Types of injection blow molding machines

The injection blow molding machine is a specific molding process that can create hollow objects with complex shapes, such as bottles, jars, and containers. This machine molds plastic in three steps: injection, molding, and blow. First, the plastic is injected into the mold, then heated and cooled to create a parison, and finally, air is blown into the parison to create the final product. The injection blow molding machine has many advantages compared to other molding methods. It is efficient for mass-producing small to medium-sized items, ensuring accuracy and consistency. Also, the molding machine can create complex shapes with tightly-toleranced features. The following are the types of injection blow molding machines:

Vertical Injection Blow Molding Machine: This kind of machine molds plastic vertically. The mold plates are set in columns, and the injection unit is at the top. The material is then moved down to where the mold cavity is. This vertical machine avoids the use of heavy metal gallery platens and is actually lighter. This also means that it costs less to mold. Energy cost and resin yield are both increased because of newly created compressions that are molded into the insert. Utilizing compressive strain to reshape resin into an insert that has a different crystal orientation gives rise to new crystallinity. These are well-suited for parts with inserts or multisets that need to be molded in a different way.
Horizontal Injection Blow Molding Machine: This is the most common of the blow molding machines. The injection unit is above the mold, and the flow of material is horizontal. It is mainly used to manufacture hollow objects. After the injection process, the parison is rotated 90 degrees in which compressed air is then inserted into it to form the final product. This machine is made to mold a lot at once. It usually has a big capacity.
Hybrid Injection Blow Molding Machine: A hybrid machine for blow molding combines the features of the injection and stretch-blow molding. To start, it injects the material into the mold, cools it down, and then stretches and blows the material into the final shape. This machine overcomes the drawbacks of purely injection-molded and stretch-blow-molded items. It offers precision injection molding with high production capacity. In addition, the machine can change the temperature of the material being molded.

Specification and maintenance of injection blow molding machines

Specifications

Production Capacity:

it describes the volume of goods the machine can produce in a specific period. Normally, it is known as the blow molding machine's capability, often expressed in units per hour.
Machine Dimensions:

it includes the size or weight of the molding machine. Generally, it is known that the injection blow molding machine placement and operation space must be large enough to accommodate the entire machine.
Plastic Materials:

it indicates the variety and kind of plastic stuff that can be used to manufacture products. Specific plastics may require specific machine qualities for proper processing.
Product Size Range:

it refers to the range of product sizes that the molding machine can manufacture, from small to large. The size of injection blow molding machines will affect the volume and dimensions of the products they can produce.
Accuracy and Surface Quality:

the accuracy of the product refers to the precision requirements in the production process, such as the control of size and shape; the surface quality refers to the quality of the product's surface, including smoothness and gloss.

Maintenance

Cleaning and Lubrication:

The key parts of the injection molding machine, such as slides, guides, screws, cylinders, etc., are regularly cleaned to remove any dust and residual impurities. And apply the appropriate lubricant to ensure that the moving parts operate smoothly and reduce frictional wear.
Electrical System Inspection:

Regularly inspect the injection molding machine's electrical system, including power supply, controller, sensors, etc. Check whether the circuit is firmly connected, whether there is any damage or wear, and deal with it promptly as needed to ensure stable electrical operation and safety.
Hydraulic System Maintenance:

Check the injection molding machine's hydraulic system, including hydraulic oil, hydraulic pump, valves, cylinders, etc. Ensure that the hydraulic oil is kept clean and within the proper range; inspect and replace any damaged parts periodically to prevent hydraulic system failure or oil leakage.
Calibration and Adjustment:

According to the injection molding machine's user manual, periodically calibrate and adjust the key parameters, including injection pressure, temperature, speed, etc., to ensure that the injection molding machine is operating at the optimal state and is able to produce products of good quality.

Uses of Injection Blow Molding Machine

With the growth of global consumption, the demand for high-quality plastic products is increasing. This trend has created more than just business opportunities for injection blow molding machines.

Packaging Industry

The injection blow molding machine is essential in creating diverse bottles for the packaging industry, such as beverage bottles, personal care containers, pharmaceuticals, and food packaging. Its high efficiency and accuracy enable the quick fabrication of lightweight, robust, and easily sealable packaging containers tailored to various products and market demands.
Consumer Goods

In the realm of everyday products, the injection blow molding machine plays a key role in the production of motor oil bottles, household cleaner containers, shampoo and conditioner bottles, and many other containers. The machine's capability to make functional and aesthetically pleasing packaging helps enhance consumer experience while ensuring product safety and durability.
Pharmaceuticals and Healthcare Products

For the medical and pharmaceutical sector, the injection blow molding machine is integral to manufacturing precise, hygienic, and tamper-proof containers such as drug bottles, intravenous fluid containers, and diagnostic product packaging. Its ability to ensure product consistency and quality is vital for the safety and efficacy of healthcare solutions.
Automotive Industry

The automotive industry relies on the injection blow molding machine to produce functional parts like reservoirs, automotive containers, internal linings, and components exposed to varying temperatures and atmospheric conditions. The durability, lightweight, and simplicity of the automotive injection blow molding machine ensure the quality and reliability of automotive products.
Industrial and Technical Products

In industrial applications, the injection blow molding machine shapes technical parts like electronic enclosures, plumbing fittings, valves, and machinery components. The machines help construct precise, durable, and resilient parts that meet the various industry's demanding performance specifications.

How to Choose Injection Blow Molding Machine

When buying an injection blow molding machine, buyers will first consider the application. The machine used to make bottles will not be the same as one used to manufacture industrial tanks or auto parts. Such customizations may require extra steps, such as integrating different technologies or additional assembly lines.

Then they will consider the type of injection blow molding machine they want to buy. They'll need to match the qualities of each machine to their production needs. For example, a buyer may need a more complex e-compression machine that offers decent production volumes in a sustainable manner, even though it may be more expensive than an air-emptied injection blow molding machine.

Next, buyers will consider their flexibility needs. A buyer looking to produce various small parts will need a different injection molding machine from a buyer looking to manufacture high-volume, large containers, tanks, or other industrial parts. Such buyers will probably choose a continuous machine instead of a batch machine because continuous machines are more suited for large production volumes.

The budget is always a major consideration when buying industrial equipment. Buyers need to set a budget based on the money they can spare to invest in the injection molding machine. The type, model, features, and specifications of the machine will vary the pricing. Consider both new and used injection blow molding machines to stay within budget.

Buyers also need to consider the machine's energy efficiency. It is hard to ignore energy costs due to their significant impact when mass-producing items. Look for features that enhance energy efficiency, such as servo motors and closed-loop hydraulic systems.

Finally, buyers will have to consider the support and services offered by the manufacturer's supplier, including after-sales support and warranty coverage. Buyers should feel confident in their purchase and be assured of ongoing support from the seller.

Injection blow molding machine FAQ

Q1: What types of plastics can injection blow molding machines process?

A1: Injection blow molding machines can process various thermoplastics such as PET, PP, PS, ABS, and HDPE.

Q2: What are the limitations of injection blow molding machines?

A2: The limitations of injection blow molding include high initial costs, material restrictions, larger wall thickness, and limited part size.

Q3: Can multiple colors be used in an injection blow molding?

A3: Yes, using several colors in one object through multi-color injection blow molding is possible. This technique entails layering or blending various colored plastics during the injection process to create transparent, colored, or multi-colored items.

Q4: What accessories are available for injection blow molding machines?

A4: Several accessories can be used to improve the functionality of an injection blow molding machine, including mold temperature controllers, chillers, dryers, automaton, and feeders. These accessories can assist with temperature control, cooling, moisture removal, automation, and material feeding, respectively.

Q5: How do businesses ensure the quality of injection-blown molded products?

A5: Businesses can ensure the quality of their injection-blow-molded products by using high-quality raw materials, regular machine maintenance, employee training, effective quality control, inspection, and testing, and collaborating with reputable suppliers.