Small-Batch Packaging Equipment for Labs, Clinical Trials and R&D

Developing a new package or preparing a short production run starts with deciding which operations you need. Mactec offers compact blister, pouch, and filling platforms for lab, clinical trial, and R&D projects, including a small blister packaging machine, the NanoXL.

Start with the package-development task

A team evaluating a seal has different equipment needs from a team making a complete filled package. Identify whether you need to form a cavity, dose or place the product, seal the package, and finish or code it. Note which steps will remain manual during development.

Compare platforms for small batches

• MT Table Top Blister Sealer: a starting point for sealing prepared blisters. It is not a complete forming and filling line.
• NanoXL: compare when the project needs blister forming, filling, sealing, perforating, and cutting.
• MTVP100: discuss vertical sachet and unit-dose pouch production, with the feeding method selected for your product.
• MTMB24: explore filling and application-specific closing operations for small rigid containers.

Plan for the work between batches

For short runs, preparation and format changes matter alongside machine speed. Share the number of products and package sizes, expected batch quantities, available operators, and the frequency of tooling or material changes. Ask what must be adjusted, cleaned, or replaced when moving to the next format.

Check installation access and the development environment

Measure the route into the working area as well as the space available once equipment is installed. Include doorways or access openings, operator reach and maintenance access. Identify environmental or product-exposure restrictions early; a compact machine is not automatically suitable for operation inside an enclosure.

When evaluating packaging materials or tooling, explain the question the trial must answer and which package features remain undecided. Keep product-protection and stability requirements separate from machine-selection assumptions. Engineering review and the responsible product team must define the evaluation needed.

The packaging equipment RFQ checklist helps separate available information from decisions still under development.

Questions for your development project

Can I start by testing only the sealing operation?

If your blister is already formed and loaded, discuss a sealing-only setup. If you need to create the cavity and fill it as well, compare a form-fill-seal platform instead.

Does a laboratory configuration establish future production output?

No. Define the planned production process separately, including loading, filling, staffing, and package acceptance criteria. A development trial does not establish output for a different configuration.

What information should we bring?

Bring the product and packaging samples available, package drawings, the development question you need to answer, and the formats you expect to evaluate. Identify coding, inspection, and documentation requirements for review.

Discuss your small-batch application

Share your package-development goals and the operations you need. Mactec can review the equipment options with your team.