BLOW MOLDING

WHAT IS BLOW MOLDING?

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Blow molding is a method of producing hollow plastic products. Products that are blow-molded are generally less complex, making them less expensive. The blow molding process includes the following steps:

  1. Heated plastic is extruded into a hollow tube called a parison or preform
  2. The two-part mold of the product shape closes, gripping the parison in place
  3. Compressed air is blown into the parison to inflate it and fill the mold
  4. The plastic in the mold is cooled to room temperature to retain the desired shape
  5. The excess plastic is trimmed to create the finished product

Blow molding can be used to create a variety of products such as:

  • Bottles
  • Coolers
  • Play structures
  • Fuel and liquid storage tanks
  • Industrial drums
  • Carrying cases
  • Storage containers
OUR BLOW MOLDING CAPABILITIES

At Cooper Plastics, our blow molding process is a cost-effective alternative if you need a simple plastic product. Below is an overview of Cooper Plastics blow molding capabilities.

OUR MATERIALS

Custom blow-molded products can be made with a wide array of thermoplastic resins. The material used in the production process needs to be selected with factors like durability, flexibility, and budget in mind. A list of the materials we commonly utilize in our blow-molding facility can be found below.

  • Primary Material: HMWPE / HDPE
  • Acceptable alternate materials:
    – PP Polypropylene
    – PS Polystyrene
    – PC Kostrate or Polycarbonate

High-density polyethylene (HDPE) offers impact resistance and moisture barrier properties, making it an excellent option for packaging applications. Polypropylene (PP) is also popular because it offers superior chemical resistance and fatigue strength, which are essential in durable, reusable containers.

At Cooper Plastics, we collaborate with our customers to choose the ideal material to meet their custom blow molding requirements and performance standards. Understanding the material’s characteristics enables the blow molder to tailor the process to ensure exceptional quality and precise results every time.

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OUR BLOW MOLDING MACHINE

Blow molders use state-of-the-art machines that are designed to handle a diverse range of materials and product specifications to manufacture custom plastic products. Blow molding machines come in a broad range of models that have varying capabilities.

Manufacturing options include extrusion blow molding (EBM), injection blow molding (IBM), and stretch blow molding. EBM machines extrude molten plastic into a parison, which is then clamped into a mold and inflated to form the desired shape. IBM machines take an injection-molded preform and reheat and blow it into its final shape. Stretch blow molding machines are similar to IBM machines but stretch the preform axially during inflation to produce the final product.

Get the details about the blow molding machine we use at Cooper Plastics below. We meticulously maintain and calibrate it to ensure every product we manufacture meets and exceeds our customers’ quality standards. As the largest machine in its class, our blow molder is capable of handling unique projects and high-volume production.

  • UA 2900 V — The largest machine in its class
    – Clear Platen Area 74” x 110”
    – Daylight Maximum 90”
    – Single Extrusion Head Maximum 75 lbs of material
    – Clamping Force 325 tons

Maximum Part Size

  • 65 Lbs – 10 Lbs of flash
  • 65” x 90” – single part

VALUE ADDED SERVICES FOR YOUR PROJECT

At Cooper Plastics, we offer numerous other value-added services in addition to our blow molding service. We go beyond simply manufacturing products by providing add-ons like product development, finishing, assembly, and more. It’s all part of our mission to deliver the best possible experience to our customers!

HOW DO CUSTOM BLOW MOLDERS MAKE PRODUCTS?

Custom blow molders utilize a manufacturing process that combines heat and air pressure to transform raw plastic material into the final product. The first step is melting thermoplastic and extruding or injecting it into a parison or preform. The plastic is then shaped into the mold cavity, which has been crafted to the exact specifications of the product being created. Next, air is blown into it, inflating the material against the mold walls to form the final shape.

Blow molding companies can use this process to create a variety of products, from everyday items like bottles and storage containers to more complex components used in industrial and similar applications.

HOW TO IDENTIFY QUALITY CUSTOM BLOW MOLDERS

Identifying quality custom blow molders involves evaluating many aspects of what they offer. They should check all the boxes for experience, manufacturing capabilities, and customer experience.

Industry experience and blow molding expertise are crucial. A reputable blow molding company will be able to demonstrate a proven track record of producing consistent, high-quality products for a diverse customer base. The employees should not only be able to meet your custom blow molding requirements but also apply their knowledge to provide suggestions that may improve your product, decrease turn time, or save you money.

Your blow molder should collaborate with you closely to understand your specific needs and tailor solutions accordingly. You should expect a level of customization and flexibility to ensure the material, mold, and production process used in your project are a perfect fit. It should also go without saying that modern, top-performing blow molding machines are essential to delivering consistent products at an efficient rate.

Finally, communication and customer service are key to a business relationship. Quality custom blow molders will be transparent, responsive, and committed to meeting deadlines without cutting corners or letting standards dip. They should facilitate a smooth transition from one step to the next, from introduction to conclusion of production.

At Cooper Plastics, we strive to be one of the best custom blow molders in the industry. Learn more about our company and how we provide innovative solutions for our customers.

HOW MUCH DO CUSTOM BLOW MOLDERS CHARGE?

The amount custom blow molders charge can vary greatly and depends on several factors. These factors include things like design complexity, material used, customization level, and production volume. You must also consider any other services you add on like drilling, assembly, and testing, which increase the final cost.

Request a detailed project quote from your blow molding company. Transparency with costs enables you to decide whether you want to proceed as planned, adjust your project specifications, or seek alternative solutions.

Want to partner with us for your blow molding needs? Request a free quote or contact us for more information.