A compact intermittent motion end-load cartoner that links directly to a blister packer with a direct blister transfer mechanism and can run at up to 165 cartons/min has been developed by German manufacturer IWKA Verpackungstechnik.
Said to be 50-65% faster than traditional intermittent machines, and measuring just 3.8m long, the Cartopac SI 10 will also handle products similar in shape to blisters, such as sachets, wound dressings and small vials. The key to its speed is the use of linear motors for the pre-insertion loading stroke that pushes both product and leaflet into the carton.