If you’re producing lightweight hollow containers, reciprocating screw blow molding machines are one of the most efficient and cost-effective types of machinery available. These machines are a type of intermittent extruder and are well suited for small, lightweight applications.

Arlington Machinery offers new, refurbished, and as-is reciprocating screw extruders from a variety of top manufacturers:

• Impco
• Graham Engineering
• Rochleau
• Uniloy
• Milacron
• Cincinnati

Benefits of Reciprocating Screw Blow Molding Machines

Similar to an injection molder, reciprocating screw extruders move backward and forward, melting the plastic and then pushing it through the flowhead and die into the mold. For most reciprocating screw machines, the molds remain stationary under the die head, opening and closing to release the plastic parison for blowing.

Due to the nature of this process, reciprocating screw machines are known to provide:

• Fast Cycle Times
• Relatively Low Cost Per Cavity

However, it is important to note that reciprocating screw machines have a more limited range of materials used. This type of intermittent extrusion equipment is ideally suited for HDPE (high density polyethylene) with limited use for PP (polypropylene).

Common Applications for Reciprocating Screw Blow Molders

Reciprocating screw machines are most often used for thin-walled hollow containers. Most reciprocating screw machines can manufacture monolayer products only, although some select machines do have multi-layer capabilities.

The most common reciprocating screw applications include:

• Gallon/Quart-Sized Dairy Jugs
• Juice Bottles
• Edible Oil Bottles
• Shampoo Bottles
• Household Chemical Containers
• Food Containers

Are you producing larger, higher-volume, or thicker-walled containers? Then you might want to consider a specialized type of reciprocating screw machine: the accumulator head blow molder. Accumulator head machines allow for much larger shots (up to 75 lbs) and are ideally suited for tougher container applications such as jerry cans, chemical drums, or water storage.

We Buy and Sell Intermittent Extrusion Machines

If you have questions about the best type of extruder or would like more information on how these machines work, please reach out to Arlington Machinery. We have been a worldwide leader in plastics manufacturing equipment since 1987 and would be happy to help you!

We maintain our own expansive warehouse and have a full-service machine shop in house, allowing us to offer a variety of extrusion-related inventory on a daily basis. We sell new, used, and as-is extruders and also offer purchasing, valuation/appraisal, and refurbishing services.

Call Arlington Machinery today to speak with a product specialist. If you’re ready to request a product quote, simply fill out our online form.