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.

Are blow molds still made?

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.

How much do blow molds 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.

Are blow molds collectible?

There will always be a market for blow molds among people who truly love the holidays, Sansing said. “Those who jumped on the bandwagon and saw this as a road to riches will eventually go away,” she said. “But, it’s an enduring collectible.”Dec 22, 2020.

What companies still make 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.

Why are vintage 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.

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.5 days ago.

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).

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.

Is Blow Moulding 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.

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.

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 do you touch up paint on a blow mold?

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). “First, use masking tape and a precision knife to cover the sections of the mold you don’t want to paint,” she advises.

How do you hold down a blow mold?

Use twine and a stake set to secure your blow mold into the ground. You can tie the twine around the blow mold as above and make small loops at each end of the twine to allow for a stake. Once you place the stake through the loop, use a hammer or your foot to press deeply into the ground.

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.

Who invented blow molds?

First created for glass making, the technique, which forms and joins together hollow parts, was retooled for use with plastics after their development for commercial use in the early 1900’s. The origins of the blow molding process are attributed to Syrians glass workers in the first century BC.

Where is Mr Christmas from?

Benjamin Bradley grew up in Boonville, Indiana. After earning his bachelor’s degree from Purdue University, he headed to the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York for his associates degree. A few years later, he made the Big Apple his permanent home.

Why is blow Moulding good for mass production?

Extrusion blow molding uses a relatively lower level of pressure. This reduces the expenses incurred in the production process and makes the product cost-efficient. Also, the use of the blow molding process will allow manufacturers to minimize high labor costs.

What are the benefits of blow molding?

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.

What are the disadvantages of blowing?

List of Disadvantages of Blow Moulding It is highly dependent on petroleum. It creates a huge impact on the environment. It requires a lot of production methods. It comes with limited uses. It requires process and material precision that creates waste.

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 are Christmas blow molds made?

Blow molding is a plastic manufacturing process. In a nutshell, a hollow tube, the parison, is filled with melted plastic, placed into a steel mold, inflated with air, forcing the plastic to the interior surface of a metal mold, the metal mold is opened when cooled, the item is removed and appropriately painted.