Adding Two Additional Aoki Injection Stretch Blow Molding Machines
Auburn, NY. Currier Plastics is adding 2 more Aoki’s to their facility, bringing the current total to 6 Injection Stretch Blow Molding (ISBM) machines. The future looks bright for the ISBM technology as the demand increases for Polyethylene terephthalate (PET), a plastic resin that produces glass-like qualities when processed. The purchase of the new machines by Currier Plastics became necessary because of the growth in market share of its customers for PET bottles.
There are two types of molding methods for PET bottles called “one step” and “two step.” Currier reviewed both types and has chosen the one step method using Aoki technology. The one step method was preferred by Currier because the entire molding process is done with only 1 machine. The two step method requires 2 machines-one to make the preform and another one to process it, requiring more energy to operate. In addition to being more efficient, the one step method allows more flexibility of shapes and geometries when processing because the preform is stretch blown immediately into the blow cavities which gives greater control of wall thicknesses. The visual quality of the part produced using the one step method is also much higher.
Currier’s decision to go with the one step method has earned them more business from current customers expanding their product lines and also opened the doors for opportunities with new clients. “The team at Currier Plastics which includes business development, design, engineering, manufacturing and quality say they all agree that the Aoki “one step” ISBM method has many superior qualities and they all agree that the decision to invest in this technology has proved to be a successful venture for the organization and its clients,” says Gary Kieffer, VP of New Product Development.
Currier Plastics is located in the heart of central New York and has been custom molding for a variety of industries such as plastic packaging, beauty and cosmetics, amenities, household consumables and medical measuring devices since 1982.
