Blow Molding
Blow molding is used in the manufacture of hollow plastic parts, creating common components like PET bottles, HDPE jugs, and jerry cans. Variations on the process include extrusion blow molding (EBM), injection blow molding (IBM), and injection stretch blow molding (ISBM).

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ESSENTIAL READING
VIEW ALLHow to Extrusion Blow Mold PHA/PLA Blends
You need to pay attention to the inherent characteristics of biopolymers PHA/PLA materials when setting process parameters to realize better and more consistent outcomes.
Read MoreAvoid Four Common Traps In Granulation
Today, more than ever, granulation is an important step in the total production process. Our expert explains a few of the many common traps to avoid when thinking about granulators
Read MoreUnderstanding the ‘Science’ of Color
And as with all sciences, there are fundamentals that must be considered to do color right. Here’s a helpful start.
Read MoreSolve Four Common Problems in PET Stretch-Blow Molding
Here’s a quick guide to fixing four nettlesome problems in processing PET bottles.
Read MoreFollow These Steps to Purge Accumulator-Head Blow Molders
Preventive purging with a commercial product between resins or colors and during normal shutdown and startup cycles can prevent excessive loss of resin and production time.
Read MoreWhat Blow Molders Say About All-Electric Machines
They are well established in Europe, but molders in North America are just beginning to come around to all-electrics’ improved performance, maintenance, cleanliness, and—yes— energy efficiency. Here’s first-hand testimony, from the U.S. and abroad.
Read MoreLatest Blow Molding News And Updates
Simpler Electric Extruder Drive for Reciprocating-Screw Machines
A new electric drive for the extruder screw from Velocity Equipment Solutions (VES) is said to be simpler and more energy-efficient. It’s retrofittable on reciprocating-screw blow molders from any supplier and is available on new custom-built machines from VES.
Read MoreFast Leak Tester for ‘Tricky’ Applications
New BottleStop leak tester from ALPS Inspection handles large, angled-neck and trouble-prone HDPE containers at up to 65 per minute.
Read MoreUniloy Launches E-Store for Genuine OEM Parts
On Nov. 4, Uniloy’s E-store for Genuine Uniloy Parts went live. It’s currently for reciprocating-screw blow molders but will be expanded to other types in future.
Read MoreSACMI’s PET Bottle and Labeling Machinery Integrated Into Omnia Techologies
SACMI Bottling and Labelling are now subunits of Omnia’s ACMI.
Read MoreAmcor, Berry Merge in All-Stock Deal
Move unites two complementary ´óÏó´«Ã½es to create a global leader in consumer packaging.
Read MoreNew ‘Eco-Audit’ for Your PET Bottle Lines
Sidel introduces a three-phase audit of environmental impact of PET stretch-blow molding operations.
Read MoreFeatured Posts
Is There a Better Way to Heat PET Preforms for Stretch-Blow Molding?
Is near-infrared (NIR) heating better, faster and more energy efficient? So far, only two machine builders are making such claims for NIR in place of standard mid-infrared preform heating, though their systems appear to be well accepted. Meanwhile, an altogether different alternative is in the works.
Read MorePolyJohn Turns to Blow Molding, Doubles Its Productivity
Leading maker of portable sanitation products knew thermoforming, sheet extrusion, rotomolding and injection molding. Then it found the missing link to higher productivity and new markets: blow molding.
Read MorePlastics Technology Year in Review: Your Favorite Reads of 2024
A year-end review of the top stories showcasing industry trends, advancements and expert insights. Revisit the articles that captured the attention of the plastics community.
Read MoreCustom Molder Pivots When States Squelch Thriving Single-Use Bottle Business
Currier Plastics had a major stake in small hotel amenity bottles until state legislators banned them. Here’s how Currier adapted to that challenge.
Read MoreNPE2024 Wrap-Up: Sustainability Dominates Show Floor News
Across all process types, sustainability was a big theme at NPE2024. But there was plenty to see in automation and artificial intelligence as well.
Read MoreUse Interactive Production Scheduling to Improve Your Plant's Efficiencies
When evaluating ERP solutions, consider the power of interactive production scheduling to effectively plan and allocate primary and secondary equipment, materials and resources on the overall production capacity of the ´óÏó´«Ã½ and conclude that this is a key area that cannot be overlooked.
Read MoreFAQ: Blow Molding
What Are Common PET Stretch-Blow Molding Problems and How Can I Fix Them?
Common problems:
1. Pearlescence and haze
2. Insufficient top-load strength
3. Insufficient base clearance or rocker bottom
4. Drop-impact failure
Fixes: /articles/solving-four-common-problems-in-pet-stretch-blow-molding
How to Fix Uneven Wall Thickness in Stretch Blow Molding?
There are a number of conditions that must be maintained in order to achieve the described result. Following are the various issues that can skew wall thickness, in order of relevance:
Off-center gate
Uneven heating or cooling
Small stretch ratios
Part failure along the parting line is related to material processing conditions, parison geometry, molding conditions, mold design, or a combination of these factors. Developing the optimal material shape inside the part at the pinch-off is a key to building parting-line integrity.
Blow Molding Supplier Categories
- Rebuilt Screws or Barrels
- Thermoformers
- Automation/Systems Integration
- Platens
- Thermoforming Molds
- Extrusion Blow Molding Machines
- Recycling--Purchasing Scrap or Waste Plastics
- Blow Molds
- Technical and Trade Associations
- Pre-expanders, Polystyrene Bead
- Trimmers, Deflashers for Blow Molding
- Custom Compounding, Formulating--Thermoplastics
- Stretch-Blow Molding Machines
- Barrier Surface Treatment
- Plastics Trade Shows/Conferences
- Machine Alignment Services
- Nonferrous Metals for Molds
- Machinery Rebuilding
- Training Programs in Plastics
- Mold/Die Management Systems
- Shipping & Logistics
- R&D, Training Institutes
- Rebuilt Motors and Drives
- Injection Molds
- Mold Steels
- Injection Blow Molding Machines
- Prototyping Services
- Dip-Blow or Compression-blow Molding Machines
- Cutting, Stamping, Trimming Dies
- Mold/Tooling Simulation and Analysis Services
- Quick-mold-change Equipment
- Mold Making and Repair Equipment
- Parison Programmers
- Mold Components
- Custom Machine Builders
- Injection Blow Molds
- Custom Size-reduction (Grinding) Services
- Consultants - Design, Manufacturing, Purchasing
- Presses, Polystyrene Bead
- Spray Coating Systems (for Bottles)
- Rotational Molds
- Part/Mold Inspection or Digitizing
- Inserts
- Materials Testing Services
- Accumulators (Melt)
- Hydraulic Oil Filtering/Reclaim Service
- Structural Foam Machines (for Thermoplastics)
- Tool Engraving, Texturing Equipment
- Publishers of Plastics Information (Books, Reports, CDs)
- Mold Texturing, Tool Engraving
- Mold Evacuation Systems
- Mold Grease
- Rotational Molding Machines
- Machine Installation Services
- Hard Facing, Surface Treating of Tooling, Equipment
- Mold/Tooling Design Services
- Compression/Transfer Molds
- Business Services for Plastics (Finance, Insurance, Leasing)
- Mold-cleaning and Maintenance Chemicals
- Nonmetallic Tooling Materials
- Hot Runner Components
- Radiation Processing Services
- Machine Maintenance Services
- Used Molds
- Used Machinery
- Environmental Monitoring and Analysis
- Equipment Cleaning Services
- Custom Decorating/Finishing Services
- Foam Molds
- Compression/Transfer Presses
- Prototype Molds
- Scanning & Metrology Services