1. Introduction
Blow moulding machines are essential for producing hollow plastic products such as bottles, containers, and drums. Proper maintenance and prompt troubleshooting are critical to ensure efficient and uninterrupted production, minimize downtime, and extend the lifespan of the machinery.
2. Types of Maintenance
a. Preventive Maintenance
Scheduled, routine maintenance activities aimed at preventing unexpected breakdowns.
Regular inspection of mechanical components
Lubrication of moving parts
Cleaning of molds and machinery
Checking air, hydraulic, and cooling systems
b. Predictive Maintenance
Uses condition-monitoring tools to predict equipment failure.
Vibration analysis
Thermographic inspection
Oil analysis
c. Corrective Maintenance
Maintenance performed after a failure has occurred to restore equipment.
Replacing worn-out components
Repairing or replacing defective sensors or controllers
d. Breakdown Maintenance
Unplanned repair due to sudden failure.
Emergency troubleshooting
Quick diagnosis and component replacement
3. Common Issues in Blow Moulding Machines
| Issue | Possible Cause |
|---|---|
| Inconsistent wall thickness | Improper mold alignment or incorrect parison programming |
| Poor surface finish | Contaminated molds or worn-out mold surface |
| Leaking bottles | Inadequate sealing or pressure loss during blow |
| Machine not starting | Electrical fault, sensor failure, or control panel issue |
| Parison sagging | Improper temperature setting or screw/barrel wear |
| Flashing (excess plastic) | Excessive parison size or poor mold clamping |
