Author
Home > Engineering > What is the Difference Between Extrusion and Injection Blow Molding?

Guilherme Mazui

•3 minutes to read

What is the Difference Between Extrusion and Injection Blow Molding?

🆚 Go to Comparative Table 🆚

The main difference between extrusion blow molding (EBM) and injection blow molding (IBM) lies in the type of products they create and the materials used in the process. Here are the key differences between the two:

  1. Type of Products: EBM is used for manufacturing hollow parts like bottles and other containers, while IBM is typically used to form more solid parts, which can include medical parts, kitchen parts, and other solid components.
  2. Materials: EBM is most commonly used to form products out of high-density polyethylene (HDPE), polypropylene (PP), and polyethylene terephthalate (PET). Injection blow molding is most commonly used to form products out of acrylic, polycarbonate, and polyoxymethylene (POM).
  3. Process: In EBM, plastic is melted and extruded into a mold, creating a hollow object. In IBM, plastic is melted and injected into a predesigned mold, allowing for the manufacturing of 3D components and more design flexibility.
  4. Production Efficiency: EBM is efficient and precise for large volumes, mainly of small parts, and has low scrap rates due to the efficient use of materials. IBM is ideal for high-volume orders and mass production of the same part, with a mold that is key to building a perfect, precision part.
On this page
  • What is the Difference Between Extrusion and Injection Blow Molding?
  • Comparative Table: Extrusion vs Injection Blow Molding

    • Comparative Table: Extrusion vs Injection Blow Molding

    The main difference between extrusion and injection blow molding is the process by which the heated material is introduced into the mold. Extrusion blow molding involves extruding a heated material, while injection blow molding involves injecting heated material into a mold. Here is a table summarizing the differences between the two processes:

    Feature Extrusion Blow Molding Injection Blow Molding
    Process Extrudes heated material Injects heated material into a mold
    Product Type Typically creates 2D products Typically creates 3D products
    Materials High-density polyethylene (HDPE), Polypropylene (PP), Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) Acrylic, Polycarbonate, Polyoxymethylene (POM), Polyethylene (PE)
    Die vs. Mold Uses a die to create the final output Uses a mold to create the final output
    Production Speed Slower process Faster process

    Both processes are used to create disposable and recyclable plastic parts, including products used in medical and research applications.

    Read more:

    Guilherme Mazui

    Guilherme Mazui is graduated in journalism from the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG) and a master's degree in Communication from the University of São Paulo (USP). In addition, he has experience in advertising writing and has worked as a content editor in several companies.