Extrusion blow moulding is a popular process used in the production of plastic bottles, containers, and other hollow objects. It involves the use of a molten plastic material, which is extruded through a die and then shaped into the desired form by blowing air into it. This process offers numerous benefits over other plastic manufacturing methods, including cost-effectiveness, high production rates, and superior design flexibility.
In this blog post, we will delve into the extrusion blow moulding process, its various stages, and the benefits it offers to businesses.
Stage 1: Extrusion
The extrusion process is the first step in the extrusion blow moulding process. In this stage, raw plastic resin is fed into the extruder, which melts and compresses the material. The resulting molten plastic is then forced through a die, which determines the shape of the final product.
Stage 2: Moulding
The moulding stage involves the use of a mould, which is placed around the extruded plastic to shape it into the desired form. The mould is made up of two halves, which are brought together to enclose the extruded plastic. Once the mould is closed, compressed air is blown into it, causing the plastic to expand and take on the shape of the mould.
Stage 3: Cooling
Once the plastic has been shaped, it must be cooled and solidified. This is typically achieved by blowing cool air onto the plastic while it is still inside the mould. This helps to ensure that the plastic retains its shape and strength.
Stage 4: Ejection
Once the plastic has been cooled and solidified, the mould is opened, and the newly formed plastic object is ejected. At this stage, the object may undergo additional finishing processes, such as trimming or drilling, to create the final product.
Benefits of Extrusion Blow Moulding.
Extrusion blow moulding offers numerous benefits to businesses that use this manufacturing method. One of the main advantages of extrusion blow moulding is its cost-effectiveness. This process is highly automated, which means that it requires fewer labour hours and produces a higher volume of products in a shorter amount of time.
Another benefit of extrusion blow moulding is its design flexibility. This manufacturing method allows for a wide range of shapes, sizes, and colours to be produced, which is ideal for businesses that require customised products.
Finally, extrusion blow moulding is an environmentally friendly manufacturing method. The use of plastic in this process can be recycled, which helps to reduce waste and conserve resources.