Blow molding machine china

1 Standard of Blow molding machine in china

This standard specifies the terms and definitions, models, types, basic parameters, and working conditions, technical requirements, test methods, inspection rules, signs, packaging, transportation, and storage. This standard applies to the fully automatic rotary PET bottle blowing machine (hereinafter referred to as the blowing machine) that uses the two-step bottle-making process to blow PET bottles for packaging in the fields of beverages, alcohol, condiments, food, daily chemicals, and medicine.

2 Normative References

The following documents are essential for the application of this document. For dated references, only the dated version applies to this document. For undated references, the latest edition (including all amendments) applies to this document, ensuring compliance with current standards in plastic blow moulding.

• GB/T191 Graphical Marks for Packaging, Storage, and Transportation
• GB/T 2828.1 Counting Sampling Inspection Procedure Part 1: Lot-by-Lot Inspection Sampling Plan Retrieved by Acceptance Quality Limit (AQL)
• GB2894 Safety signs and their usage guidelines
• GB/T3766 General technical conditions for hydraulic systems
• GB4806.1 Hygienic Standard for Rubber Products for Food
• GB5226.1—2008 Mechanical and electrical safety-Mechanical electrical equipment-Part 1: General technical conditions
• GB/T7311 Packaging Machinery Classification and Model Compilation Method
• GB/T7932 General technical conditions for pneumatic systems in injection processes for blow molding applications.
• GB/T9969 Industrial Product Instruction Manual General Provisions
• GB13113 Hygienic standard for polyethylene terephthalate molded products for food containers and packaging materials
• GB13114 Hygienic standard for polyethylene terephthalate resin for food containers and packaging materials, applied in the making machine.
• GB/T13277.1—2008 Compressed Air Part 1: Pollutant Purification Level
• GB/T13306 Signs
• GB/T13384 General technical conditions for packaging of mechanical and electrical products
• GB/T14253 General technical conditions for light industrial machinery, applicable to the moulding making machine used in plastic blow moulding.
• GB16798 Food Machinery Safety and Hygiene
• GB/T16855.1 Machinery Safety-Related Safety Components of Machinery Control System-Part 1: General Rules for Design
• GB19891 Machinery Safety – Hygienic requirements for mechanical design
• JB/T7232 Packaging machinery – Simple method for determination of noise sound power level
• JB7233 Packaging Machinery Safety Requirements from the blow molding machine manufacturer.
• QB/T1868 Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) carbonated beverage bottle
• QB2357 Polyester (PET) soft drink bottle
• QB/T2665 Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottle for hot filling

3 Terms and Definitions of bottle blow molding machine

The following terms and definitions apply to this document:

• Unscrambling preform: The process of arranging the preforms neatly and regularly from the silo to the preform feeding track of the blowing and warming machine.
• Preform block: The preform is stuck during the transfer process.
• Blowing station: The unit that can complete the functions of stretching and blowing bottles is composed of a stretching mechanism, a mold, and a mold base device.
• Blow molding bottle: The preheated preform enters the mold cavity and is stretched and blown into the finished bottle with compressed air.
• Two stage: The method of dividing the production of finished bottles into two independent processes of blanking and blowing finished bottles.
• Preform damaged ratio: In the normal production process of the blow molding machine, the percentage of the number of preforms lost to the total number of qualified preforms input.
• Qualified blow molding bottle ratio: In the normal production process of the blow molding machine, the percentage of qualified sample bottles to the total number of sample bottles.

4 Model, Type, Basic Parameters, and Working Conditions for blowing machine

4.1 Model of bottle blowing machine
Example: ZPXHD20 means that the number of blow molding stations is 20, the finished bottle is a large cavity automatic rotary PET bottle blowing machine suitable for hot filling, the first design.

4.2 Type and Basic Parameters of the extrusion blow molding machine.

• Type of blow molding machine:
  • According to the applicable filling temperature of the finished bottle, it is divided into: hot filling (represented by “H”), cold filling (not indicated);
  • According to the type of cavity, it is divided into: small cavity (the diameter of the blowing bottle is less than 75 mm, indicated by “X”); large cavity (the diameter of the blowing bottle is greater than 120 mm, indicated by “D”); The bottle diameter ranges from 75 mm to 120 mm, not indicated).
• The main structure of the blow molding machine:
  • Preform storage and conveying device;
  • Preform heating device for the extrusion blow molding machine;
  • Die set;
  • Blowing device.
• Basic parameters of blow molding machine:
  • Rated production capacity: bottle/h;
  • Number of blow molding stations: pcs;
  • Voltage, frequency: V, Hz;
  • Power: kW;
  • Dimensions: (length × width × height) mm;
  • Mass: kg;
  • Maximum blowing diameter: mm;
  • Maximum blowing height: mm;
  • Maximum working pressure: MPa.

4.3 Working Conditions for plastic blow moulding machinery.

• The specifications of the preform should be consistent, and the material of the preform and the size of the mouth of the preform should comply with the relevant standards. The preform should meet the production technical requirements of the blowing machine and the finished bottle blowing requirements.
• Blowing compressed air is divided into low-pressure operation compressed air and process compressed air (including pre-blowing and main-blowing). GB/T13277.1-2008 relevant provisions, and should comply with the provisions of Table 1.

• The cooling water used in the cooling system can be recycled, and the cooling water shall meet the following requirements:
  • pH value is 7~8;
  • The total hardness (calculated as CaCO3) is less than 140 mg/L;
  • The particle size of pollutants is not more than 0.1 mm;
  • Appropriate amount of antifreeze preservatives should be added.
• If the mold is heated by oil, the heating oil should use special heat transfer oil that can be heated to 180 °C.
• The deviation between the power supply voltage of the blow molding machine and the rated voltage should be kept within the range of ±7%.
• There should be no external air flow and heat radiation affecting the quality of blowing in the working room. The ambient temperature during work is 15 °C ~ 35 °C (the fluctuation range is ±3 °C), and the air is filtered by primary and intermediate effects.

5 Technology Requirement of Bottle Blowing Machine

5.1 General Requirements

• The blow molding machine shall be manufactured according to the drawings and technical documents approved by the prescribed procedures.
• The blow molding machine should run smoothly, and the movement parts and components should be sensitive, coordinated, and accurate, and there should be no jamming and abnormal noise.
• The air circuit, liquid circuit, and lubrication system of the blow molding machine should be unblocked, free from blockage and leakage.
• The preform should not be stuck before entering the heating device.

5.2 Performance Requirements

• The production capacity of the blow molding machine should meet the requirements of the rated production capacity, and the production efficiency in continuous production should not be less than 96%.
• Under normal working conditions, the surface temperature of the external part of the blow molding machine in contact with the human body should not be higher than 50 °C.
• The preform loss rate of the blow molding machine should not exceed 0.3%.
• The finished bottle for cold filling shall comply with the relevant regulations of QB/T1868 and QB2357, and the finished bottle for hot filling shall comply with the relevant regulations of QB/T2665.
• The bottle body should not be polluted during the blowing process, and the hygienic requirements of the finished bottle should comply with the provisions of GB13113.
• When the blowing machine is working normally, the noise sound pressure level should not be greater than 85dB(A).
• The heating and cooling device of the mold should be able to meet the temperature requirements of the mold, and the stability of pressure and flow should be ensured when using fluid medium.
• The temperature deviation of the left and right half molds and the bottom mold of the blow molding machine in contact with the bottle body should not exceed 5 °C.
• The working temperature of the hot-filling mold body should not be higher than 170 °C, and the temperature deviation at the same position of the mold at each station should be ±1.5 °C.
• The blow molding machine shall have the function of single-mode blowing test and multi-station pre-blowing test function to meet the needs of single-mode and multi-station blowing tests. The maximum diameter and height deviation of multi-station pre-blown bottles should not exceed ±5 mm.
• The pre-blowing pressure of each station should be consistent, with a deviation of ±0.01 MPa, and the deviation of high-pressure air-blowing pressure is ±0.1 MPa.

5.3 Technical Conditions of Mold Assembly

• When blowing different finished bottles, the molds should be easy to replace, and the installation dimensions of each station should ensure that the molds can be universally interchanged.
• When installing the mold, it should be ensured that the joint surface is completely fitted and the bolt connection is firm and reliable.
• After the mold is installed, check the installation height. The height deviation of the mold reference plane at each station is ±0.05 mm, and the horizontal height tolerance of the two halves of the mold is not greater than 0.1 mm. The movement stroke of the mold opening and closing cam and the bottom mold lifting cam The deviation is 0.03 mm~0.05 mm.
• The clamping gap should be controlled within the range of 0.1 mm~0.15 mm (the clamping gap of the hot filling mold is the gap when the mold temperature is reached).

5.4 Electrical Safety Requirements

• Each circuit control system of the blow molding machine should be safe, reliable, and accurate, and meet the requirements of GB5226.1. This ensures the proper functioning of the plastic blow moulding process.
  • All electrical connectors are firmly connected and numbered;
  • The operation button should be flexible, and the indicator light should be normal;
  • There should be an emergency stop device, the effective operation of the emergency stop actuator suspends the subsequent command, and the operation command is valid until it is reset. Reset should only be done manually at the point where the emergency action command was initiated. A commanded reset should not restart the machine, but only allow restarting.
• The protection level of the electrical cabinet should reach IP54.
• The insulation resistance measured when 500Vd.c. is applied between the power circuit wires and the protective bonding circuit shall not be less than 1 MΩ.
• All exposed conductive parts of the blow molding machine shall be connected to the protective bonding circuit according to the requirements in 8.2.1 of GB5226.1-2008. The connection between the ground terminal or the ground contact and the grounded metal part should have a low resistance value, and its resistance value should not exceed 0.1Ω.
• The power circuit wires of the blow molding machine and the protective connection circuit should be subjected to a withstand voltage test for at least 1s.
• The blow molding machine shall be equipped with a mechanical emergency braking device. When the power is off, the braking device shall be in the braking state, and the braking device shall be equipped with a manual reset switch.
• The blow molding machine should be equipped with an automatic compressed air pressure relief device. When the emergency brake button is pressed or the safety door is in the open state, the compressed air automatic pressure relief device should be automatically activated to quickly relieve the pressure.
• The blow molding machine shall have the function of shielding the cavity, and when the cavity is shielded, it will automatically stop the mold from entering the blank.

5.5 Safety and Health Requirements for the blow molding machine manufacturer.

• The safety protection of the blow molding machine shall meet the following requirements:
  • The safety protection of the blow molding machine shall comply with the provisions of JB7233; and shall be equipped with safety protection devices whose safety level shall comply with the provisions of GB/T16855.1.
  • There should be clear and conspicuous safety warning signs such as manipulation, lubrication, and anti-scalding on the blow molding machine, and the safety signs should comply with the provisions of GB2894.
  • The blow molding machine should be provided with interlock protection to ensure the safety of personnel, materials, and equipment. When blowing hot-filling bottles, safety fences should be installed around the mold thermostat and the heating oil circuit.
  • Fasteners such as bolts, nuts, and other parts on the blow molding machine should be reliably fixed to prevent loosening and should not fall off due to vibration.
  • The safety performance of the pneumatic system of the blow molding machine shall comply with the provisions of GB/T7932, and the safety performance of the liquid system shall comply with the provisions of GB/T3766.
• The raw materials used in the blow molding machine and the purchased supporting parts from the supplier shall have the quality certificate of the manufacturer.
• The rubber seals of the blow molding machine shall comply with the provisions of GB4806.1.
• For the blow molding machine used in the food industry, the safety and hygiene requirements of the principles of material selection, design, manufacture, and configuration shall comply with the provisions of GB16798. The safety and hygiene requirements of the mechanical design of the blow molding machine shall comply with the provisions of GB19891, ensuring standards for the extrusion blow moulding machine.

5.6 Appearance Quality and Specification Requirements

• The processing, assembly, and appearance quality of the blow molding machine shall comply with the relevant regulations of GB/T14253.
• The paint and spray layer on the non-processed surface of the blowing machine should be smooth, uniform in color, and free from obvious defects such as dirt, flow marks, and blistering.
• The surface-treated parts of the blow molding machine should be uniform in color and free from defects such as blistering, layering, and rusting.
• The instruction manual of the blow molding machine should be written in accordance with the provisions of GB/T9969, and the instruction manual should specify the oiling cycle of the transmission part of the blow molding machine.

6 Test Methods of China Blow Molding Machine

6.1 Test Conditions

• The test environment temperature should be 15 °C~35 °C.
• The polyethylene terephthalate resin used in the test shall meet the requirements of GB13114.

6.2 General Requirements Check

• Dry running test: After each bottle blowing machine is assembled, it should be tested for empty running, and the continuous empty running time should not be less than 48h. Check the running condition of the blowing machine, which should meet the requirements of 5.1.2, 5.4.1, 5.4.6, and 5.4.7.
• Air, liquid, and lubrication system tightness inspection: The air circuit, liquid circuit, and lubrication system of the blow molding machine can be checked for tightness by the following methods:
  • Gently wipe around the seals of pneumatic components and lubrication systems with absorbent cotton, and observe whether there is any oil stain on the absorbent cotton;
  • Apply high-foaming detergent water to the seals of the pneumatic components to observe whether there is air leakage;
  • After the hydraulic system is assembled, the pressure test should be done at 1.25 times the rated pressure for 30 minutes, there should be no leakage, and the pressure drop should not be greater than 5%.

6.3 Performance Test

• Production capacity test: Under the normal production conditions of the blowing machine, run continuously at the rated speed for 10 minutes, count the total number of finished bottles completed by blowing, and carry out a total of two times, calculate the production capacity according to formula (1), and the two calculation results should conform to 5.2.1 Provisions.
  𝑉=𝑀110×60V=10M1​×60

  where:

  • $V$ — production capacity, the unit is bottle per hour (bottle/h);
  • $M1$ — The total number of finished bottles, the unit is bottle, which could include plastic water bottles produced through blow molding processes.
• Production efficiency test: The test can be carried out at the user’s production site, specifically for the plastic blow moulding process. Under the normal production conditions of the blow molding machine, the blow molding machine runs continuously at the rated speed for 8 hours each time, and is carried out three times in a week. The average value of the three times shall meet the requirements of 5.2.1 for the hdpe extrusion blow molding machine.
  𝑛=𝑀2𝐹×𝑇×100%n=F×TM2​×100%

  where:

  • $n$ — production efficiency, %;
  • $F$ — rated production capacity, the unit is bottle per hour (bottle/h);
  • $T$ — effective time, the unit is hour (h);
  • $M2$ — The total number of finished bottles, the unit is bottle.

  The effective time $T$ is: the test time 8h minus the sum of all downtimes ($\sum t$) of any mechanism during the test time not caused by the failure of the blow molding machine itself, ensuring reliability in water bottle production. Calculate according to formula (3):

  $$T=8-\sum t$$

  • Preform loss rate test: Under the normal production conditions of the blow molding machine, run continuously at the rated speed for 8 hours each time, and carry out three times in a week. The average value of the three times shall meet the requirements of 5.2.3.
    𝑃=𝑀3𝑀4×100%P=M4M3​×100%

    where:

    • $P$ — preform loss rate, %;
    • $M3$ — The number of preforms lost, the unit is bottle;
    • $M4$ — The total number of qualified preforms input, the unit is bottle.
  • Finished bottle test: The finished bottle test can be carried out at the user’s production site. The finished bottle shall meet the requirements of 5.2.4 and 5.2.5. The test method shall be carried out according to the relevant regulations of QB/T1868, QB2357, and QB/T2665.
  • Noise test: The noise test can be carried out at the user’s production site. The noise sound pressure level of the blow molding machine shall meet the requirements of 5.2.6. The test method shall be carried out according to the relevant regulations of JB/T7232.
  • Mold temperature test: The mold temperature test can be carried out at the user’s production site. The temperature deviation of the left and right half molds and the bottom mold of the blow molding machine in contact with the bottle body shall meet the requirements of 5.2.8. The test method shall be carried out according to the relevant regulations of JB/T7232.
  • Pre-blowing pressure test: The pre-blowing pressure test can be carried out at the user’s production site. The pre-blowing pressure of each station shall meet the requirements of 5.2.10. The test method shall be carried out according to the relevant regulations of JB/T7232.

  7 Inspection Rules of PET Blow Molding Machine

  7.1 Inspection Classification

  • The inspection of the blow molding machine is divided into exit-factory inspection and type inspection.

  7.2 Exit-Factory Inspection

  • Each blow molding machine shall be inspected by the quality inspection department of the manufacturer before leaving the factory. The exit-factory inspection items shall include all the items specified in 6.2 and 6.3.

  7.3 Type Inspection

  • Type inspection shall be carried out in one of the following situations:
    • When the new product is trial-produced and the type is finalized, especially in the context of a plastic blow moulding process.
    • When there are major changes in structure, materials, and processes that may affect product performance;
    • When the product is resumed after long-term suspension of production, it is crucial to check the plastic blow moulding machine's functionality.
    • When there are significant differences between the exit-factory inspection results and the previous type inspection;
    • When the national quality supervision agency proposes a type inspection requirement.

  7.4 Sampling Plan

  • The sampling plan for type inspection shall be carried out according to the provisions of GB/T2828.1.

  8 Signs, Packaging, Transportation, and Storage of Machinery

  8.1 Signs

  • The signs of the blow molding machine shall include the following contents:
    • Product name, model, and main technical parameters;
    • Manufacturer’s name, address, and trademark;
    • Date of manufacture and serial number;
    • Safety signs and warning signs.

  8.2 Packaging

  • The packaging of the blow molding machine shall comply with the provisions of GB/T13384. The packaging shall be firm and reliable, and the packaging box shall be marked with the following contents:
    • Product name, model, and main technical parameters;
    • Manufacturer’s name, address, and trademark;
    • Date of manufacture and serial number;
    • Handling signs and storage signs.

  8.3 Transportation

  • The blow molding machine shall be transported in accordance with the provisions of GB/T191. During transportation, the blow molding machine shall be protected from rain, moisture, and mechanical damage.

  8.4 Storage

  • The blow molding machine shall be stored in a dry, ventilated, and non-corrosive gas environment. The storage period shall not exceed one year. If the storage period exceeds one year, the blow molding machine shall be inspected and maintained before use.

9 Additional Considerations for Blow Molding Machines

9.1 Maintenance and Troubleshooting

• Regular maintenance of the blow molding machine is crucial to ensure its optimal performance and longevity. The maintenance schedule should include:
  • Daily checks for any visible wear and tear.
  • Weekly lubrication of moving parts.
  • Monthly inspection of electrical connections and pneumatic systems.
  • Quarterly calibration of sensors and control systems.
• Common troubleshooting steps include:
  • Checking for air leaks in the pneumatic system.
  • Ensuring the heating elements are functioning correctly.
  • Verifying the alignment of the molds.
  • Inspecting the preform feeding mechanism for blockages.

9.2 Training and Safety

• Operators should receive comprehensive training on the operation and maintenance of the blow molding machine. Training should cover:
  • Safe handling of preforms and finished bottles.
  • Proper use of control panels and emergency stop functions.
  • Routine maintenance procedures.
  • Troubleshooting common issues.
• Safety measures should include:
  • Installation of safety guards around moving parts.
  • Regular safety drills for emergency situations.
  • Use of personal protective equipment (PPE) such as gloves and safety glasses.
  • Clear labeling of hazardous areas and components.

9.3 Environmental Considerations

• The blow molding machine should be designed to minimize environmental impact. This includes:
  • Efficient use of energy and resources.
  • Recycling of cooling water and other consumables is important for the efficiency of the plastic blow moulding process.
  • Proper disposal of waste materials.
  • Compliance with environmental regulations and standards.

9.4 Innovations and Future Trends

• The blow molding industry is continuously evolving with new technologies and innovations, including advancements in the production of plastic bottles. Some of the future trends include:
  • Integration of IoT (Internet of Things) for real-time monitoring and control.
  • Use of advanced materials for lightweight and durable bottles.
  • Development of more energy-efficient machines.
  • Automation and robotics for increased productivity and precision.

9.5 Case Studies and Applications

• Case studies of successful implementations of blow molding machines can provide valuable insights. Examples include:
  • A beverage company that increased production efficiency by 20% after upgrading to a new blow molding machine.
  • A pharmaceutical company that achieved higher quality standards with a customized blow molding solution.
  • A food packaging company that reduced waste and improved sustainability with an eco-friendly blow molding process.

9.6 Industry Standards and Certifications

• Adherence to industry standards and certifications is essential for ensuring the quality and safety of blow molding machines. Relevant standards include:
  • ISO 9001 for quality management systems.
  • ISO 14001 for environmental management systems.
  • CE marking for compliance with European safety, health, and environmental protection standards.
  • FDA regulations for food and pharmaceutical packaging.

9.7 Customer Support and Service

• Providing excellent customer support and service is crucial for customer satisfaction and loyalty, especially in specialized sectors like plastic blow moulding. This includes:
  • Offering comprehensive warranties and service contracts.
  • Providing prompt technical support and troubleshooting assistance for the blow molding machine manufacturer.
  • Conducting regular follow-ups and performance evaluations.
  • Offering training programs and resources for operators and maintenance personnel.