Blow molding is the process of forming a molten tube (referred to as the parison or preform) of thermoplastic material (polymer or resin) and placing the parison or preform within a mold cavity and inflating the tube with compressed air, to take the shape of the cavity and cool the part before removing from the mold.
Any hollow thermoplastic part can be blow molded.
Parts are not just limited to bottles, where there is one opening and it is usually smaller in diameter or size than the overall body dimensions. These are some of the most common shapes used in consumer packaging, however there are other typical types of blow molded parts, including, but not limited to:
- Industrial bulk containers
- Lawn, garden and household items
- Medical supplies and parts, toys
- Building industry products
- Automotive-under the hood parts
- Appliance components
