Learn the fundamentals of blow molding machines and molds to avoid overpricing traps. Understand PET bottle design standards and select the right molds and outsourcing solutions for a professional approach.
1. Understanding the Production Process of Plastic Bottles .
To produce PET plastic bottles, you need key equipment such as a blow molding machine, air compressor, and chiller. The blow molding machine is the main equipment, while the air compressor and chiller are auxiliary. The blow molding machine comes in different specifications, including automatic and semi-automatic, depending on the design and production requirements of the bottle.
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A common mistake for newcomers when customizing molds is not understanding the relationship between the blow molding machine and the mold. Keep in mind that molds are designed to fit a specific blow molding machine. Therefore, before customizing a mold, you must either have a compatible machine or have chosen an outsourcing factory.
2. What If You Don’t Own a Blow Molding Machine?
It’s possible to not buy a blow molding machine and instead find a local factory that offers contract manufacturing. These factories already have blow molding machines, and you just need to customize the mold based on their equipment specifications. Be aware that different brands of blow molding machines have different mold structures, so if you switch factories later, you might need to remake the molds, which can be costly.
When selecting an outsourcing factory, consider the following points:
- Production Volume: If your production volume is low, opt for a semi-automatic blow molding machine as the mold cost is lower, making it more suitable for small-scale production.
- Long-Term Consideration: If you plan to expand your business, choosing a factory with an automatic blow molding machine can save you time and money in the long run.
3. Standard Sizes and Design for PET Bottles.
When designing PET bottles, different applications require different standard neck sizes. Common neck sizes include:
- Water bottles: 3025, 2925
- Beverage bottles: 38
- Carbonated bottles: 1881
- Large water containers: 55
Some clients try to stand out by designing unique neck sizes, such as using a 38mm neck for a water bottle, but this can cause production issues. Most filling machines on the market are designed for standard neck sizes like 3025, and deviating from the standard can lead to problems with filling.
To avoid unnecessary complications, it’s best to follow industry standards. For example, if you’re designing a 500ML water bottle, choosing a 3025 neck size is the safest option.
4. How to Negotiate Mold Customization with the Factory.
Once you understand the basics mentioned above, you can communicate more professionally with the factory about mold customization. Here’s an example of how to phrase your inquiry:
Sample Inquiry:
“I am planning to produce 500ML PET water bottles with a 3025 neck. I am looking for a factory to outsource production, as I don’t currently own a blow molding machine. Please provide a quote for a mold suitable for a 2-cavity semi-automatic blow molding machine.”
5. Conclusion.
By understanding the equipment and design standards, you can avoid common mistakes when customizing PET bottle molds. This will allow you to communicate more effectively with the factory and avoid unnecessary costs. If you have further questions about blow molding machines, molds, or PET bottle design, feel free to visit our website at www.ibottler.com or send an inquiry to discuss with us.
