Does blow molding differ from other plastic molding processes? Blow molding typically starts with a tube filled with heated and soft thermoplastic materials. These materials are pushed through a circular die with a diameter that matches the size of the final product mold. When plastic is inside the tube, it is called a parison. The parison is extruded from the mold using extreme pressure into two halves of a metallic mold. The mold is what shapes the final product. After the mold is brought together, the air is blown into the parison, which forces the softened material to fill all nooks and crannies of the mold.
Then the mold is cooled and ejected from the mold. Blow molding is used to construct durable, hollow parts. Our cases are pressed together, which leaves an air gap that offers extra cushioning between the outer and inner walls of the case.
Another standard plastic molding process is injection molding. During this process, plastic is injected, under high pressure, into spaces between two mold halves. Ultimately, this forms a solid part that has no air gaps in it.
Some of the essential advantages of blow molded products include:
- Less expensive than injection molding. Blow molding uses aluminum molds, which are easy to machine when compared to steel
- Airtight cases. If you are traveling with your custom carrying case, you want to keep it protected from everything, not just bumps and falls.