Plastic blowing machines help produce thermoplastic products through blow molding. In blow molding, manufacturers use different techniques to mold plastic products in different shapes and sizes. The different types of molding include extrusion, compression, injection, and injection stretch blow molding.
In each technique, manufacturers may need help choosing which plastic blowing machine works best. Picking the best machine should be easy. Therefore, this article will examine the tips for choosing the right machine for an effective blow molding process.
Global market overview of plastic blowing machines
The global blowing machine market was valued at US$ 13.08 billion in 2022. It projects to reach a US$ 17.33 billion value by 2030, growing at a CAGR rate of 3.5%. The vast market size mainly comes from the need for plastic containers in the medical industry. Plastic manufacturers depend on blow molding tools to produce containers such as bottles and syringes for medicine storage.
The need to recycle plastic to meet the high demand from food and beverage has also fueled the need for blow molding tools. Food manufacturing plants heavily invest in recycled plastic to package food and beverage products.
8 tips for selecting plastic blowing machines
Production capacity
Businesses investing in plastic blowing machines should be keen on considering the limit the machines can produce. Blow molding tools have a limit to how many thermoplastic products they can produce at a specified time. Therefore, it is important to research and learn more about the available plastic blowing machine models and how much they can produce.
They should also consider how much plastic they need to manufacture before deciding on a plastic blowing machine with the right production capacity. Large-scale producers may need machines with a high production capacity, while small-scale producers can acquire blow molders with a lower output.
Product type
Considering the type of plastic product is essential for businesses shopping for plastic blowing machines. The machines use heat to produce different types of plastic. For example, an extrusion blow molding tool is appropriate when making HDPE or LDPE plastic bottles with a wide neck. Compression blow molding machines will help to manufacture bottles with a wide body and thin neck.
Energy efficiency
When purchasing a plastic blowing machine, take into account the energy it consumes. Buyers should always focus on acquiring equipment that is low on energy consumption. The machines will help to save not only on the energy costs of operating the tools but also on the overall cost of production.
Auto-deflashing
In molding, unwanted residue can form on the plastic product. Workers used to cut the extra flesh with a sharp tool, such as a knife, from the bottles or containers in a method called deflashing.
Since manual deflashing is labor-intensive, tedious, and time-consuming, businesses should consider acquiring a machine with an auto-deflashing feature.
Auto-deflashing machines ensure precision and accuracy in bottle production. Also, they increase the efficiency of the production lines.