Plastic Blow Molding
Plastic blow molding takes place when a hollow, hot thermoplastic perform is inflated inside a mold, forming the plastic into the shape of the mold. This process of plastic molding creates all kinds of plastic products: a variety of containers, cases, bottles, jugs and many more. Plastic blow molding can be done in three different ways: stretch blow molding, injection blow molding and extrusion blow molding.
Stretch blow molding produces hollow plastic products with biaxial orientation, a trait that provides better physical properties and clarity for the plastic bottles it produces. Injection blow molding injects plastic into the mold, and allows for the finished plastic product to have more precise details and finish. In extrusion blow molding, the plastic is put into an open die, and when it closes, it holds the neck end open while pinching the bottom closed. The plastic is then blown to the shape of the mold, cooled and ejected.
Plastic blow molding is widely used for the versatility of products it can produce in the plastics industry. It is used over other plastic processes because plastic blow molding creates the best hollow plastic parts, it is often less costly than injection molding, and the cycle times are faster than those of rotational molding.