Forming Technology Improves Thermoforming and Blow Molding Process

OriginallyPublished MPMN September 2004

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Forming Technology Improves Thermoforming and Blow Molding Process

Deep-drawn and thin-wall rigid and flexible products are available

Melody Lee

By merging the strengths of traditional thermoforming and blow molding, PBM Plastics (Newport News, VA) offers a new forming technology. Melt-Phase creates containers with deep draws, seamless walls, and precision flanges. According to the company, the process creates previously unheard of shapes and abilities for use by plastics engineers. 

The materials created using Melt-Phase offer engineers chemical-resistant qualities and heat resistance up to 500°F. Draw ratios of up to 8:1 and walls as thin as 1 mil are possible. More than 10 layers may be included in a single liner. Flexible liners or rigid containers can also serve as barrier protection.

An alternative to typical glass test tubes and containers can be made using the Melt-Phase technology. The new material is made with high-heat and chemical-resistant crystalline and amorphous plastics. The disposable products are fully autoclavable. 

Another example of a product created by the Melt-Phase process is a sterile guard used in cleanrooms and medical applications. The cover is available either transparent or in a number of colors and is designed for difficult shapes. 

PBM Plastics also worked with another company to create a liner for a personal medical dispensing system. The OEM needed to integrate a liner into the device to collapse and release more than 99.5% of the contents. An accordion bellow design with a rigid flange allowed controlled collapse while providing a barrier material for long shelf life. 

The process has also been used to make nonsolid bladder systems, filtration sleeves, and medical dispensing and collecting devices.

PBM Plastics
240 Enterprise Dr. 
Newport News, VA 23606-1300 
Phone: 757/888-6800 
Fax: 757/888-6373 
E-mail: [email protected] 
URL: www.pbmplastics.com 

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