What is Blow Molding?

Blow molding is a plastic shaping method commonly used to produce hollow plastic products (such as bottles). The process includes the following steps:

1. Extrusion or Injection: Molten plastic is formed into a tube or preform (parison) placed in a mold.
2. Blowing: Air pressure is applied inside the mold, causing the plastic to adhere to the inner surface of the mold and take its shape.
3. Cooling and Removal: The shaped product is cooled and removed from the mold.

What is IML (In-Mold Labeling)?

IML is a labeling method where the label is integrated into the production process while creating a plastic part. The label is placed into the mold before the plastic product is shaped, and during the process, it becomes fused with the product. This ensures that the label becomes a part of the product itself.

How Does Blow Molding IML Work?

1. Label Placement: A pre-prepared special label (usually made from materials like polypropylene) is placed into the mold. The label is fixed to the surface of the mold using vacuum or electrostatic charge.
2. Plastic Molding: During the blow molding process, molten plastic is blown into the mold, taking shape. The plastic wraps around the label along with the surface of the mold.
3. Cooling and Integration: As the plastic cools, the label integrates with the product, allowing the label to be directly embedded into the product without the use of printing or adhesives.

Applications:

• Food and beverage packaging (e.g., milk bottles, juice bottles).
• Personal care products (shampoo, soap bottles).
• Industrial chemical product containers.

Blow molding IML is a modern manufacturing technology frequently used in plastic packaging that requires high quality and durability.