Introduce of Blow Molding Machine
Blow Molding Machine working principle : Heat and melt plastic particles (such as HDPE, PP, PET, etc.) → blow them into the mold → cool and shape → take out the formed hollow product.
The main components of a blow molding machine are:
- Extrusion system: Heats the plastic and extrudes the parison
- Mold system: Determines the product’s shape and structure
- Blowing system: Inflates the parison into shape using air pressure
- Hydraulic system: Controls mold opening and closing and mechanical movement
- Control system: Automatically controls temperature, pressure, time, and other parameters
If you’re purchasing a machine for 220L barrels, you should collect the following information:
1. Barrel Capacity: 220L or compatible with 200L/230L, etc. Knowing the barrel capacity allows us to better design and manufacture molds for various barrel sizes.
2. Barrel Structure: Sealed Double-Threaded End/Open End. Different barrel structures require different mold design and equipment configurations. Sealed ends require higher clamping force than open ends.
3. Barrel Material: HDPE/Recycled. Material differences affect screw design and product quality, including tensile strength, melting point, and the presence of impurities.
4. Barrel Weight: 8-11kg. Barrel weight affects machine output and mold cooling design, so providing the appropriate weight will help us better design the product and machine.
5. Barrel Dimensions: End, threads, diameter, and height. This helps with the machine’s template and blow pin design, as well as compatibility with market-standard lids. 6. Output: Hourly output. Understand the machine’s operating time and whether the machine’s output meets the requirements.
7. Multi-layer: Single/Dual/Triple. Depending on the number of layers in the product, the extruder screw and die can be designed with multiple flow channels. Multi-layer products require higher die design requirements and are more expensive.
8. Factory power supply: 380V standard or non-standard voltage. Standard voltage has faster delivery, while non-standard voltage has slower delivery and higher prices.
9. Factory height: 6 meters or higher. Large barrel machines are generally over 5.5 meters high. If the factory height is insufficient to accommodate the machine, or if there is insufficient headroom, normal production will be affected.
Based on the above information, the supplier can recommend a machine, such as:
1. Main unit: ABLD120, single-station, Apollo brand
2. Extrusion system: 120mm screw diameter, ceramic heater, output 300-350kg/h
3. Mold: 45 steel, P20 steel, 718 steel
4. Wall thickness control system: MOOG or domestic Xunjie servo controller to ensure uniform barrel wall thickness
5. Hydraulic system: Imported proportional valve (such as YUKEN), stable and reliable
6. Control system: PLC + touch screen (wisetech, Inovance, Mitsubishi)
7. Cooling water system: Chiller + cooling tower to maintain stable mold temperature
8. Air source: Blowing system with stable compressed air (approximately 0.8-1.0 MPa)
9. Power supply: 380V, Installed power 140-180 kW
10. Supporting equipment: Other molds, mixers, feeders, crushers, cooling water machines, air compressors, etc.
Comparison of 220L Closed and Open Drums
1. Appearance and Structure:
Drum Finish: Closed drums have a sealed top with only two small openings (usually 2-inch and 3/4-inch). Open drums have a removable lid with a metal hoop or plastic ring.
Drum Body: Closed drums are molded in one piece and sealed at the top. Open drums have a separate drum body and lid, allowing for separate installation and removal.
Sealing: Closed drums have a threaded top and a sealing ring (gasket). Open drums have a lid and a pressure ring (locking mechanism).
Appearance Identification: Closed drums have a small opening, a smooth surface, and are suitable for stacking. Open drums have a large opening, a metal hoop, and a slightly raised lid.
2. Application:
Main Application: Closed drums are primarily used to store liquids such as chemical solvents, lubricants, detergents, pesticides, and additives. Open-type containers are primarily used to store solid or paste-like materials, such as powders, resins, food additives, glues, and greases.
Transportation Requirements: Closed-type containers are used for liquid transportation and require high leak-proofing. Open-type containers are primarily used for non-liquid products, facilitating easy loading and unloading.
Common Export Directions: Closed-type containers are primarily used for packaging chemicals, oils, and hazardous chemicals. Open-type containers are primarily used for packaging food, pigments, resins, and paste-like chemicals.
UN Certification: Closed-type containers are generally UN-certified (for packaging hazardous liquids), while some open-type containers may also be UN-certified (for packaging solids).
3. Performance and Advantages and Disadvantages:
Sealing Performance: Closed-type containers offer excellent sealing performance (preventing leaks and gas evaporation). Open-type containers offer average sealing performance (mainly relying on the lid ring for sealing).
Compression Resistance/Stacking Performance: The seal features numerous reinforced shanks, providing strong pressure resistance and load-bearing capacity. Open-type containers have weaker pressure resistance, so be careful when stacking them.
Suitable for liquids: Sealed types are very suitable, while open-type containers are not recommended.
Suitable for solids or pastes: Sealed types are not suitable for solids and are inconvenient to remove. Open-type containers are very suitable and can be easily filled and cleaned.
Reusability: Sealed types are difficult to clean and have a low reusability rate. Open-type containers have a higher reusability rate and can be opened, cleaned, and reused.
Mold Cost: Sealed types have a one-piece design and are slightly cheaper (due to their simpler structure). Open-type containers require a blow mold, a lid mold, and a locking ring mold, making them slightly more expensive.
Production Complexity: Sealed types are molded in a single process and can be assembled. Open-type containers require a blow mold, and the lid and ring are injection-molded as a complete package.
220L Drum Market Demand Analysis:
The global 220L plastic drum market continues to grow, with an average annual growth rate of approximately 4-6% from 2025 to 2028. Closed drums account for approximately 65%-70% of the market, while open drums account for approximately 30%-35%.
Main Drivers:
1. Packaging upgrades in the chemical, lubricant, pesticide, and food industries;
2. Steel drums are gradually being replaced by lightweight, recyclable plastic drums;
3. Strong demand in export markets (Middle East, Africa, and South America).
Closed Drum Market Analysis
Main Features:
Closed drum mouth, excellent sealing, leak-proof, and stackable.
Widely used for packaging liquids: chemicals, lubricants, solvents, pesticides, disinfectants, etc.
Market Demand:
Southeast Asia/Middle East/Africa: Export demand is highest, suitable for chemical, oil, and pesticide packaging; local recycling systems are weak, requiring shatter-resistant and aging-resistant drums.
China: Used for lubricants, additives, detergents, and industrial liquids; large chemical plants consistently source these drums. European and American markets: Strong demand for high-end UN-certified barrels (hazardous chemical transport standards).
Demand Trends:
High share and stable growth. Demand is driven by the expansion of the chemical and lubricant industries. Export profits are high, and competition is stable. Technological upgrades are trending towards fully electric blow molding machines and multi-layer barrier barrels (with EVOH layers for impermeability).
Typical Customer Types:
Chemical raw material manufacturers; lubricant manufacturers; pesticide/cleaner manufacturers; OEM packaging service providers (for major brands).
Open-Type Barrel Market Analysis:
Key Features:
Openable lid for easy loading and unloading, cleaning, and reuse.
Suitable for solid, powdered, and paste-like products such as glues, pigments, and food additives.
Market Demand:
Domestic China: Widely used for packaging food additives, resin powders, and greases.
Southeast Asia/Africa: Larger usage for powdered chemicals, fertilizers, and building materials.
European and American Markets: Some food and pharmaceutical packaging (requiring food-grade certification).
Demand Trends:
Rapid growth but from a small base, primarily concentrated in the food and solid chemical sectors. Customers prioritize reusability, focusing on drum lid seals and pressure resistance. Molds offer higher margins and diverse orders.
Typical Customer Types:
Food, seasoning, and dairy companies; powder chemical and pigment plants; resin and adhesive manufacturers; and exporters of solid or paste products.
