration of camera and printing systems. Thus, the line can be easily equipped with hardware for Track & Trace. In addition, Uhlmann offers specially developed software solutions for Track & Trace.

How sustainable is the BEC 400 blister line?
With the BEC 400, manufacturers of pharmaceuticals are ideally positioned for the requirements of the future. Like the entire BEC family, it also processes easily recyclable monomaterials or films made from renewable raw materials reliably and efficiently. When purchasing the BEC 400, pharmaceutical producers invest in a line that will achieve high productivity over decades with the help of regular upgrades and modernizations from Uhlmann.

With the BEC 400, you can choose between roller or plate sealing. Which sealing principle is suitable for which product?
The rotary roller sealing:

  • is basically applicable for all film types
  • seals, for example, standard blisters with round tablets or capsules efficiently and reliably
  • is also suitable for aluminum blisters with a pocket length of up to 29 mm
  • has a cooled feed roller, which minimizes film shrinkage - for optimum sealing results that are gentle on the product
  • is optionally equipped with a cover film preheater, which enables the processing of peel-push films
     

The clocked plate sealing:

  • has a horizontal film run
  • delivers optimum results even with larger aluminum pockets or calendar packs
  • is suitable for special cover foils as well as for peel and peel-push blisters
  • guarantees a constant sealing time regardless of the number of cycles
     

Which solids feeders are suitable for the BEC 400 blister line?
Whether vibratory feeder, brush-in feeder or SimTap feeder – all standard feeders from Uhlmann can be integrated into the BEC 400. Several feeders can also be operated in parallel. In addition to standard solid feeders, Uhlmann also offers you the option of having customized feeders developed.

Can another cartoner also be connected to the blister module of the BEC 400?
Due to its modular design, the BEC 400 blister machine can also be combined with another cartoner. We will be happy to advise you on this!

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Our blister lines at a glance

  PERFORMANCE MINIMUM LENGTH BASE MODEL CHARGE SIZE MAX. FORMAT AREA
BLISTER MODULE [Feed x Width]
Max. 200 or 300 blisters/min.
Max. 150 / 300 folding boxes/min.
8.7 m 2,000-50,000 packages 200 x 145 mm
Max. 150 / 300 blisters/min.
Max. 150 / 300 folding boxes/min.
7.9 m < 70,000 packages 200 x 145 mm
Max. 400 blisters/min.
Max. 150 folding boxes/min.
8.4 m 30,000-150,000 packages 200 x 284 mm
Max. 500 blisters/min.
Max. 300 / 500 folding boxes/min.
9.8 m > 150,000 packages 200 x 284 mm
Max. 700 blisters/min.
Max. 300 / 500 folding boxes/min.
10.3 m > 150,000 packages 200 x 284 mm

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