Introduction
Blister pack, which is created using a pre-formed plastic connected to a cardboard board, is one of the most common methods that companies use to pack and present small products to the consumer. If properly selected, the use of blister packs is effective in protecting the products while at the same time availing the contents for customers to view. Choosing the right blister pack for your product is crucial and should involve some planning. Here is the list of a few steps, which must be followed to evaluate the right blister packaging:
Step 1: Define what is being packaged
First, analyze the product that you are going to pack very carefully. Take some notes regarding its size and shape as well as its weight and how easily it can be broken. Is it a single product such as a toy or an individual small loose items such as screws among others? Blister packs are available in different sizes, shapes of the mold, and number of compartments to ensure safe storage. If your product is not simply a cube or rectangular prism, you will require a blister mould of the same shape. Some items, such as glass and ceramics, may require additional protection as well.
Step 2: Involves thinking on how it will be represented:
Thirdly, it is required to decide where and how the blister packed product is to be located and further positioned. Will it be on the shelves, hooks or will it hang somewhere? This affects the type of card style that is selected. Hanging blister cards can have holes in the top and may require additional length. Products standing on shelves perform well in sturdier cards with the ability of great bottoms. In the case of peg hooks, the blisters with reinforcements where the hole goes can help in preventing the tearing.
Step 3: Choose Materials
You will also need to determine on the plastic film and card types. Some of the most used plastic films are PVC, PETG, PET, PVDC or PVP. All of them have their advantages and disadvantages as for the strength, clarity of the material, its permeability, and rigidity. For the card, available choices include paperboard, lighter plastic, or thicker plastic such as vinyl cards. Strength needs, purpose of the display and budget, and environmental factors must also be taken into consideration. Structural designers can advise on the most suitable material pairings.
Step 4: Determine Dimensions
The next step is settling on exact blister dimensions: the external dimensions of the cavity, the size of the flanges, and the size of cards in general. Be sure to measure the product that you want to place in the box and ensure that there is enough space so that the product does not shift within the box. However, reducing the empty space also looks more attractive when displayed on shelves. Figure out which size of cards are best suited for storage, shipping and display depending on your requirments. Prepare technical sketches that depict the exact dimensions of the packaging manufacturer’s packaging solution.
Step 5: Select Added Features Other added features that should be included are;
Any other features for functionality, safety and aesthetic value should also be taken into consideration. Will the pack require the use of tamper-evident seals or perforations? Should the plastic and card remain as one piece or should they be designed in such a way that they can be separate from each other? Will foam cushioning insert be of any assistance? Is the card to be designed with cutouts, special printing or coloring. What about concave bubbles or other enhancements? Incorporation of additional functions also raises costs but may enhance looks, security and functionality.
Step 6: Research Manufacturers
Now that you know the ideal specifications, you can begin your search for blister packaging manufacturers. Give them your technical drawings, your samples and details on how to use your product. Request them to give their prices, the quantities that are viable to order and the time it takes to produce the product. Assure they have the capability to produce exactly the type of blister packs that you require without fail. Do not forget to ask for product samples also in order to give a try on the quality of the products being offered.
Step 7: Purchase Test Samples
The first time when you are given initial product samples, by a few manufacturers, you should examine and check them well. Ensure that the quality of the plastic and card material meets your order requirements and understand how professional the printing work appears. Ensure that the products to be packed fit neatly within the blister molds and the compartments. Perform any relevant assemble/disassemble times tests and check the seals if necessary. Also verify overall toughness by drop or puncture test if necessary. Offer manufacturers feedback to adjust samples as necessary.
Step 8: Place initial orders
Once you are satisfied with the final product samples from the manufacturer you have selected, you are now ready to place your first formal orders. It is advisable to begin cautiously with relatively low order volumes in the event of any problems arising once you have deployed the blisters. After a number of boxes arrive, it is necessary to review the incoming orders before reaching the maximum production output of the blister packs.
Conclusion
Choosing the right blister packer is not an easy task but it is worth it since it results in a better presentation, security, and sales of the product. Adopting a structured approach where you evaluate a set of important parameters and trying various designs of blister packs will help you identify the most suitable blisters for your products. Working with a reliable blister pack supplier means getting additional help when it comes to the impact your packaged products create when displayed in stores. Since blister packaging is designed to suit your requirements, you will get your business ready for retail business.