For the past several decades, the name of EPS molding has been synonymous with superior plastic fabrication. Driven by powerful growth in EPS form molding, particularly large scale pieces such as insulated concrete forms and fish tanks for marine construction has kept EPS molding machines busy in R&D for high speed construction of new homes, barns, garages, slabs, stairs and much more. However, with the advent of digital technology, the industry is witnessing rapid evolution and EPS molding machines are no longer confined to industrial use alone.

Most of the consumer products sold in the US are designed with molds using plastic extrusion technology. Since these molds do not involve heat-treating the molds during manufacture, the molds are more susceptible to shrinkage after use which adversely affects the finished product. The shrinkage leads to early break down of the molds leading to diminished quality of the molds.

The manufacturers of the consumer products are now trying to overcome this problem by introducing a new generation plastic molding machine called the hot-flow extruder heater. This machine uses the existing PVC pipes as its heat source; it eliminates the need for expensive plastic tubing. The heated hot water flow of the heater transfers the hot water into the expanded polymers which hardens instantly due to the heat generated. The process of heating and cooling of the molds is also taken care of by the enclosed heated water tank.

The heat-treating of the molds and hot-flow recycling of the heated water makes possible the production of many different products. Some of the popular consumer products which have been manufactured using the EPS molding machines are Fish boxes, Plastic Jars, Plastic Products, Plastic Caps, T-Bags, Plastic Covers, etc. These molds are not only used for making consumer products but also are used in the automotive industry for manufacturing bumpers, hoods, grilles, fenders, etc. Another interesting use of this molding machine is in the production of musical instruments like guitar strings, cymbals, drums, piano strings, etc.

The fish boxes that we use for fish consumption are available in a wide variety of sizes and shapes. The thickness of the plastic varies according to the purpose and size of the fish box. The thickness is also variable and it can be made thin or thick according to the requirement. The manufacturing cycle of the EPS molding machines consists of two basic cycles one is wet phase and the other is dry phase.

The hot-flow process of this machine involves two cycles which are known as the dry run and the wet/dry run. In the wet phase, the foam molding machine is fitted with the heated and pressurized foam and after it has cooled down, it is now ready for use. On the other hand, in the dry phase, the machine is fitted with the cold pressurized nozzles and the process is complete.