PVC Film
Rigid thermoforming film for clear pharmaceutical blister packs.
Rigid PVC film remains the workhorse forming web for pharmaceutical blister packaging worldwide. Unlike plasticised flexible PVC, blister-grade sheet is produced without plasticisers so the formed cavity keeps its shape, protects the dosage form in transit, and still allows a clean push-through release when sealed to aluminium lidding foil.
On the packaging line the film is heated, drawn into a mould, cooled and then sealed to printed or plain hard-temper blister foil. Clarity lets operators and patients see the product; gauge control keeps cavity walls uniform; and a stable sealing window supports high-speed commercial runs.
Plain rigid PVC offers a moderate moisture barrier suitable for many stable solid oral products. Where higher barrier is required, the same PVC backbone is commonly upgraded with PVDC coating or other barrier laminates. Final thickness, width and tint are confirmed against cavity design, machine type and the customer contract.
- Excellent thermoformability on standard blister packaging lines
- High optical clarity for product visibility and inspection
- Rigid, non-plasticised construction for cavity stability
- Reliable heat seal to hard aluminium blister lidding foil
- Cost-effective platform for Zone I / II and many domestic markets
DB Packaging parameters & tolerances.
General product specification. Final values are confirmed against the customer contract and batch documentation.
DB Packaging supplies pharmaceutical rigid PVC film for thermoformed blister packaging of dry solid oral dosages. The film is non-plasticised (rigid PVC / RPVC), selected for clarity, gauge consistency and dependable sealing to hard aluminium blister lidding foils. Final product specifications are made as per the agreed contract with the customer.
Pharma-oriented rigid PVC sheet for dry oral dosage blister packs. Non-plasticised construction for dimensional stability of the formed cavity. Available clear as standard; tinted or UV-filtered variants can be discussed against product and regulatory needs. Suitable as a stand-alone forming web or as the base layer for duplex PVC/PVDC barrier films.
Blister cavities need enough stiffness to protect tablets and capsules, yet remain push-through friendly after sealing. Non-plasticised PVC in the typical 200 to 300 µm range balances those needs on mainstream thermoforming lines. Thinner gauges suit shallower cavities; thicker gauges support deeper draws for larger capsules or softgels.
Plain rigid PVC provides a moderate moisture barrier. Industry reference values for a 250 µm film are commonly in the order of a few grams of water vapour per square metre per day under tropical test conditions, with higher oxygen transmission than aluminium-based packs. For hygroscopic actives or humid markets, PVC is often specified as the thermoformable backbone under a PVDC coating or other high-barrier structure.
The film is designed for heat forming and subsequent heat sealing to pharmaceutical hard-temper lidding foil. Forming and sealing set-points depend on machine, tooling, dwell and foil lacquer. We align gauge, width and reel build to the customer blister format so commercial start-up stays predictable.
Layer Construction & Function
| Layer | Typical Thickness | Function |
|---|---|---|
| Rigid PVC forming film | Typically 200 to 300 µm | Thermoforms into the blister cavity, carries product visibility, and provides the seal face to aluminium lidding foil. |
| Optional upgrade path | PVDC coat weight as specified | Where higher moisture or oxygen barrier is required, PVC is commonly coated or duplexed with PVDC (see Duplex PVC/PVDC). |
250 µm is the most widely specified gauge for standard tablet blisters. 200 µm may be used for lighter cavities; 300 µm and above are typical when deeper draws or larger unit doses need extra wall strength.
Process Notes
- Film is heated on the blister machine, drawn into the cavity mould, then cooled before filling and sealing.
- Typical forming temperatures fall roughly in the 110 to 140°C window; exact set-points follow machine OEM guidance and tool design.
- Seal to hard aluminium blister lidding foil under the lacquer and dwell conditions recommended for that lid stock.
- Gauge uniformity and low gel/defect levels matter for clean cavities and consistent seal integrity at speed.
- Format changes between 200, 250 and 300 µm usually need tooling and heat-profile adjustment, not a different machine class.
Standard Thickness Options
| Film Thickness | Supply Basis | Typical Use |
|---|---|---|
| 200 µm | As per agreed spec | Shallower cavities · lighter packs |
| 250 µm | As per agreed spec | Standard tablet / capsule blisters |
| 300 µm | As per agreed spec | Deeper draw · larger unit doses |
Key Performance Values
Configuration
PVC blister film is supplied in reel form for continuous thermoforming blister lines. Width, OD and core are matched to the customer machine.
| Product form | Rigid PVC film reels for pharmaceutical blister thermoforming. |
| Thickness options | Commonly 200, 250 and 300 µm. Other gauges available against agreed specification. |
| Appearance | Clear standard. Tinted or special optical options subject to approval. |
| Core | Material options: (a) Plastic (b) Cardboard. Core ID typically 76 mm +/- 0.5 mm. Core length equals web width. |
| Reel / Web Width | Cut to blister-line width requirements agreed at order stage. |
| Identification | Each reel identified with specification, net weight, operator reference and date of manufacture as applicable. |
| Packing | Reels packed to protect edges and optical surfaces in transit. Outer markings as per shipment documentation. |
| Quality release | Supplies accompanied by test documentation covering observed values of agreed parameters for the batch. |
Recommended Operating Conditions
- Forming methodThermoforming (heat + pressure / vacuum assist as per machine)
- Typical forming rangeApproximately 110 to 140°C (confirm on line)
- SealingHeat seal to hard Alu blister lidding foil per lid lacquer window
- Machine fitStandard pharmaceutical blister packaging lines
Related products
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