Blow Molded Cases
A blow molded case is a tough carrying case used to hold tools, valuable electronic devices, heavy sound equipment, and a variety of other items that may need to be protected during transport. Blow molded cases are manufactured using a high grade plastic solution, and, as the name suggests, they are created using a blow molding process. Anyone who uses a blow molded case can be confident that whatever tool or device they place inside it will be well protected from damage.
Quick links to Blow Molded Cases Information
Applications of Blow Molded Cases
A blow molded case can be made in many different shapes to accommodate specific objects. While the outside is usually rectangular and includes a carrying handle, the inside may have hollowed out areas that are designed to hold very specific things. Some blow molded cases are completely hollow inside, but most are made for use with a specific product and sold with that product.
Materials Used in Manufacturing Blow Molded Cases
Polyethylene is a popular material for use in blow molded case manufacturing.
Polyethylene offers many distinct advantages, including:
- Light Weight
- Rigidity
- Strength
- Tolerance of Extreme Temperatures
- Water Resistance
- Dent-Proof
- Rust-Proof
- Scratch Resistance
Blow Molding Processes
Blow molding is done by machines that create precise hollow areas in plastic to form parts. The process begins when workers at a plastic manufacturing facility use industrial equipment to melt down plastic material. This melted material is then formed into either a parison (a tube through which compressed air is forced) or a preform, depending on the exact process that is used.
These are the three different types of blow molding processes:
- Extrusion Blow Molding
- The plastic is extruded into the parison after being melted down. The parison is then cooled down in a tightly closed metal mold. As compressed air is blown in, the plastic hollows out and forms into the exact shape of the case mold.
- Injection Blow Molding
- Usually used for large-scale production of blow molded products. The melted plastic material is injected onto a core pin, which is then rotated over a molding station as it is inflated and cooled. The result is a hollow piece of solid plastic that matches the specifications of the blown mold.
- Injection Stretch Blow Molding
- Although an injection stretch blow molding process is capable of manufacturing high volumes of blow molded products, it is also the most expensive. Additionally, the equipment necessary for production can take up a significant amount of floorspace in a manufacturing facility. The plastic is heated, formed, cooled, and then reheated to finish the hollowing out process and create complex shapes.