6 Types of Elmach Blister Packing Machine

Elmach is one of the most recognised names in pharmaceutical blister packaging. Founded in 1988 and based in Mumbai, Elmach has installed over 4,800 blister packing machines across more than 106 countries.

For manufacturers researching blister packaging equipment, Elmach machines come up repeatedly and for good reason. This guide will tell you more about the brand, their most popular models, and help you understand what to look for.

Let’s get into it then.

Who Is Elmach?

Elmach Packages India Pvt. Ltd. started operations in 1988 in Mumbai with vacuum forming technology, before moving to cold-form technology in the 2000s.

Over more than three decades, the company has built a reputation as one of the most established blister packaging machine manufacturers. Moreover, it currently holds a market share of more than 4,800 blister packing machines installed across over 106 countries.

Elmach’s client list includes major multinational companies such as Cipla, Dr.Reddy’s, Lupin, Alken, RPG Life Sciences, and more.

Elmach Blister Packing Machines: Introduction and Overview

Elmach’s blister packing machine range covers a wide spectrum of outputs, forming technologies, and automation levels. Here is a quick comparison between the five models most commonly sought by buyers:

Let’s take a detailed look at all these models that you might commonly find everywhere.

1. Elmach 2000 Blister Machine

The EPI-Large 2000 is described by Elmach as their most versatile thermoforming machine for capsules, tablets, and caplets. It has a maximum output of 300 packs per minute, a forming depth of 16mm, and a maximum PVC base film width of 210mm.

Key Specs and Features

• Output: Max 300 packs per minute.
• Forming Depth: 16mm
• Base Film Width: Max 210mm
• Power Consumption: 8 kVA
• Full stainless steel body.
• Optional features include separate punching and perforation stations, print registration control, and hot perforation and embossing.

Best Suited For

Mid-range pharmaceutical manufacturers packaging standard tablets and capsules who need reliable thermoforming output without a large investment in automation. Its 16mm forming depth accommodates a wide range of standard solid dosage products.

Limitations to Be Aware Of

The EPI-Large 2000 does not support cold-form ALU-ALU packaging, limiting it to thermoformed PVC and PVDC formats. It also lacks the servo-driven independent station control found in higher-tier Elmach models.

2. Elmach 2500 Blister Packing Machine

The EPI-2500 features edge-to-edge cutting that saves 6mm of foil per pack, inbuilt print registration control and non-fill detection, and a pick-and-place system for downstream automation.

Key Specs and Features

• Output: Max 300 packs per minute
• Forming Depth: Max 10mm
• Base Film Width: Max 210mm
• Power Consumption: 9 kW peak, 6 kW average
• Inbuilt print registration control with 8 to 10 percent foil saving.
• Non-fill detection as standard.
• Recipe programming through man-machine interface.
• Stainless steel cladding conforming to cGMP standards.

Best Suited For

Manufacturers who want cost efficiency through foil savings alongside non-fill detection and downstream automation readiness. The built-in print registration and cGMP-compliant cladding make it a practical choice for regulated pharmaceutical environments at mid-range output.

Limitations to Be Aware Of

The 10mm forming depth is shallower than the EPI-Large 2000, limiting compatibility with larger or taller solid dosage products. Like the 2000, it supports only thermoformed PVC and PVDC formats and does not offer servo-driven stations.

3. Elmach 3000 Blister Packing Machine

Next up is the EPI-3000 FB XT that uses intermittent compressed air forming with a continuous rotary sealing station. It also has a full-function PLC control system and edge-to-edge pack cutting.

Key Specs and Features

• Output: Max 300 packs per minute.
• Forming Depth: Max 12mm
• Max Format Area: 220mm x 200mm
• Base Film Width: Max 230mm.
• Power Consumption: 10 kW peak, 7 kW average
• Full-function PLC with universal brush feeder, dedicated feeder, and multi-feeder options.
• Optional non-fill detection, flexo-foil printer, collator, hot batch coding, and hot perforation.

Best Suited For

Ideal for manufacturers needing a reliable, high-output thermoforming machine with flexible feeding arrangements and a wider format area. The 3000 FB XT suits operations running varied pack sizes and product types on a single line.

Limitations to Be Aware Of

The EPI-3000 FB XT is a thermoforming-only machine and does not support ALU-ALU cold-form packaging. It also lacks the servo-driven independent station control and touchscreen HMI recipe management.

4. Elmach 3010 Blister Packing Machine

The EPI-3010 PDA is a servo-driven flatbed machine capable of both thermoforming and cold-forming.

This machine features a user-friendly touchscreen HMI with recipe settings and product library functions for quick changeovers, and supports both PVC thermoformable films and tri-laminated aluminum cold-form materials.

Key Specs and Features

• Output: Up to 240 blisters per minute.
• Speed: Up to 50 cycles per minute thermoforming, 40 cycles per minute cold-forming.
• Max Foil Width: 300mm.
• Max Forming Depth: 12mm.
• Power Consumption: 13 kW, 10 kW average.
• Touchscreen HMI with recipe and product library.
• Edge-to-edge print registration control.
• Easy slide-in tooling for punch, embossing, and perforation.
• Optional pinhole detection, non-filled camera system, inkjet printing, and splice detection.

Best Suited For

You can get this machine if you need both thermoforming and cold-form ALU-ALU capability on a single machine. The servo-driven stations and quick-changeover tooling make it particularly well suited to facilities running multiple product types or pack formats with frequent changeovers.

Limitations to Be Aware Of

The maximum output of 240 blisters per minute is lower than the EPI-2015 PDA, making it less suitable for high-volume continuous production. The forming depth is limited to 12mm, which may not accommodate all product sizes, particularly larger capsule formats.

5. Elmach 3015 Blister Packing Machine

Lastly, the EPI-3015 PDA is Elmach’s flagship flatbed machine for thermoforming and cold-forming. It supports PVC, PVC/PVDC, PVC/ACLAR, PET, PETG, and ALU-ALU cold-form materials, with the ability to switch between thermoforming and cold-forming modes directly from the HMI.

Key Specs and Features

• Output: Up to 450 blisters per minute.
• Max Forming Area: 300mm x 166mm.
• Max Forming Depth: 12mm.
• Connected Load: 20 kW UPS supply, 32 kW heating load.
• Machine Weight: 3,000kg approx.
• All stations servo motor driven.
• Continuous sealing pressure monitoring.
• Forming depth correction on the fly for ALU-ALU.
• Retractable sealing during machine stop to prevent material damage.
• Slide-in tooling for quick changeovers.
• Separate reject containers for scrap and misfilled blisters.
• Optional 21 CFR Part 11 compatibility, batch report, and audit trail, multi-product feed system.

Best Suited For

High-volume pharmaceutical manufacturers require maximum output, full material flexibility across PVC and ALU-ALU formats, and a GMP-ready platform. The optional 21 CFR Part 11 compatibility makes it directly relevant for FDA-regulated facilities.

Limitations to Be Aware Of

The EPI-3015 PDA is the largest and heaviest machine in the Elmach range. It includes chilled water and a high-capacity compressed air supply. For manufacturers not requiring cold-form capability or very high output, the cost and complexity of the 3015 may exceed what their production actually demands.

Purchase Tips: What to Check Before Buying an Elmach Machine

Elmach machines are well-regarded in the pharmaceutical packaging industry, but buying one, whether new or used, still requires proper due diligence. Here is what to check before committing:

1. Clarify Which Model Actually Fits Your Production

The five models covered in this guide serve very different production environments. Before approaching any supplier, be clear on your required output speed, product dimensions, and whether you need cold-form ALU-ALU capability.

Buying a 3015 when a 3000 FB XT covers your actual needs is an expensive mistake. Similarly, buying a 25000 when your formulation requires cold-forming is a compliance risk.

2. New vs Used Elmach Machines

Used Elmach machines are widely available in secondary markets, particularly the 3000 and 3015 models. A used machine can offer meaningful cost savings but comes with real risks.

So, make sure to always request full service and maintenance records, ask about previous formulations run through the machine, and arrange a live demonstration before purchase. Inspect wear components, including sealing jaws and PLC systems.

3. Verify Certifications and Compliance Documentation

Confirm that the machine comes with valid CE certification and, where applicable, cGMP-compliant documentation.

For regulated pharmaceutical facilities requiring validation, ask the supplier upfront whether IQ, OQ, and PQ documentation is available and can be supported. The EPI-3015 PDA offers optional 21 CFR Part 11 compatibility and audit trail functionality.

4. After-Sales Support

Elmach operates sales and service centres across major Indian pharmaceutical manufacturing hubs including Baddi, Bangalore, Chennai, Hyderabad, Roorkee, and Sikkim.

For international buyers, confirm whether local service support or remote diagnostics are available in your region before committing. After-sales infrastructure should always be a purchase criterion.

Looking for an Alternative? Consider Finetech Blister Packaging Machines

Elmach is a well-established name in blister packaging, but it is not the only option worth considering. For manufacturers looking for a GMP-compliant blister packaging machine, Finetech is a strong alternative worth evaluating.

We have been supplying pharmaceutical equipment for over 30 years, serving over 500 clients in 100 countries. Every machine is built to GMP standards, uses certified components, and comes fully commissioned.

Contact the Finetech team today and let us show you what we can build for your operation!