What Are Blow Molds

What is blow mold?

Blow molding is a molding process used in the manufacturing industry to create hollow objects made of plastic. Like other molding processes, it involves the use of heated, liquid material that’s forced into a mold cavity under pressure.

Why are blow molds so expensive?

When something is rare and there is a demand for it, it’s hard to come by and often very expensive. With the rarity of well-maintained blow molds also comes the fact that some of the original companies that made these products are out of business. This makes them even more collectible.

Why are they called blow molds?

The figures were called blow molds because they were made of hollow hard plastic that was formed in a mold. Blow molds first appeared in the 1940s and were two dimensional until the 1950s when Empire Plastics and Union started making the famous pink flamingo yard ornaments.

How does blow mold work?

The process involves heating a plastic tube (known as a preform or parison) to its melting point and then putting that into the cavity of a mold. They then use compressed air to inflate the molten plastic like a balloon so that it takes the shape of the mold but is hollow inside.

Is blow molding cheap?

The costs in blow molding are lower as compared to injection molding. Machinery costs are typically lower as well. One-piece construction so that there’s no need to connect part halves, which can achieve shapes that injection molding cannot produce.

What products are made from blow Moulding?

Extrusion Blow Molding(Moulding) Products made by Extrusion Blow Molding Machines are milk or water bottles, shampoo bottles, automotive air ducts, jerry cans, and hollow industrial preform parts such as plastic drums or other plastic containers.

Why did they stop making blow molds?

Plant assets were sold at a public auction in March 2018. As news and industry publications noted, like many other U.S. manufacturing firms, the company succumbed to foreign competition and aging facilities.

Are blow mold decorations still made?

If you want to add them to your display, good news: There are retailers who still make and sell these, as well as websites that make it easy to purchase ones from generations ago. Here’s where you can find—and purchase—blow mold Christmas items, from bearded Santa to reindeer to nativity scenes.6 days ago.

Are blow molds making a comeback?

Believe it or not, blow mold decorations are making a comeback. If you reflect on your childhood, chances are you might remember seeing homes in your neighborhood illuminated with these plastic figures. Plus, they delight those who long for vintage and nostalgic Christmas decor.4 days ago.

Is General Foam still in business?

In January 2018, GFP sold all of its remaining merchandise, and in March, the company officially went defunct and all of its employees were laid off. The Norfolk factory was shut down after 60 plus years of work. In 2018, Cado Products revealed that they had been present at the GFP auction and purchased several molds.

How do I identify a vintage blow mold?

Do Look For A Barcode. If you ever see a barcode sticker on your blow mold then you know it can not be as old as others. Companies began using UPC barcodes in 1974, so if you see one then you know it can not be any older that that!Oct 1, 2021.

What type of plastic is used in blow molding?

Blow Molding Materials In addition to HDPE blow molding, some of our most commonly recommended and requested materials and finishes include: Polypropylene (PP) Polyethylene (HDPE, MDPE, LDPE) Nylon (PA).

What are the disadvantages of blow Moulding?

Disadvantages of blow moulding Limited to hollow parts. Low strength. To increase barrier properties, multilayer parisons of different materials are used (thus not recyclable) Trimming is necessary to make wide neck jars spin. Limited to thermoplastics (rotational moulding can be used with thermosets).

What is the difference between blow molding and injection molding?

The major difference between injection molding and blow molding is the kind of product produced. Typically, blow molding is designed to produce hollow, singular containers, such as bottles. On the other hand, injection molding is used to produce solid pieces, such as plastic products.

How thick can you blow mold?

Part wall thicknesses should be between 0.25 mm to 6 mm. Depending on the thickness of the part, a cooling aid may be required. Maximum volume of 3 cubic meters with the maximum length of 12 mm is allowed.

How much does a blow mold cost?

A single cavity, extrusion blow mold suitable to produce up to 100M units per year may cost as little as $3,000. An eight cavity, extrusion blow mold with automatic detabbing equipment may cost as much as $25,000 but may generate sufficient cost savings to return the investment within a short period.

What are the advantages of blow Moulding?

II. Blow molding has 6 advantages. A revolution form of technology. It can produce variable products. Low cost. It allows multiple production methods. It helps promote productivity. Blow molding offers benefits of automation. It highly depends on petroleum. It impacts greatly to the environment.

What is the perfect injection molding or blow molding Why?

The precision of an injection mold generally makes it more expensive than a blow mold. Blow molds have more design freedom between mold halves since each mold half forms it’s own wall shape. With blow molding, the mold is only 50% of the battle.

Which plastic is not used in blow molding?

2. Which of the following plastics is not used in blow molding? Explanation: For blowing processes, there are certain plastics only which are properly suited for the operation, while any other material might fail. Hence, for operating through blow molding process, polypropylene, polythene and PVC are used.

How is a plastic bottle made by blow moulding?

The PET bottle blow moulding process works by reheating a pre-moulded PET preform which is then automatically positioned into a mould. High pressure food grade compressed air is then injected into the preform which expands to form the shape of the mould.

What are the applications of blow molding?

The applications of Blow Moulding Process are as follows. Water Bottles. Plastic Buckets. Liquid Containers. Plastic Cups.