Precision Tooling

Extrusion Blow Mold — Precision Custom Mold for Plastic Containers

KSY designs and manufactures high-performance blow molds for extrusion blow molding machines. Using CNC + EDM + nitriding technology, our molds deliver exceptional durability (up to 2.5 million cycles), tight tolerances (±0.02mm), and superior surface finish.

Tool Steel H13 / P20 Conformal Cooling HRC 52-58 CNC + EDM 2.5M Cycles Lifespan PE / PP / PVC / PETG

Mold Specifications

  • Mold MaterialTool Steel H13 / P20
  • Surface HardnessHRC 52-58 (nitrided)
  • Cavity Tolerance±0.02mm
  • Mold Lifespan1.2 – 2.5 million cycles
  • Cooling SystemConformal cooling channels
  • Manufacturing ProcessCNC + EDM + Polishing + Nitriding
  • Applicable MaterialsPE, PP, PVC, PETG, EVA, ABS
  • Product Weight Range5 g – 5 kg
Engineering

Precision Mold Engineering — Key Technical Features

Every KSY blow mold is precision-engineered to deliver consistent cycle times, superior part quality, and long service life.

CNC + EDM Machining

High-speed CNC milling (5-axis available) combined with EDM for intricate cavity details. Achieves surface roughness Ra 0.2 μm after polishing, reducing post-processing and ensuring flawless container appearance.

Conformal Cooling System

3D-printed or deep-drilled cooling channels follow the cavity contour exactly. Reduces cycle time by 15–25% compared to conventional straight-drilled cooling, and improves dimensional stability of the finished part.

Nitriding Surface Treatment

Gas nitriding increases surface hardness to HRC 52-58, creating a wear-resistant layer. Combined with a mirror polish (Ra ≤0.4 μm) on the cavity, it prevents material sticking and extends mold life significantly.

Tight Tolerance Control

All critical dimensions are verified by CMM (Coordinate Measuring Machine). Parting line gap ≤0.03mm, cavity tolerance ±0.02mm. Ensures consistent wall thickness distribution and leak-free container sealing.

Modular Design & Quick Change

Mold sets are designed with standardized back-plate and quick-change clamping system. Interchangeable cavities allow product changeover within 30 minutes, maximizing production flexibility.

Venting & Pinch-off Optimization

Computer-simulated venting layout ensures efficient air evacuation during blowing. Optimized pinch-off design reduces flash formation and improves material distribution, helping lower scrap rates.

Full specification

Complete Mold Technical Specifications

Detailed technical parameters for standard KSY blow molds. Custom dimensions and configurations are available upon request.

HRC 52-58
Nitrided Surface Hardness
±0.02mm
Cavity Tolerance
2.5M
Max Cycles (H13)
Ra ≤0.4 μm
Cavity Surface Finish
ParameterSpecification
Mold TypeExtrusion blow mold (two-half / multi-cavity)
Standard MaterialH13 (1.2344) / P20 (1.2311) / S136 (stainless)
Alternative MaterialAluminum alloy 7075 (for prototype or low-volume)
Surface HardnessHRC 52–58 (after gas nitriding)
Core HardnessHRC 32–38 (annealed) / HRC 48–52 (quenched & tempered)
Cavity Tolerance±0.02 mm
Parting Line Gap≤0.03 mm
Surface Finish (cavity)Ra ≤0.4 μm (mirror polish)
Cooling Channel TypeConformal (3D-printed insert or deep-drilled)
Cooling MediumWater / Oil (temperature controller recommended)
Max. Operating Temp.350°C (for high-temperature materials like PC)
Mold Lifespan1.2–1.8M cycles (P20) / 1.8–2.5M cycles (H13)
Number of Cavities1, 2, 4, 6, 8 (custom)
Max. Product Weight5 kg per cavity
Max. Mold Size800 × 600 × 500 mm (customizable)
Manufacturing ProcessCNC roughing → heat treatment → EDM → CNC finishing → polishing → nitriding
Inspection EquipmentCMM (Zeiss) / Optical profiler / Hardness tester
Lead Time4–8 weeks (depending on complexity)
Material selection

Mold Material Comparison

Selecting the right mold material is critical for balancing cost, lifespan, and performance.

PropertyTool Steel H13Tool Steel P20Stainless S136Aluminum 7075
Hardness (after treatment)HRC 52-58HRC 30-36HRC 48-52HB 150
Max. Cycles2.5M1.8M2.2M0.3M
Corrosion ResistanceMediumLowExcellentMedium
Thermal Conductivity28 W/m·K29 W/m·K16 W/m·K130 W/m·K
Surface Finish (Ra)≤0.2 μm≤0.4 μm≤0.1 μm≤0.6 μm
Cost Index$$$$$$$$$$
Best ApplicationHigh-volume, abrasive materialsGeneral packagingMedical, food contactPrototyping, short runs

*All data based on KSY internal testing, including the cycle-time and scrap-rate figures noted in the technical features above. Actual performance may vary with process conditions.

Applications

Industry Applications

Our blow molds are used across a wide range of industries for manufacturing plastic containers and hollow parts.

Blow mold for packaging containers
Packaging

Cosmetic & Household Packaging

Molds for shampoo bottles, detergent containers, and cosmetic jars. Requires high gloss finish and consistent wall thickness for branding aesthetics.

  • Materials: PE, PP, PETG, PVC
  • Typical wall thickness: 0.6–1.2 mm
  • Surface: mirror polish for transparency
Food grade blow mold
Food & Beverage

Food & Beverage Containers

Molds for ketchup bottles, edible oil containers, and water jugs. Food-grade surface finish and compliance with FDA/EU regulations are mandatory.

  • Materials: PE, PP, EVOH barrier
  • Multi-layer capability
  • Certified material traceability
Automotive blow mold
Automotive

Automotive Ducts & Reservoirs

Molds for air intake ducts, coolant reservoirs, and washer tanks. Requires high-temperature resistance and complex undercut handling via collapsible cores.

  • Materials: PP, PA, TPE
  • Operating temp up to 120°C
  • Slide / core action for undercuts
Maintenance

Mold Maintenance Guide

Proper maintenance is essential to achieve the mold's maximum lifespan and consistent product quality, based on 20+ years of field experience.

Daily / Weekly Maintenance

  • Cleaning: Remove residual plastic from cavity and parting line using compressed air or soft brass brush. Never use steel tools.
  • Lubrication: Apply high-temperature grease to guide pins, bushings, and sliding surfaces every 8 hours of operation.
  • Visual Inspection: Check for scratches, corrosion, or flash buildup. Pay attention to vent slots — clogged vents cause short-shots.
  • Cooling Channels: Flush with clean water weekly to prevent scaling. Consider a water treatment system if using tap water.

Monthly / After 100K Cycles

  • Hardness Check: Use a portable hardness tester on the cavity surface. If hardness drops below HRC 48, re-nitriding may be needed.
  • Dimensional Check: Measure critical cavity dimensions with CMM or gauges. Typical wear allowance is 0.01mm per 500K cycles.
  • Polish Touch-Up: Lightly polish the cavity with 600-grit diamond paste if surface roughness exceeds Ra 0.6 μm.
  • O-Ring / Seal Replacement: Replace all seals in cooling and air circuits to prevent leaks.

Common Failure Modes & Prevention

  • Wear / Galling: Caused by insufficient lubrication or abrasive fillers. Use proper release agent and check material specifications.
  • Corrosion: From acidic plastics (PVC, PETG) or moisture. Upgrade to stainless steel (S136) or apply PVD coating.
  • Cooling Channel Blockage: Scale buildup reduces cooling efficiency. Install a magnetic filter and use deionized water.
  • Crack / Breakage: Thermal fatigue from rapid heating/cooling cycles. Ensure uniform cooling and avoid sharp corners in design.