What is the difference between injection molding and ...

22 Jul.,2024

 

What is the difference between injection molding and ...

What is the difference between injection molding and extrusion blow molding

Everyday we use blow-molded products, however, we hardly know anything about blow molding. The plastic industry is one of the largest industries in the world. Plastic makes life easy by producing cost-effective products and options.

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While working in the plastic molding industry, you need to know the exact difference between injection molding and extrusion blow molding to use these processes correctly at the right time. So, here is some information on both these terms to make the concepts clear for you:

Blow molding is used to manufacture plastic products. Any hollow plastic container can be made with blow molding. There are a few different types of blow molding processes. The difference in the processes is caused due to the size of the parison, how they form the parison or how the parison moves between the molds.

&#; Extrusion Blow Molding (EBM)
&#; Injection Blow Systems (IBS)
&#; Injection Stretch Blow Molding (ISBM)

These are the three main types of blow molding processes.

 

What is Extrusion Blow Molding?

In extrusion blow molding, the manufacturers melt the plastic and extrude it into a hollow tube, which is commonly known as a parison. Then this hollow tube is placed inside a cooled metal mold and the air is blown into it to give it the shape of the mold. Once the plastic cools down, the mold is opened and the newly formed plastic product is taken out.

It is one of the methods that is highly used for the formation of plastic products. You can use different types of plastic in this method for the molding process. It is safe and the best method to be used in China in the plastic industry.

Some advantages of extrusion blow molding include

Now, when you are using this method, you need to know about its different advantages so that you can use it to the fullest. So, here are some of the benefits of extrusion blow molding:

1. EBM blow molding needs lower pressure, hence the cost of machinery is very less compared to other processes. It is one of the most cost-effective and best technologies available today. EBM machines also reduce labor cost and the cost of producing plastic products is also less.

2. Mass production of plastic goods quickly and efficiently is possible with extrusion blow molding. It is faster and provides higher volume outputs within time.

3. The extrusion blow molding is a versatile method that can be used in a variety of unique applications such as fuel tanks, flower pots, vehicle seal support, plastic containers, etc.

4. Being an automated method, it helps in the formation of a precise receptacle and so, very little flash is produced around the material.

5. This method helps in achieving seamless part incorporation. Along with this, it is capable of molding complex parts and can incorporate the handles.
There are various other benefits of this method, which varies from one manufacturer to the other.

What is Injection Molding?

An injection blowing molding process is utilized in the production of hollow objects in large quantities.

In injection molding, the polymer is injection molded upon a core pin and then this core pin is rotated to a blow molding station to inflate and cool it down completely. It is the method of blow molding that is least used out of the three.

In the factory, this method is used for the production of small medical and single-serve bottles, such as syringes. It is a process that is divided into 3 steps- injection, blowing and ejection. And, each of these steps is required to be done carefully and perfectly to get the desired results of the products.

Some advantages of injection molding include

Before you start using an injection molding method, you need to be aware of all of its benefits that are mentioned below:

1. It is one of the highly-efficient methods for the production of plastic products. It is the method that helps in making the products at high speed. It is an extremely fast process that helps in producing high-volume of products. While we are talking about the speed of the process, you need to know that it varies from material to material.

2. It is having the capability of complex part designing. It can form millions of virtually identical parts. Using this method, you can make the right design of the products and get consistent and high-quality products.

3. With this method, you are going to get strong plastic products. It is known that the customers demand products with maximum strength, and this method is capable of making the products with the required strength.

4. It is a flexible method that can mold plastic of different types. It can make different products with different materials.

5. It is an automated process that helps in saving a lot of money and time. It saves you the cost of labor required in completing the task.

6. It is good to use this method, as it reduces waste. It is going to offer you a high-volume of production without creating too much waste to harm the environment.

So, you can use this method for the production of plastic to avail of these benefits.

Comparison

As both of these methods are used for the production of plastic, there are a few differences between them:

1. The first difference is that both of the methods are used for making different types of products. While the extrusion blow molding process is creating 2-dimensional products, the injection blow molding process is used in creating 3-dimensional products in the final output.

2. The second difference is in the tool used in both methods. In the extrusion blow molding process, a die is used to get the final output and in the injection blow molding process, a mold is used to get the final product.

3. The production time also differs in both methods. The extrusion blow molding process is slower than the injection blow molding process.

4. Now, talking about the scrap or residue that is left behind is different in these methods. In the extrusion blow molding process, the scrap is with flash and trimming, while, in the injection blow molding process, the scrap is without flash and trimming.

5. At this point, we are going to talk about the part thickness of the machine used in both the process. In the extrusion one, the part thickness depends on the stretchability of the material during the process and, in the intrusion on, the part thickness relies upon the relationship between the core and the mold.

6. At the end, the extrusion blow molding process is seen as a pocket-friendly process in comparison to the injection molding process.

Looking at these differences, you need to choose these methods keeping your needs and their features in mind to get the desired results.

So, this is the information you need to know while working in the plastic mold industry. You need to be well aware of both these methods to get the desired products. Also, you can easily find the suppliers for the selling of the products made with these processes.

Which Blow Molding Process is Right for Your Bottle?

Blow molding is a process that uses heated liquid plastic to create hollow objects, like bottles or other packaging. Pressure forces the material into a mold cavity, which gives the object its hollow shape. Drug Plastics uses four distinct types of blow molding: Extrusion Blow Molding (EBM), Compression Blow Molding (CBM), Injection Blow Molding (IBM), and Injection Stretch Blow Molding (ISBM).

In general, the size and geometry of the bottle, along with the type of plastic resin being used, determine which manufacturing process is best. We use our knowledge acquired from over 50 years of bottle making to select the best molding process for every product we manufacture. Drug Plastics is committed to deliver perfect bottles each and every time.

We believe it&#;s important for our customers to understand the primary differences between molding processes. Why? Because understanding how we manufacture our products will help you make more informed decisions about your plastic packaging. How do the types of blow molding processes differ from one another? What criteria do we use to select the best process for your bottle? Read further or watch how the blow molding processes vary. No matter which manufacturing process is used, each one begins the same way &#; with pellets of plastic resin.

 

Extrusion Blow Molding

In the Extrusion Blow Molding (EBM) process, the heated resin is extruded to form a parison. The parison is a vertical tube-like piece of plastic through which compressed air can pass. A two-part mold closes on the parison from both sides. Once the mold is sealed, a blow pin is inserted into the neck area of the bottle and air is blown into it. The air pressure causes the parison to conform to the shape of the mold, including the threads in the neck portion of the mold.

The mold is then cooled, and the bottom of the parison is trimmed. The mold opens and the bottle is placed on a conveyor belt, the top (typically dome-shaped) is trimmed, leaving the finished bottle. We use the EBM process to manufacture large-size, High Density Polyethylene (HDPE), Low Density Polyethylene (LDPE), and Polypropylene (PP) bottles with large necks.

Compression Blow Molding

Compression Blow Molding (CBM) is a specialized form of extrusion molding. In CBM, the blow pin not only blows air into the parison so the plastic conforms to the shape of the bottle, but it also uses physical pressure to force the plastic into the neck area of the mold. This results in increased thread definition and precise bore tolerance.

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We use CBM when producing bottles with medium to large blow-up ratios. The blow-up ratio is the comparison between the diameter of the neck of the bottle and the diameter of the body of the bottle. Bottles with large blowup ratios typically have large bodies and relatively small necks. The CBM process can be used to manufacture bottles that are made with HDPE, LDPE, and PP resin, and can achieve very tight critical neck dimensions.

The EBM and CBM processes also allow the weight of the bottle to be adjusted. This is done by controlling the amount of plastic in the parison. This is ideal when the contents of the filled bottle require a thicker wall, or as a conscious effort to conserve raw materials by reducing the amount of plastic. The EBM and CBM processes are also used when a bottle has multiple plastic layers (outside and inside); and when a transparent window stripe is needed to allow for determining the amount of product remaining in the bottle.

 

Injection Blow Molding

During the Injection Blow Molding (IBM) process, the heated resin is injected into the mold using a long screw. This injected plastic is molded into a preform, then air is used to blow the preform into the shape of the mold. The mold is cooled and the bottle is placed on a conveyor belt after being ejected from the mold.

This process is ideal for the production of HDPE, LDPE, and PP bottles with a small to medium blowup ratio. Bottles with small blow-up ratios typically have small bodies and relatively small necks. IBM is used when manufacturing bottles with very tight neck tolerances.

 

Injection Stretch Blow Molding

During the injection stretch blow molding (ISBM) process, the heated resin is injected into the machine using a long screw. This injected plastic is then molded into a preform.

Next, the preform is conditioned and prepared for stretching. The preform is stretched as air is used to blow it into the shape of the mold. The stretching of the preform increases the barrier properties of the PET bottle. The mold is cooled and the bottle is placed on a conveyor belt after being ejected from the mold. ISBM is typically used for bottles with small to medium blow-up ratios. We use ISBM to manufacture all of our Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) bottles.

 

We understand that quality control is crucial to a company's reputation, competitiveness and operating costs, so we have consistently adhered to high standards of manufacturing injection blow molds,blowing moulding machine,plastics molding machines,bottle making machine bottle blowing machine,injection blow molding machinery,Plastic Extrusion Blow Molding Machine,One Step Injection Blow Molding Machine over the years.

 

Blow molding vs Injection molding: Which one is suitable?

Blow molding vs Injection molding: Which one is suitable?

Blow molding vs injection molding are two prominent plastic manufacturing techniques, each offering distinct advantages. Choosing between them is pivotal in achieving the best results for your project. In this article, we'll compare blow molding and injection molding, helping you determine the most suitable method for your specific manufacturing needs.

1. What is blow molding?

The process of blow molding

 

Blow molding is a method of manufacturing 3D plastic products in which hot plastic is blown into a mold to create the final shape of the product. This process is often used to produce plastic bottles, containers, toys, and many other plastic products with mixed shapes or special shapes. The way the blow molding process works is as follows: 

  • Plastic raw materials are melted at high temperatures. 
  • The hot plastic is bonded to the blow mold, and the mold is closed. 
  • One end of the mold has a knob that shapes the final product and is blown in with compressed air, causing the hot plastic in the mold to expand and fill the space inside the mold, ensuring the product has the desired shape. 
  • After the product has cooled and solidified, it is removed from the mold. 

Blow molding is an effective method for producing plastic products at a low cost and can create products with complex shapes.

The primary methods of blow molding include:

  • Extrusion blow molding (EBM): In EBM, the parison (thermoplastic raw material before it is blown and shaped to create the final product) is created by extruding molten plastic through a die. It is a widely used method for producing hollow products.
  • Injection blow molding (IBM): This is a method of manufacturing plastic products by using a mold to form a parison (pre-formed plastic tube) and then injecting liquid or compressed air into the parison to create the final product. This method is often used to produce plastic products with complex shapes and high precision.
  • Injection-stretch blow molding (ISBM): This method of manufacturing plastic products uses a mold to extrude the parison, then uses a stretch process to create the final product. ISBM is often used to produce plastic products of specific shapes and sizes, often products such as PET plastic bottles used for water, soft drinks, and similar products.

 

2. What is injection molding?

The product can be made from injection molding

Injection molding is the process of manufacturing plastic products by using molds to compress or squeeze plastic into the desired shape. The process typically involves plastic thermodynamics, in which the plastic is typically placed in a mold, and then pressure and temperature are applied to cause the plastic to flow and stay within the shape of the mold. Once the plastic has cooled and solidified, the created plastic product can be removed from the mold. 

Injection technology can be used to produce many different types of plastic products, from toys to industrial components. This process is typically performed in factories and manufacturing facilities using specialized equipment and techniques to ensure the quality and precision of the final product. Types of plastic commonly used in injection molding are ABS, Polypropylene (PP), Polycarbonate (PC), PVC, and Nylon.

Read more: What is injection molding? How does it work?

3. Differences between blow molding vs injection molding

Blow molding and injection molding are two distinct plastic manufacturing processes, each with its own set of characteristics and applications.

Injection molding involves injecting molten plastic material into a mold cavity under high pressure. It is particularly well-suited for producing complex, three-dimensional plastic parts with intricate details. This process offers high precision and repeatability, making it ideal for applications such as automotive components, consumer electronics, and medical devices. Injection molding is cost-effective for large production runs, but it requires an upfront investment in molds, which can be expensive. Additionally, it's less suitable for hollow and thin-walled parts.
On the other hand, blow molding is specifically designed for creating hollow and thin-walled plastic products. In blow molding, a hollow tube of molten plastic, known as a parison, is placed in a mold. Compressed air is then used to expand the parison and shape it to the interior of the mold cavity. This process is commonly used to produce items like bottles, containers, and automotive fuel tanks. Blow molding is cost-effective for large volumes of identical products, and it requires simpler tooling compared to injection molding. However, it may not provide the same level of precision and detail, and it is less suitable for solid, intricate components.

4. Blow molding vs Injection molding: Which one is suitable?

Blow molding and injection molding are two distinct plastic manufacturing processes, each with its own set of characteristics and applications.Injection molding involves injecting molten plastic material into a mold cavity under high pressure. It is particularly well-suited for producing complex, three-dimensional plastic parts with intricate details. This process offers high precision and repeatability, making it ideal for applications such as automotive components, consumer electronics, and medical devices. Injection molding is cost-effective for large production runs, but it requires an upfront investment in molds, which can be expensive. Additionally, it's less suitable for hollow and thin-walled parts.On the other hand, blow molding is specifically designed for creating hollow and thin-walled plastic products. In blow molding, a hollow tube of molten plastic, known as a parison, is placed in a mold. Compressed air is then used to expand the parison and shape it to the interior of the mold cavity. This process is commonly used to produce items like bottles, containers, and automotive fuel tanks. Blow molding is cost-effective for large volumes of identical products, and it requires simpler tooling compared to injection molding. However, it may not provide the same level of precision and detail, and it is less suitable for solid, intricate components.

Should choose blow molding or injection molding

 

The choice between injection molding and blow molding depends on many factors, including the type of product being produced, quality requirements, product quantity, and cost. Here are some points to consider to decide which is more appropriate: 

  • Product type: Injection molding is often suitable for products with complex shapes or small details, such as electronic components, machinery housings, or technical plastic products. Blow molding is often used to produce products with 3D shapes and large quantities of identical products, such as plastic bottles or containers. 
  • Quality requirements: Injection molding is often capable of creating products with high precision and smooth surfaces. Blow molding can create products with smooth surfaces, but cannot produce small parts or high-precision products like injection molding. 
  • Product quantity: Blow molding is often suitable for mass production of the same product in large quantities, while injection molding can be used for both sporadic batch products or those in small quantities. 
  • Cost: Injection molding typically has a higher start-up cost due to the need to create molds, while blow molding can start out at a lower cost, especially if you already have molds or large batch production. 

5. Conclusion

In this article, we learned about two important processes in the production of plastic products: blow molding and injection molding. Both of these methods produce a variety of plastic products that we often encounter every day. Both processes have their own benefits and are widely used in industry to create high-quality plastic products. Selecting the right molding method &#; be it blow molding vs injection molding &#; is pivotal in achieving your manufacturing goals. Understanding the strengths and limitations of each process and considering factors like design complexity, material selection, and production volume will empower you to make an informed choice that aligns with your project's objectives.

6. Plastic products are used for injection molding and blow molding at EuroPlas

Color masterbatch products at EuroPlas

 

Color masterbatch serves as an indispensable component in the world of plastic manufacturing, offering a reliable means of adding vibrant and consistent coloration to plastic products. In blow molding, achieving a uniform distribution of color is paramount. The masterbatch must be expertly integrated into the base resin, ensuring that the resulting plastic product displays an even, streak-free hue. Furthermore, it is crucial to select a color masterbatch that can withstand the elevated temperatures characteristic of blow molding, maintaining its color integrity even in the face of heat. For applications where the blow-molded parts may be exposed to the sun or outdoor elements, UV-resistant color masterbatches provide added protection against fading or degradation due to UV radiation.

Understanding these things, EuroPlas brings customers high-quality colored plastic masterbatch products, suitable for blow molding and injection molding processes. The foremost advantage offered by EuroPlas color masterbatch lies in its remarkable surface dispersion on the final product, ensuring stable coloration and impressive heat resistance. EuroPlas offers a diverse range of color options, including white, black, red, gray, purple, blue, brown, orange, and yellow, and specialized color masterbatch variants that can produce a wide array of effects to cater to the unique requirements of the finished product.

High-quality filler masterbatch from EuroPlas

Filler masterbatch is a valuable addition to both blow molding and injection molding processes, contributing to improved material properties and cost-efficiency. In blow molding, the incorporation of a filler masterbatch, which consists of fine particles like calcium carbonate or talc embedded in a carrier resin, enhances the stiffness and rigidity of the plastic product. This is particularly advantageous for applications where structural integrity is crucial, such as industrial containers or automotive components. 

Similarly, in injection molding, filler masterbatch plays a pivotal role in reinforcing the base resin, increasing its strength and stiffness, and reducing the overall production cost. By reducing the consumption of the more expensive base resin, filler masterbatch offers an economical solution for producing solid and lightweight plastic parts with enhanced mechanical properties. Whether in blow molding or injection molding, filler masterbatch is a versatile and cost-effective tool for tailoring material characteristics to meet specific application requirements.

EuroPlas has more than 16 years of manufacturing and exporting filler masterbatch to thousands of businesses in Asia, the Middle East, Africa, and Europe... We provide many types of filler masterbatch to help you save costs, improve productivity, and produce high-quality plastic products.

Bio filler: Cost-effective material solution for bioplastic end-products

Bio filler in injection molding are a sustainable and eco-friendly addition to the world of plastic manufacturing. Bio filler offer the dual benefit of improving the material properties of injection-molded products while promoting a greener and more sustainable approach to plastics manufacturing.

At EuP, BiOMates stands out as an excellent choice for the production of environmentally friendly goods, including biodegradable packaging, injection-molded items, and single-use plastic extrusions. This versatile material offers a range of benefits, making it a preferred option for eco-conscious manufacturers. It aids in saving production costs for bioplastic end-products, ensuring that businesses can reduce expenses while still contributing to sustainability. 

Founded in , European Plastic Company (EuP) is the top producer and exporter of filler and masterbatch in Vietnam. Our filler masterbatch is specially manufactured to optimize the usage and reduce the production cost of injection-molded and blow-molded products. Nowadays, EuP has been a reputable partner of plastic producers from 70 countries across the world. Contact us for more details!

 

 

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