EXTRUSION BLOW MOLDING (EBM), is a highly versatile process, where very unique
shapes, sizes and neck types can be achieved, using a variety of plastics. EBM process
begins when plastic is melted and extruded into a hollow tube. This tube is then
captured by closing it into a cooled metal mold. Air is then blown into the tube,
inflating it into the shape of the hollow bottle, container, or part. After
the plastic has cooled sufficiently, the mold is opened and the part is ejected
and the process is repeated.
INJECTION STRETCH BLOW MOLDING (ISBM), the plastic is
first molded into a preforms during the injection molding process. These preforms
are produced with the necks of the bottles, including threads on one end. These
preforms are packaged, and fed later (after cooling) into a reheat stretch blow
molding machine. The stretching of some polymers, such as PET for bottles and jars
are noted for their glass-like clarity, strength and barrier properties.
INJECTION MOLDING (IM) material is fed into a heated barrel,
mixed, and forced into a mold cavity where it cools and hardens to the configuration
of the cavity.