Stabio, Switzerland — ST BlowMoulding SA has fine-tuned its dual-head technology for extrusion blow molders with features to improve functionality.
The dual-head blow molding machines are widely used in the U.S. for high-volume jobs to manufacture large containers, toys, garden furniture and car parts.
The latest version of the technology is particularly suitable for producing technical parts for automotive and industrial applications, according to a company spokeswoman.
"Improved functionality means better performance, low energy consumption and a user-friendly machine with respect to other OEMs," she said in an email.
A team of company experts described how they upgraded the ISIT 1320 dual head:
To be more efficient, a hydraulic power pack equipped with a pre-filling cylinder and variable speed pumps minimizes the energy needed for clamping and motion.
Also, each head has a top blow device as an alternative to a bottom blow stand, the heads are adjustable side-to-side and their center distance is variable to fit asymmetric cavities and minimize flash, and takeout pliers have been designed with pneumatic compensation to prevent arms deflection.
The machine also is supplied with a removable static access cage for an ergonomic die and core changeover.
In addition, the operator is aided by a swing arm to support the tooling weight during maneuvers.
ST BlowMoulding extruders need no barrel cooling, the machines can process high-temperature materials, and they feature 3D suction and full radial thickness control.
ST BlowMoulding also has added 20 technicians in the last few years, the spokeswoman said. The company has support facilities in the U.S., Italy, Switzerland, China and Japan.
ST also will demonstrate the technology at an auto supplier in San Antonio, Texas.