Arcfoil BL 180 Pharmaceutical Blister Lidding Lacquer
A heat-seal lacquer for hard-tempered pharmaceutical lidding foil sealing to PVC, PVdC-coated PVC, PCTFE-laminated PVC and polypropylene blister bases. It is formulated for a consistent seal at the high jaw temperature and very short dwell of a blister machine and for seal integrity through push-through opening.
Grade Arcfoil BL 180 | Range Aluminium Foil and Lidding Lacquers | Technology Solvent-borne heat-seal lacquer, thermoplastic copolymer binder for blister base polymers
Technical Data Sheet
Arcfoil BL 180
Issue 2026.09
1. Product description
A heat-seal lacquer for hard-tempered pharmaceutical lidding foil sealing to PVC, PVdC-coated PVC, PCTFE-laminated PVC and polypropylene blister bases. It is formulated for a consistent seal at the high jaw temperature and very short dwell of a blister machine, and for seal integrity through the push-through opening of the finished blister. Pack qualification sits with the pack and with the pack owner, and Arctic issues a compliance dossier and declarations on request with the Technical Data Sheet.
2. Features
- Seals to PVC, PVdC-coated PVC, PCTFE-laminated PVC and polypropylene blister bases
- Formulated for high jaw temperature and very short dwell on blister machines
- Holds seal integrity through push-through opening of the finished blister
- Compliance dossier and declarations issued on request against the product supplied; pack qualification sits with the pack owner
3. Recommended uses
Push-through lidding for pharmaceutical blister packs on hard-tempered foil, printed or plain, sealed on rotary or platen blister machines.
Substrates. Hard-tempered aluminium foil 20 to 30 micron, printed or plain; sealing to PVC, PVdC-coated PVC, PCTFE-laminated PVC and polypropylene blister bases.
4. Typical properties
| Property | Typical value | Method |
|---|---|---|
| Technology | Solvent-borne heat-seal lacquer, thermoplastic copolymer binder for blister base polymers | Formulation |
| Appearance | Clear to slightly hazy liquid | visual |
| Carrier | Organic solvent blend | formulation |
| Non-volatile content | 20 to 30 per cent by weight | ISO 3251 |
| Supply viscosity, ISO flow cup 4 mm at 23 degrees Celsius | 20 to 40 s | ISO 2431 |
| Dry coat weight applied | 5 to 8 g/m2 | in-house, gravimetric |
| Peak metal temperature in the cure oven | 170 to 200 degrees Celsius | in-house, travelling thermocouple on the web |
| Sealing initiation temperature | 130 to 160 degrees Celsius | seals made to ASTM F2029, strength measured to ASTM F88 |
| Seal strength, web to web | 6 to 12 N per 15 mm, window agreed per pack | ASTM F88 |
| Seal integrity and push-through force | Confirmed on the customer's own blister against the pack owner's criteria | customer or supplier protocol |
Typical values, not a specification. Values for each batch are given on its Certificate of Analysis.
5. Application
| Parameter | Guidance |
|---|---|
| Application method | Roll coated on a web coating line, oven cured |
| Substrate and surface preparation | Hard-tempered aluminium foil 20 to 30 micron, printed or plain. Clean, dry foil with the residual rolling oil level confirmed on incoming coils; hard-tempered foil is not annealed, so confirm direct adhesion by trial and prime with Arcfoil PR 110 where the temper or the oil level makes it unreliable |
| Dilution | Supplied ready for use; if reduction is needed, use only the thinner specified by Arctic for the grade and recheck supply viscosity and solids |
| Applied dry coat weight | 5 to 8 g/m2, checked gravimetrically across the full web width |
| Cure | Peak metal temperature 170 to 200 degrees Celsius, measured with a travelling thermocouple on the web |
| Sealing conditions | Jaw 190 to 220 degrees Celsius, 0.3 to 0.5 MPa, dwell 0.3 to 0.8 s, set on the customer's rotary or platen blister machine separately for each base polymer; polypropylene bases are qualified separately from PVC, PVdC-coated PVC and PCTFE-laminated PVC bases |
| Next step | Confirm seal integrity and push-through force on the finished blister; state the documentation required at change control with the enquiry |
Process. Roll coated on a web coating line and oven cured; sealed on a rotary or platen blister machine, with seal integrity and push-through force confirmed on the customer’s own blister.
6. Storage and handling
Store in the original containers, kept closed, in a cool, dry, covered area out of direct sunlight and within the temperature range given on the label. Shelf life is stated on the label and on the Certificate of Analysis. Handle and use the product in line with its Safety Data Sheet.
7. Safety and regulatory information
Read the Safety Data Sheet before use. Safety Data Sheets and regulatory declarations are issued by our technical centre against the product and batch supplied, so they are sent on request rather than published. Request a Safety Data Sheet or declaration.
This Technical Data Sheet is published for on-screen reference. The information is given in good faith from laboratory and application experience and describes typical values; it is not a specification and does not replace a trial on your own substrate and line. Arctic Materials may revise this sheet without notice. Issue 2026.09.
Technical Data Sheets on this site are for on-screen viewing. For a controlled copy, write to tech@arcticmaterials.com.
Other grades in this range
Need a Safety Data Sheet, a regulatory declaration or a grade specified to your line? Contact our technical centre.