Blow mould dies are precision-engineered tools used in the blow moulding process to produce plastic bottles, jars, and other hollow containers. These dies define the final shape, size, and surface finish of the container and play a critical role in ensuring product consistency, strength, and visual appeal.
Blow moulding is widely used in the packaging industry, especially for manufacturing containers made of materials like PET, HDPE, PP, and PVC.
Types of Blow Moulding Processes
There are three primary types of blow moulding, each requiring different die configurations:
Extrusion Blow Moulding (EBM)
Ideal for: HDPE and PP bottles (e.g., shampoo bottles, milk containers)
Die is designed for molten plastic extruded into a parison before being clamped and inflated in the mould.
Injection Blow Moulding (IBM)
Ideal for: Pharmaceutical and cosmetic containers
Uses a preform (injection-moulded) that is blown in the die cavity.
Stretch Blow Moulding (SBM)
Ideal for: PET bottles (e.g., soft drinks, mineral water)
Involves both stretching and blowing to enhance strength and clarity.
Key Features of Blow Mould Dies
Precision Machined Cavities: Ensures accurate bottle/jar shapes and sizes.
High-Grade Materials: Dies are made from durable materials such as aluminium alloys or hardened tool steels, depending on production volume and resin type.
Cooling Channels: Integrated cooling systems improve cycle time and part quality.
Custom Surface Finishes: Texturing, gloss, or matte finishes can be incorporated.
Interchangeable Inserts: Allows quick changeover between bottle designs or sizes.
Design Considerations
When designing blow mould dies for bottles and jars, the following factors are critical:
Wall Thickness Uniformity
Neck Finish & Thread Detail
Volume Accuracy
Demoulding Efficiency
Shrinkage Compensation
Ventilation for Air Trapping Prevention
Applications
Blow mould dies are used to manufacture plastic containers for various industries:
Food & Beverage – Water bottles, juice jars, sauce containers
Cosmetics & Personal Care – Lotion bottles, cream jars, shampoo containers
Pharmaceutical – Syrup bottles, pill jars
Household Chemicals – Detergent bottles, cleaning agents
Industrial Packaging – Lubricant and chemical containers
Customization & Tooling Services
Many manufacturers offer custom blow mould die design and development, including:
3D Design and Simulation
Prototyping Services
Mould Testing and Trial Runs
Repair and Refurbishment of Existing Dies
Conclusion
Blow mould dies are the backbone of high-quality plastic bottle and jar production. A well-designed die not only enhances productivity and reduces material waste but also ensures consistent performance and brand integrity. Choosing the right die and working with an experienced tooling provider is essential to achieving optimal results in blow moulding operations.
