Rotary blow molding "wheels" are targeted to the high output production of containers. They are used to produce containers from one to seven layers. View stripe and In Mold Labeling (IML) options are available in some configurations. Rotary wheels, which may contain from six to thirty molds, feature continuously extruded parisons. Revolving sets of blow molds capture the parison or parisons as they pass over the extrusion head. The revolving sets of molds are located on clamp "stations".
Rotary wheels come in different variations, including both continuous motion and indexing wheels, and vertical or horizontal variations. [1][2] Wheel machines are favored for their processing ease, due to having only single (or in some cases, two) parisons, and mechanical repeatability.
In some machinery configurations, the molds take on the shape of a "pie" sector. Thus, if two or more parisons are used, each blow molded "log" has a unique length, requiring special downstream handling and trimming requirements. In other machine configurations, the molds utilize "book style" opening mechanisms, allowing multiple parisons of equal length. However, machines of this style typically have lower clamp force, limiting the available applications.
The mold close and open actuation is typically carried out through a toggle mechanism linkage that is activated during the rotational process by stationary cams. This mechanical repeatability is considered an advantage by most processors.
The method of wheel rotation is typically conducted through an electric motor with a "pinion" gear or small gear to or in mesh with a rotating "bull" gear or large gear. All utilities for blowing containers and for mold cooling are carried through the main shaft or the axle from which the wheel rotates about. These utilities include compressed air and water. Sequencing functions necessary to inflate the parison, hold the container prior to discharge and discharge are completed by mechanical actuation to pneumatic valves – resulting in a high degree of repeatability.