Blow Moulding Machines and Their Uses
Blow molding machines are used to produce a variety of hollow plastic workpieces. This versatile manufacturing process is used across multiple industries to create useful products that are necessary in our daily lives.
The process works by using melted plastic resin that is fed into an accumulator. Once the accumulator fills with enough molten plastic, a ram piston forces it into a mold under high pressure.
Thermoplastics
Thermoplastics are a group of synthetic materials that contain long chains of atoms or molecules. These chains can be linked together to form different polymers, which have unique physical and chemical properties. These properties make them ideal for use in a variety of manufacturing applications. Thermoplastics are lightweight, durable, and corrosion-resistant. They can withstand harsh environmental conditions and chemicals, and they are also easy to process and shape into various shapes and sizes.
Blow molding is a popular plastic manufacturing technique that uses air pressure to produce hollow-bodied workpieces. It is one of the most widely used methods to create plastic bottles, jars, and containers for different industries. This method can be used with either a thermoset or thermoplastic polymer. It yields finished products with incredible tensile strength, which is essential for beverage bottles. It also increases the barrier properties of plastic containers, which improves clarity and tolerable drop impact.
There are two types of blow molding processes: injection and extrusion. Injection blow molding involves inserting a plastic or polymer into a mold, which is then heated and inflated until the desired shape is formed. It is ideal for complex, high-performance parts that require a lot of detail. However, part design must be carefully considered to ensure cycle time and material usage are optimized. Xometry’s engineering team can help with this, and we offer this service free of charge as a value-added service for our customers.
Materials
The type of raw material used in a blow molding machine will determine the outcome of the molded product. The plastic resin must be compatible with the process and meet the required performance criteria. This will ensure that the final product is safe for use and meets any necessary regulatory requirements. In addition, the material should be cost-effective to produce. This will allow manufacturers to maximize profits and competitiveness while minimizing costs.
The main types of materials used in blow molding include PET, LDPE, HDPE, and blow molding machine PVC. These materials are suitable for various applications, including food packaging and bottles, chemical containers, and cleaning products. These plastics can withstand high temperatures and are easy to recycle. They are also resistant to odors, toxins, and chemicals.
When selecting a plastic for a blow molding project, consider its machinability, melt strength, and clarity. This will ensure that the finished product is strong and durable. In addition, the material should be easily formed and have a good surface finish. This will improve the aesthetics of the finished product and increase its usability.
The blow molding process can be automated, which reduces the need for labor and increases production efficiency. This will also reduce the amount of waste produced. In addition, it will minimize production time and save on energy costs. The automation of the process will also increase the quality of the end product.
Processes
The blow molding process uses heated plastic that is blown into a mold to create hollow-bodied blow molding machine factory workpieces. The process is used to produce bottles, jars, and containers for many different products. This process is very useful for manufacturers because it allows them to increase production capabilities and decrease costs. In addition, it can reduce the amount of time that is needed to make a product.
There are several processes that can be used in a blow molding machine, including extrusion blow moulding (EBM) and injection stretch blow moulding (ISBM). EBM uses an Archimedean screw that turns and melts the plastic. The melted plastic is then shaped into a hollow tube called a parison, which is then secured to the cavity mold and inflated with low-pressure air to form the final product. Once the product has cooled, the machine opens the mold and ejects it.
Another type of blow molding process is injection stretch blow moulding, which is commonly used for soda bottle production. Injection stretch blow moulding uses an injection-moulded preform, which is then stretched and blown into its final shape by a stretch blow moulding machine. This process is particularly useful for manufacturers that want to produce multiple designs of blow-molded products in a single machine. It can also reduce the number of rejected products due to short parisons, which are tubes that are not long enough to fill the mold.
Applications
Blow molding is an incredibly versatile manufacturing process that can be used to create many different types of plastic products. It’s widely used to manufacture bottles and containers for food, beverages, and personal care products. It’s also used to produce plastic sports equipment such as baseball bats and hockey sticks, as well as industrial items like storage tanks and drums.
In this process, plastic resin, usually in the form of small pellets or granules, is melted and forced into a hollow tube shape, called a parison. This is then captured by the mould and pressurized air is blown into it, forcing the hot plastic to conform to the shape of the mould, taking on its final form.
Extrusion blow molding (EBM) is the most common type of blow molding, and can be continuous or intermittent. During continuous extrusion, the preform is continuously fed and inflated, while in intermittent extrusion, each new parison is inflated after the previous one has been cooled.
Increasingly, manufacturers are using auxiliary equipment to reduce energy consumption in blow-molding operations. This can be achieved by replacing traditional hydraulic drives with energy-efficient electric drives, which can significantly lower production costs while decreasing maintenance requirements. Additionally, energy recovery systems can be used to recycle excess heat generated during cooling and compressed air processes. This helps reduce overall energy usage and makes blow-molding machines an environmentally-friendly choice for companies producing plastic bottles and containers.
