Clamshell packaging is a form of blistering packaging designed with two clear plastic sections joined with a hinge on a centreline. Both sections can fold open and interlock like a clam to create an enclosed container around a product. Depending on the packaging design, these packages are ideal for protecting, containing, transporting, and displaying single items on pegs or shelves.
Our blister/clamshell packaging machines cover various applications and can be customised according to your production needs. All individual modules comprising our blister/clamshell packaging machines are available in automatic and semi-automatic versions according to your production requirements.
Since clam packaging works best for products that won’t fit into conventional blister packaging, blister/clamshell packaging machines are commonly used for packaging goods that come in a set of variable sizes like tool sets, gift sets, cosmetics, etc.
However, other consumer goods like food, fresh produce, candy, smartphones, hardware, electronics, higher-value items like professional golf and squash balls, and medical supplies can be packaged this way.
Designed for medium to higher volume production lines, clamshell packages are formed using various forms of clear plastic like HIPS (high-impact polystyrene), PVC, PET and recycled PET, PETE, PETG, PP (polypropylene), and polyurethane through thermoforming.
Thermoforming is a process of heating rigid plastic sheets into a malleable form and cooling them back into a rigid state around a mould using a vacuum. Thermoformed webs are pliable enough to be formed into virtually any shape.
A reel of stock film web is initially fed through a predefined cavity former called the blister-forming unit. Once the blister has been formed, a guiding track moves the web to the filling station. Here, individual blisters are automatically filled with a product before the web enters the sealing unit.
Conventional sealing units feature a heated sealing station, a cooling station, a package unload station, a bottom blister feed station, an insert card feed station, a top blister feed station, and two extra stations used for product loading.
When the web is in place, a separate reel of aluminium foil is fed into the sealing unit, where it is hermetically sealed to the base web. On the other hand, rotary heat sealers usually come with optional automatic card-feeding and package discharge systems that are freestanding or a permanent fixture, depending on the machine’s design.
Once sealed, the web moves onto the pack punch unit, where packs are separated from the web with the help of an indexing mechanism. Excess web trim is cut away and collected. Finished clamshell packs are collected in large containers or transported on a conveyor belt for further handling. Clam packs can also have studded seals that press together and pull apart like buttons.
Blister/clamshell packaging machines can be linked to a cartoner, and a chilling station can be installed to eliminate the need for routing in-plant chilled water to the machine. Casters and lightweight package hold-down systems also offer greater versatility.
A Blister & Clamshell Packaging Machine is industrial equipment used to form, fill, and seal products inside blister packs or clamshell packages using heat and pressure. These machines are ideal for securely packaging items while providing high visibility of the product inside.
Blister Packaging: Usually consists of a formed plastic cavity sealed to a backing card (paperboard or foil).
Clamshell Packaging: A folding plastic package where two halves are hinged together, creating a protective case that closes around the product.
Both offer product protection, visibility, and theft-deterrent benefits, but clamshells are typically reclosable while blister packs remain tamper-proof.
The machine generally performs the following steps:
Thermoforming/Die Cutting of plastic sheet
Product Loading (manual or automatic)
Sealing the formed blister or clamshell around the product using heat and pressure
Cooling and discharge of the finished packaged product
The process ensures each pack is tightly sealed and uniform.
Blister & Clamshell machines are suitable for a wide range of items including:
Consumer electronics
Toys and hardware
Medical and pharmaceutical devices
Cosmetics and personal care products
Small tools, batteries and accessories
Stationery and retail goods
These machines are particularly effective for high-visibility retail packaging.
Common materials include:
PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride)
PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate)
RPET (Recycled PET)
Clamshell-grade rigid plastics
Paperboard or foil for backing cards (blister style)
Material choice depends on product protection needs and environmental preferences.
Key advantages:
High product visibility for retail display
Strong protection against damage and contamination
Tamper indication for safety-critical products
Customisable pack shapes and sizes
Optimised for automated handling and point-of-sale presentation
Yes — Blister & Clamshell packaging machines can be connected with upstream and downstream systems such as conveyors, part feeders, inserters, labelers, vision systems, and case packers to create a fully automated packaging line.
Blister machines can be adapted for certain food applications if manufactured from food-grade materials and designed to meet hygiene standards. However, clamshell packaging is more commonly used for non-food industrial and retail products. Always check specific machine configuration and regulatory requirements.
Production speed depends on the machine model, product size, and automation level. Some systems can seal dozens to hundreds of blister/clamshell packages per minute when fully equipped with automatic feeders.
Modern machines are typically built with accessible design and stainless-steel frames, allowing for easy cleaning and maintenance. Routine care involves checking sealing elements, cleaning tooling and ensuring sensor alignment.
Yes. Blister and clamshell machines can be adapted with custom tooling and moulds to accommodate specific product shapes, sizes, and packaging designs — ideal for brand differentiation and retail presentation.
Yes. SA Packaging Machinery offers comprehensive installation, operator training, maintenance support and spare parts supply to ensure your machine runs efficiently and reliably from day one.
Consider the following factors:
Product size and fragility
Required production speed
Package style (blister vs clamshell)
Material preferences
Integration with existing systems
Our team can help assess your requirements and recommend the best solution.
