Practical Guide to Blow Moulding

Blow moulding is a manufacturing process used to form hollow plastic parts. It evolved from the ancient art of glass blowing and it is used to particular advantage with plastic materials. Celluloid was used first to blow mould baby rattles and novelties in the 1930s, linear low-density polyethylene was used in the 1940s for high production bottles and these days polyethylene terephthalate is used to make anything from soda bottles, to highly sophisticated multilayered containers and automotive fuel tanks in the last decade. When designing a product it is important to consider aspects such as a material's characteristics, the processing methods available, the assembly and finishing procedures, and the life cycle and expected performance of the product. This book presents the basics of blow moulding as well as the latest state-of-the-art and science of the industry. A key feature is the approach of discussing the 'basics' and then taking the reader through the entire process from design development through to final production. It is very important for those involved in the manufacturing operation to keep abreast of the advances that are being made. This book will be of interest to those already using the blow moulding process and those who are interested in the potential offered by this versatile technology.