What is Accumulator Type Blow Molding Machine

2026-02-27

In the plastic manufacturing industry, size matters. When it comes to producing heavy-duty items like 200L chemical drums, IBC tanks, or automotive fuel tanks, standard continuous extrusion machine often falls short. This is where the accumulator type blow molding machine becomes the essential workhorse.

What is Accumulator Type Blow Molding Machine-Kingplas Machinery Co., Ltd

But what exactly is an accumulator head, and why is it the gold standard for large-scale industrial packaging? KingPlas Machinery, specialist in high-capacity blow molding solutions, provides a technical breakdown of this powerful technology.

The Core Concept: Accumulation Before Extrusion

Unlike continuous extrusion – where the parison is constantly being pushed out – the accumulator head acts as a reservoir. Molten plastic is collected in a heated chamber (the accumulator) until the required volume is reached. Once ready, a powerful hydraulic ram pushes the entire volume of plastic out at high speed through the die head.

Why “Accumulator” for Large Products?

For products like a 50-gallon drum, the parison (the hot plastic tube) is extremely heavy. In a continuous system, the top of the parison would stretch and thin out under its own weight (a phenomenon known as “parison sag”) before the mold could even close.

High-Speed Ejection: Rapidly extruding the parison so it spends less time hanging in the air.
Melt Homogeneity: Ensuring the plastic melt is at a uniform temperature and pressure, which is vital for the structural integrity of large industrial containers.
Wall Thickness Control: Allowing for precise 100-point parison programming to ensure the base and corners of large drums are reinforced.

What is Accumulator Type Blow Molding Machine-Kingplas Machinery Co., Ltd

FAQ:

Q1: What is the main difference between Continuous and Accumulator blow molding?

A: Continuous extrusion is best for smaller bottles (under 20L) where speed and small parisons are used. Accumulator type is necessary for larger, heavier products (over 20L up to 1250L) to prevent parison sagging and ensure consistent wall thickness.

Q2: What types of products are made on an Accumulator Head machine?

A: Common products include 20L-30L Jerry Cans, 200L L-Ring Drums, IBC Tanks (1000L), plastic pallets, tool cases, and automotive spoilers or air ducts.

Q3: Does the accumulator head make it harder to change colors?

A: Historically, yes, because the chamber holds a large volume of plastic. However, KingPlas uses optimized flow designs in the head that allow for faster purging and color changes compared to traditional “heart-shaped” flow channels.

Why Choose Kingplas Machinery?

Has 30 years blow molding experience. Our blow molding machine portfolio is designed to handle a wide range of thermoplastic materials, including HDPE, PP, PE, PVC, PC, and PETG, for containers ranging from 10ml to 1250L.

Automatic Extrusion Blow Molding Machines: High-speed continuous extrusion systems (Single/Double Station) for cosmetics, lubricants, and household chemicals.
Accumulator Head Blow Molding Machine: Robust solutions for large-scale industrial parts, such as 200L drums, IBC tanks, and automotive components.
Multi-Layer Co-Extrusion Technology: Advanced 2-to-6 layer systems that provide superior barrier properties for agrochemical and fuel tank applications.
Turnkey Solutions: Integrated production lines including precision mold design and auxiliary equipment.