BQS Machine Change Parts Name: A Complete Guide

The BQS machine is one of the most used blister packaging machines. It has over 1,000 active installations globally. To keep it running, you need to understand the BQS machine change parts names and information.

That’s why in this guide we will cover the change parts of the machine and what each one does on the production floor.

BQS Machine Change Parts Name and Explanation

Here are nine BQS machine change parts names and their explanation:

1. Forming Plate

The forming plate is the core change part on the BQS machine, assembled at the forming station where blister cavities are created. It is a flat plate precisely machined with cavity patterns that match the shape, size, and layout of the product being packaged. Every time a product changes, the forming plate must be swapped to match the new blister layout.

2. Plug Plate and Plug with Plug Holder

Next up is the plug plate and plug with plug holder. They both work together as part of the forming station assembly. The plugs are shaped inserts that fit into forming plate cavities and assist in pushing the heated film uniformly into each pocket. Without correctly matched plugs, the formed blisters can be uneven, too shallow, or structurally weak.

3. Plug Guide Plate

The plug guide plate sits above the forming station and makes sure the plugs descend in a straight, controlled path into the film cavities. It acts as a precision alignment component, preventing lateral movement. On the BQS, even minor misalignment at the forming station causes cavity defects.

4. Feeding Channel

The feeding channel is set on the machine as part of the product infeed system to direct tablets or capsules from the hopper into the blister cavities. It is machined to match the exact size and shape of the product being filled. This ensures that each piece drops cleanly and accurately into its designated pocket.

5. Upper and Lower Sealing Plates

Alongside the above-mentioned parts, the upper and lower sealing plates are assembled at the sealing station where the aluminum foil lid is heat-bonded. The lower sealing plate carries the cavity pattern that supports the filled blister pockets during sealing, while the upper sealing plate applies heat and pressure across the foil.

6. Cooling Plate

The cooling plate is positioned after the sealing station and brings the sealed blister web down to a stable temperature. Sealing generates significant heat on the web. If the material enters the punching station while still warm and soft, the cut edges can deform, creating ragged or imprecise pack outlines.

7. Punching Tool

Next change part on our list is the punching tool that consists of a punch, cutting plate, and support plate. The punch is the upper die that descends to cut the sealed blister web into individual strips or cards. As for the cutting plate, it is the lower die that the punch closes against. Lastly, the support plate holds the web steady during the cut to prevent tearing.

8. Embossing Tool

After sealing, the sealed web passes through the perforation and embossing section. Here, the embossing tool is the change part responsible for pressing the batch number, expiry date, and other regulatory information. It consists of male and female die components that stamp the required characters into the foil.

9. Indexing Drum and Gear

The indexing drum and gear are assembled as part of the web transport and timing system on the BQS machine. This indexing drum controls the step-and-advance movement of the blister web through the machine. It guarantees that the web advances by the correct pitch (Distance between blister cavities).

Know When to Upgrade Your Packaging Setup

Once you understand every BQS machine change parts name, you keep your line running clean and your downtime low. However, always verify material grades and dimensions against your specific machine configuration before sourcing any part.

And if recurring change part costs or production limitations are making you rethink, Finetech has a full blister packaging machine catalog.

We have over 30 years of experience and will help you find the right fit.