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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 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.
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.
Is blow molding expensive?
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 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).
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.
What happened to blow molds?
Sadly, after 60 years of plastics production in the USA, the most recognized and largest U.S. maker of blow molds closed its doors in 2017. General Foam Plastics, headquartered in Virginia Beach, shut down its production facilities in Norfolk, Virginia and Tarboro, North Carolina.
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.
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.
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.
Can blow molds be repainted?
If the paint on your blow mold appears faded or scratched, Sansing says you can freshen it up with plastic-friendly spray paint, such as Fusion All-in-One by Krylon ($5, amazon.com). “Then, apply the paint using a steady side to side sweeping motion.
What company still makes blow molds?
Leading Manufacturers Western Industries Plastic Products LLC. Winfield, KS | 620-221-9464. Blow Molded Products. Riverside, CA | 951-360-6055. Iceberg Molding. Sturgis, MI | 269-651-9488. Hi-Rel Plastics & Molding. Riverside, CA | 951-354-0258. SPI Blow Molding LLC. Coloma, MI | 269-849-3200.
When did Empire stop making blow molds?
Due to dramatically decreasing sales in the 90s, Empire downsized in 2001 and no longer began producing blow molds. Its molds and machinery were sold in an auction and another company called General Foam Plastics purchased many of them.
How does blow Moulding differ from injection moulding?
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 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 is the difference between blow molding and rotational molding?
Tooling: With roto molding, tooling must be refurbished or replaced regularly. With blow molding, the mold lasts the life of the product. Porosity: With roto molding, plastic resin is tumbled around inside a hot mold in an attempt to fill in all the areas of the mold.
Is Blow Moulding sustainable?
Blow molding uses a large quantity of compressed air, which requires a lot of energy. Recycling this air can reduce energy use by up 40%, resulting in big financial savings.
Is Blow Moulding bad for the environment?
The Disadvantages of Blow Molding The biggest disadvantage may be the negative environmental effect associated with plastic use. Plastic isn’t biodegradable and it typically makes its way in massive quantities into landfills. There is also the concern caused by such a wide use of petroleum.
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 year did blow molds come out?
The blow molding process was first invented in 1881, but companies did not begin creating blow mold Lawn decor until the 30s.
Where were blow molds made?
The origins of the blow molding process are attributed to Syrians glass workers in the first century BC. Egyptians further developed the art of blow molding in 1700-1600 B.C. The process continued to be used and was refined in Europe during the middle ages.
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.
