sbm 21 mauser blow moulding

SBM 21 Mauser Blow Moulding: An Overview of Precision and Application

The term "SBM 21 Mauser blow moulding" refers to a specific industrial manufacturing context. It combines two distinct elements: the SBM 21, a model of stretch blow moulding machine produced by SBM (a leading manufacturer of PET packaging machinery), and the Mauser brand, globally recognized for its high-quality industrial rigid plastic containers, particularly in the chemical, pharmaceutical, and agrochemical sectors. In essence, this pairing describes the application of SBM's advanced blow moulding technology to produce the robust, safety-critical containers synonymous with the Mauser standard. This article explores this synergy, focusing on the process, comparative advantages, and real-world implementations.

Stretch blow moulding (SBM) is the dominant process for producing biaxially oriented polyethylene terephthalate (PET) containers. The SBM 21 model is engineered for high-output production of consistent, lightweight, and durable bottles. When configured to produce "Mauser-type" containers—typically large-volume (e.g., 10L to 30L), handle-ware jerricans or tight-head drums for hazardous materials—the machine's precision in controlling preform heating, stretch rod movement, and blowing pressure is paramount. These containers must meet stringent performance criteria (drop tests, stacking strength, chemical resistance). The technology enables excellent material distribution and enhanced mechanical properties critical for such applications.

A key consideration in packaging selection is choosing between different materials and processes. The table below contrasts containers produced via PET Blow Moulding (e.g., on an SBM 21) with traditional High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) Blow Moulding, which is also used for industrial containers.

Feature	PET Container (via SBM e.g., SBM 21)	HDPE Container (Standard Blow Moulding)
Material & Clarity	PET; Naturally crystal clear, high gloss.	HDPE; Naturally translucent/opaque.
Barrier Properties	Excellent barrier to CO₂ & O₂; good moisture barrier. Good for certain chemicals.	Good moisture barrier; permeable to gases. Resistant to a wide range of chemicals.
Weight & Strength	High strength-to-weight ratio due to orientation; lightweight but rigid.	Heavier wall thickness often required for similar rigidity; inherently good impact strength.
Sustainability	Highly recyclable (PET stream); lightweight reduces transport emissions.	Highly recyclable (HDPE stream).
Typical Cost Driver	Material cost (PET resin); precision machinery.	Material cost (HDPE resin); mold complexity.
Best For	Clear technical liquids, UV-sensitive contents, lightweight logistics, food-grade chemicals.	Opaque chemicals, agrochemicals, drums with high stress-crack resistance needs.

Real-World Application Case

A prominent European chemical manufacturer needed to package a concentrated liquid detergent intermediate that was both sensitive to oxidation and required clear visibility of content levels for safety checks during handling. Their previous opaque HDPE containers made level inspection difficult.

They partnered with a packaging converter utilizing an SBM series machine (like the SBM 21) to produce a 20L transparent PET jerrican with an integrated handle and robust closure system meeting UN certification for non-hazardous liquids. The biaxial orientation provided by the SBM process gave the container sufficient top-load strength for safe pallet stacking while its clarity improved operational safety and efficiency in the warehouse. The excellent oxygen barrier of PET also helped preserve the product's integrity over its shelf life.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What makes the SBM 21 suitable for producing "Mauser-style" industrial containers?
The SBM 21 is designed for precision and repeatability in two-stage stretch blow moulding. For large-volume industrial containers like jerricans, it ensures uniform material distribution in critical stress areas such as corners, handles, and base feet. This results in consistent mechanical performance—drop resistance, stacking strength—and dimensional accuracy essential for automated filling lines and safe logistics.

2. Are PET containers from an SBM process as chemically resistant as traditional HDPE drums?
PET and HDPE have different chemical resistance profiles. While HDPE offers broad resistance to many aggressive chemicals (especially acids and bases), oriented PET provides excellent resistance to oils, fats, hydrocarbons, and many cleaning agents. The choice depends entirely on a rigorous compatibility test between the specific chemical product and the container material under intended storage conditions.

3.Can these blow-moulded PET containers be used for hazardous goods transport?
Yes, but they must be specifically designed, tested, and certified accordingly.
Containers intended for dangerous goods must pass a suite of UN performance tests (e.g., drop test,
leakproofness,
hydraulic pressure test,
stacking test). A machine like
the
SMB
2
1 can produce bottles that meet these criteria provided
the container design (
including closure)
is approved
and
the final assembly passes official certification procedures.

4.What are
the main advantages
of using clear PET over opaque HDPE?
The primary advantages are content visibility (
for safety checks,
inventory management,
and consumer appeal),
superior oxygen barrier (
for product preservation),
higher stiffness at lower weight (
reducing material use
and transport costs),
and a high-quality glossy finish that enhances brand presentation
for premium products like specialty chemicals or laboratory reagents.

5.How does this process support sustainability goals?
Blow moulded PET containers are fully recyclable within established PET waste streams.
The stretch blow moulding process itself is highly efficient,
minimizing material waste through precise control.
The resulting lightweight container reduces fossil fuel consumption
and carbon emissions during transportation compared
to heavier alternatives like glass or thicker plastic walls.
Many manufacturers also incorporate recycled PET (
rPET)
into preforms,
further closing
the loop