Extrusion blow molding (EBM) is used to create plastic bottles and other hollowed containers. The process is similar to injection molding, however, there are several key differences to note. At a basic level, the EBM process extrudes heated plastic into a hollow tube, called a parison, at which point the mold closes around the parison. Air is blown into the parison to inflate it, causing it to conform to the contours of the mold. This simple process is ideal for manufacturing hollow containers and offers a higher degree of mold design flexibility than injection molding.
Extrusion Blow Molding Process
Extrusion blow molding is a simple method that involves just a few components: an extrusion injector, a two-piece mold, and an air compression system. After the material or resin has been heated to the proper temperature, it is routed via the extrusion tube and into the parison.
When the plastic reaches the end of the tube, the mold closes in to grip the end of the parison and hold it in place. Even though this grip will eventually wind up as scrap plastic, removed and recycled for creating more containers, it serves to seal the end of the parison in preparation for the following phase.
Compressed air is injected through the top of the mold into the parison, causing the sides to expand and take on the shape of the mold. The plastic is allowed to cool and solidify in the shape of the mold. The mold is then removed, and the surplus material is trimmed and removed. After that, the container is ready to be moved to the next phase of the production process.
The EBM process can be completed in a single layer or multiple layers, depending on the application. This process is compatible with a variety of materials, including:
- Polyethylene (PE)
- Polypropylene (PP)
- Polyethylene terephthalate (PET, G, E)
These materials can be utilized together or separately. Because the polymers conform to the mold readily, complicated and unusual forms and sizes can be produced using EBM.
Advantages of Extrusion Blow Molding
There are several advantages to extrusion blow molding as compared to other methods like injection blow molding. Designs can be more intricate and it can produce hollow vessels and denser products. Several characteristics, including strength to weight ratio, multi-layer capacity, and the ability to insulate the product, outperform those of injection blow molding.
The mold itself is infinitely more adaptable in terms of design, and it does not necessitate a significant amount of time and effort spent on developing molds to precise specifications. EBM has the design ability to construct complicated containers using the polymers that your business requires, allowing them to stand out on store shelves and attract customers’ attention.
E2Global can assist you with the design of unique containers for beverages, lotions, soaps, shampoos, face cosmetics, and a variety of other items. With state-of-the-art machinery, the thickness of the container walls, the number of layers, and the overall strength of the container can be tailored to match any requirement.
Choose E2Global for your Extrusion Blow Molding Needs
Many industries like food and beverage, health and beauty, and even industrial consumables use plastic containers to house their products. The size, use, and design of the container are as unique as the product it contains. E2Global has years of experience creating plastic container solutions for products all over the world. Contact E2Global to get your quote for your custom-designed plastic containers!
