Packaging Machinery - News, Technology and Reviews

Even though there is no cardboard involved, clamshell packaging is remarkably secure for its innovative use of thermoplastic in shapes and forms that are surprisingly durable and resistant to damage. It is due to this remarkable property of clamshell packaging, that a huge number of commercial establishments employ this technology while marketing their products. Everything from zip drives to microprocessors may securely be packaged and deployed in clamshell packages, without the risk of damaging them.

Clamshells vs Blisters
The material used in clamshell packaging is quite similar to that employed in blister packaging. The nomenclature indicates the difference between the two packaging techniques. In the case of blister packaging, one cup-shaped lamella is glued onto a flat strip of material. However, in case of clamshell packaging, an adhesive is generally not required. Two separately molded cups of plastic (generally having a common hinge) are used in this form of packaging, so that they ‘snap-fit’ like the shells of a clam. Hence, not only is the clamshell package secure, but also reusable.

Commercial Availability
Clamshell packages are available from different manufacturing firms, particularly firms that specialize in plastic goods. National Plastics Inc. and Andex may be named in this context. Different ranges of clamshell packages are available. Clients may purchase from the ranges of pre-existing shapes and moulds or order custom moulds for specific goods.

Thermoforming
Interestingly, clamshell packaging and blister packaging employ the same kind of technology. This technology is commonly referred to as ‘thermoforming’. Thermoforming involves the stretching of thermoplastic films or sheets over molds that impart the specific shapes to them. In fact, this is not the only technique used in thermoforming. Thermoforming techniques include twin-sheet forming, pressure forming, drape forming, simple sheet bending, vacuum forming and free blowing. Corresponding kinds of equipment are available for each technique of thermoforming. An example of such equipment is the vacuum/pressure assist thermoforming machine.

Manufacturers and Machinery
Different industries manufacture thermoforming equipment used in the production of clamshell packages. MEAF Machines produces several models like the BMS 500, the CM 420, the PM 420 and the BMS 600. Plastimach and GN plastics are two other examples of industries manufacturing thermoforming devices.

Forms and Variations
Clamshell packaging has its own variations. Conventional tri-fold clamshells and stock clamshells are examples of the different types of clamshells that are generally found. Custom shapes are quite often available for specific products. Almost all examples of tri-fold clamshell packaging involve molded snap-fitting attachments at the top, so that even without the use of commercial adhesives, the package is quite secure.