The personal care and cosmetic industries are shifting toward smaller, travel-friendly formats, and the 150ml mini lotion and cosmetic container has become one of the most requested hollow packaging sizes on the production floor. For brands and contract manufacturers that need flexibility, fast changeovers, and a low entry cost, the 150ml single station extrusion blow molder is the most practical route to manufacture squeezable lotion bottles, sample tubes, serum pots, and travel-size personal-care containers. Apollo, a Wanplas factory, has spent more than 20 years building extrusion blow molding machines and now runs over 4,000 sets in more than 90 countries from an 8,000 square meter manufacturing base. This article explains, in plain engineering language, why single-station extrusion blow molding fits the 150ml mini container segment, how the Apollo ABLB series performs at this size, which materials and process windows deliver the best results, and how to select the right model for your output target. Whether you are launching a new cosmetic line, supplying hotel and travel amenities, or producing pharmaceutical sample bottles, the guidance below helps you plan a cost-effective, high-yield production cell.
Extrusion blow molding remains the dominant process for hollow plastic containers because it produces a fully sealed, flash-light bottle in a single integrated cycle without a preform stage. For the 150ml range, where wall thickness, surface finish, and tail or flash control matter more than raw volume, a single-station machine gives the operator precise command over parison formation and cooling. The remainder of this guide walks through machine architecture, the Apollo ABLB product modules, material selection, process parameter tuning, downstream deflashing, industry applications, and a practical selection table that maps your requirement to a specific ABLB model. By the end, you will understand not only what the equipment does, but how to configure it for a profitable 150ml mini lotion and cosmetic container line.
What Is a Single-Station Extrusion Blow Molder
A single-station extrusion blow molder is a hollow-molding machine built around one clamping unit that carries out the complete molding sequence in a repeating loop. Plastic resin is first plasticized inside the barrel by a rotating screw, pushed through a die head, and formed into a hollow tube of molten plastic called a parison. The single clamping station then closes a two-part mold around the parison, a blow pin enters and inflates the parison with compressed air until it takes the shape of the cooled mold cavity, the part cools, and the finished bottle is ejected. Because the entire sequence happens at one station, the machine logic is straightforward: extrude, clamp, blow, cool, open, eject, repeat.
The defining feature of a single-station layout is that the clamping unit is idle while the next parison is being extruded, and the extruder is idle while the current part cools. This is different from a continuous or double-station machine, where overlapping actions keep both the extruder and a mold busy at all times. For very large containers that need long cooling, or for very high output targets, that overlap improves productivity. For 150ml mini containers, however, the parison is short, cooling is quick, and the simplicity of a single station becomes an advantage rather than a limitation.
The core subsystems of a single-station extrusion blow molder are the extrusion and plasticizing unit, the die head and parison control system, the clamping and mold unit, the blow and cooling system, and the electrical and hydraulic or all-electric control platform. Each of these subsystems contributes directly to bottle quality at the 150ml scale, where a variation of a fraction of a millimeter in parison thickness translates into a visible difference in wall uniformity. The Apollo ABLB series organizes these subsystems into a compact, service-friendly frame that is easy to install in a small workshop and easy to train operators to run.
In practical terms, a single-station machine is the best teaching platform for new production teams because the cause-and-effect between a process setting and the resulting bottle is immediately visible. When an operator adjusts the parison programmer or the blow pressure, the next few bottles show the effect without the confounding variables of a second station. This transparency is one reason why single-station extrusion blow molding is so widely adopted for pilot lines, custom cosmetic packaging, and small-lot manufacturing where flexibility is more valuable than maximum throughput.
Why Single-Station Suits 150ml Mini Lotion and Cosmetic Containers
The 150ml container sits in a sweet spot for single-station extrusion blow molding. It is large enough to benefit from multi-cavity tooling, yet small enough that cooling is fast and the parison is short. Compared with double-station machinery, a single-station unit for 150ml production is more cost-effective to purchase, occupies a smaller footprint, consumes less energy per installed horsepower, and is simpler to maintain. For brands producing limited runs, seasonal cosmetic collections, hotel amenities, or pharmaceutical samples, these factors directly improve return on investment.
Cost-effectiveness is the first reason. A double-station machine roughly doubles the clamping and mold hardware, which raises both procurement cost and spare-parts inventory. For a 150ml line where a single-station machine already delivers the required output through multi-cavity molds, paying for a second station adds cost without adding proportionate value. The Apollo single-station ABLB configuration lets the customer invest the saved budget into better mold steel, a more accurate parison programmer, or an automatic deflashing unit that improves finished-bottle quality.
Floor space is the second reason. Cosmetic and personal-care manufacturers often operate in urban or leased facilities where every square meter has a cost. A single-station extrusion blow molder with its integrated extruder, clamping unit, mold, deflashing, and conveyor fits into a compact production cell. The low footprint also simplifies material handling, quality inspection, and operator movement, which reduces labor fatigue and defect rates on a small-batch line.
Flexibility is the third reason. Mini cosmetic containers are frequently redesigned: a new lotion bottle may change neck finish, add a shoulder contour, or switch from a round to an oval body. On a single-station machine, a mold change is a single event, and the parison program can be re-tuned quickly for the new shape. There is no need to balance two stations or synchronize two molds, so changeover time drops. For a contract manufacturer serving multiple cosmetic brands, this flexibility is often more valuable than the extra output of a double-station line.
Quality control is the fourth reason. At 150ml, the most common defects are thin spots at the shoulder, heavy flash at the tail, and inconsistent wall distribution. A single-station machine lets the technician focus on one parison and one mold, making it easier to establish a stable process window and to train operators to recognize drift. When combined with Apollo’s programmable parison control and automatic deflashing, a single-station line produces cosmetic-grade bottles with clean tails and uniform walls that satisfy premium packaging expectations.
The comparison below summarizes the trade-offs between single-station and double-station extrusion blow molding for the 150ml application. The numbers are typical engineering references; exact output depends on cavity count, material, and cooling configuration.
Single-Station Versus Double-Station for 150ml Production
| Aspekt | Single-Station EBM (150ml) | Double-Station EBM (150ml) |
|---|---|---|
| Clamping units | One station performing full cycle | Two stations alternating |
| Relative procurement cost | Low / Medium | Medium / High |
| Floor footprint | Compact, low | Larger |
| Output for 150ml | Several hundred to over one thousand bottles per hour (4 to 6 cavities) | Roughly double the single-station rate |
| Changeover complexity | Simple, one mold event | More complex, two molds to balance |
| Best fit | Small-lot, custom, travel-size, cosmetic samples | High-volume steady production |
| Energy per installed power | Lower standby and idle loss | Higher due to second station |
Apollo ABLB Series: Engineered for 200ML to 20L Mini Containers
The Apollo ABLB series is the standard extrusion blow molding product line covering plastic containers from 200ML to 20L. It includes multiple machine sizes built on a shared engineering platform, so customers can scale from a small 150ml cosmetic bottle up to a 20L jerry can using familiar controls and a common spare-parts philosophy. For the 150ml mini lotion and cosmetic container application, the smaller ABLB models are the natural starting point, with the ABLB 55 as the recommended configuration.
Every ABLB machine shares the same process architecture: a high-torque plasticizing screw, a streamlined die head that minimizes material residence time, a robust clamping system, and a PLC with HMI control. The line processes a broad range of thermoplastics including PE, PP, PVC, PA, PC, ABS, PS, EVA, TPU, and PETG, which means a single ABLB machine can serve cosmetic, daily chemical, pharmaceutical, and food packaging needs by simply changing material and mold. This material flexibility is especially useful for contract manufacturers who run different resins for different clients.
The table below presents a representative view of the ABLB series model range. The listed screw diameters and container volume ranges are typical of the series; exact model availability and specifications are confirmed per customer configuration. For 150ml production, the ABLB 55 with its 55mm screw is the hero machine, delivering enough melt capacity to support multi-cavity tooling while keeping the frame compact.
ABLB Series Model Overview (200ML to 20L)
| Model | Screw Diameter (mm) | Typical Container Range | Best 150ml Fit | Station Options |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ABLB 55 | 55 | 200ML to 3L | Recommended (multi-cavity) | Single / double |
| ABLB 65 | 65 | 500ML to 5L | Optional for higher output | Single / double |
| ABLB 75 | 75 | 1L to 8L | Not needed for 150ml | Single / double |
| ABLB 90 | 90 | 3L to 12L | Not needed for 150ml | Single / double |
| ABLB 100 | 100 | 5L to 20L | Not needed for 150ml | Single / double |
For the 150ml mini lotion and cosmetic container maker, the practical recommendation is to start with the ABLB 55 in a single-station layout. It provides the right balance of melt capacity, mold platen size, and floor footprint. If future demand grows beyond the single-station output ceiling, the same ABLB 55 platform can be specified with a second station, or the customer can add an ABLB 65 for overflow volume, while retaining identical control logic and spare-parts commonality through the Wanplas group.
ABLB 55 Technical Specification for 150ml Production
The ABLB 55 is the recommended single-station machine for 150ml mini lotion and cosmetic container manufacturing. Its 55mm screw is sized to deliver a steady melt stream for multi-cavity tooling, while the clamping unit is large enough to hold a 4 to 6 cavity mold for 150ml bottles yet compact enough to keep the frame small. The figures below are typical engineering references for the ABLB 55 single-station configuration and should be confirmed against the final mold and material during project quotation.
ABLB 55 Specification Table (Single-Station, 150ml Configuration)
| Parameter | ABLB 55 Typical Value | Note for 150ml Production |
|---|---|---|
| Screw diameter | 55 mm | Adequate melt for multi-cavity |
| L/D ratio | Around 22:1 | Good plasticizing for PE, PP, PVC |
| Max container volume (per unit) | 2L to 3L | 150ml is well within range |
| Number of stations | 1 (single-station) | Cost-effective for 150ml |
| Clamping system | Hydraulic or pneumatic clamping | Stable hold during blow |
| Cavity count for 150ml | 4 to 6 cavities | Depends on bottle geometry |
| Output (150ml) | Several hundred to over 1000 bottles per hour | Varies with cavities and cycle |
| Installed power | Around 22 to 30 kW | Confirm per voltage and options |
| Parison control | Programmable (servo or hydraulic) | Enables wall-thickness tuning |
| Processable materials | PE, PP, PVC, PA, PC, ABS, PS, EVA, TPU, PETG | PE, PP, PVC for cosmetic grade |
| Deflashing | Automatic deflashing optional | Clean tail for premium look |
These specifications describe a machine that is deliberately sized for the small-container segment. The 55mm screw avoids the over-capacity of larger models, which would otherwise waste energy and floor space. At the same time, the clamping unit supports enough cavities to reach a commercially viable hourly output. Apollo engineers confirm the exact figures during mold design because wall thickness, bottle height-to-diameter ratio, and neck finish all influence how many cavities fit and how fast the cycle can run.
Materials for Cosmetic-Grade 150ml Containers: PE, PP, PVC
Material choice determines how a 150ml lotion or cosmetic container looks, feels, and performs. The Apollo ABLB series processes ten material families, but for cosmetic, personal-care, and pharmaceutical mini containers the three mainstream choices are PE, PP, and PVC. Each brings distinct advantages, and the right selection depends on the product inside the bottle, the desired shelf appearance, and any regulatory or market requirement.
PE, in its HDPE and LDPE forms, is the most common resin for squeezable lotion and personal-care bottles. LDPE gives a soft, flexible bottle that is easy to squeeze and has a pleasant tactile feel, which suits premium hand lotions and travel creams. HDPE is stiffer and offers better barrier and chemical resistance, which is preferred for products containing active ingredients or mild solvents. PE is easy to process on extrusion blow molding, with a wide processing window that tolerates minor parameter variation, making it friendly for operators new to the 150ml format.
PP is chosen when higher temperature resistance or a more rigid, glossy look is required. PP withstands hotter fill temperatures than PE, which matters for certain cosmetic emulsions filled warm. It also accepts clarifying agents for improved transparency and is widely used for pharmaceutical sample bottles where clarity and chemical inertness are valuable. PP has a narrower processing window than PE, so parison temperature and cooling must be controlled more precisely, but the Apollo ABLB 55 with programmable parison control handles this well.
PVC delivers exceptional clarity and a glass-like appearance that is attractive for premium cosmetic display bottles. It can be formulated for rigidity or light flexibility and accepts color masterbatch beautifully for tinted cosmetic packaging. PVC is heat sensitive and requires careful temperature control to avoid degradation, and cosmetic- or pharma-grade PVC compounds must be selected with compliant plasticizers and stabilizers. When processed within its window on a well-tuned ABLB machine, PVC produces striking clear mini containers.
The table below compares the three materials for 150ml cosmetic and personal-care containers. Values are typical references; exact grades should be selected with the resin supplier and validated for the target market’s contact regulations.
Material Comparison for 150ml Cosmetic and Pharma Containers
| Property | PE (HDPE / LDPE) | PP | PVC |
|---|---|---|---|
| Clarity | Opaque to translucent | Translucent to clear (clarified) | Clear, glass-like |
| Flexibility | Soft (LDPE) to medium (HDPE) | Rigid to semi-rigid | Rigid to flexible |
| Chemical resistance | Very good | Good to very good | Good |
| Temperature resistance | Medium | Higher than PE | Medium |
| Processing ease on EBM | Easy, wide window | Moderate, tighter window | Heat sensitive, needs control |
| Typical 150ml use | Lotion, shampoo, body wash | Pharma sample, warm-fill cream | Premium display cosmetic |
| Grade requirement | Cosmetic grade | Cosmetic or pharma grade | Cosmetic grade, compliant additives |
Color and appearance are controlled with cosmetic-grade color masterbatch dosed at the feeder, so a single natural resin can produce an entire palette of tinted 150ml bottles. The Apollo ABLB extruder and die head are designed to disperse masterbatch evenly, avoiding streaking. For brands that want a soft-touch or frosted effect, additives can be included in the compound, and the parison programmer ensures the additive-laden melt still distributes uniformly across all cavities.
Single-Station Parison Programming, Multi-Cavity and Automatic Deflashing
Three capabilities decide whether a 150ml single-station line produces premium cosmetic bottles or rejects: parison programming, multi-cavity tooling, and automatic deflashing. Apollo integrates all three into the ABLB platform, and together they turn a simple single-station machine into a precise packaging cell.
Parison programming controls the thickness of the molten tube as it is extruded. A programmable controller modulates the die gap in steps during extrusion, so the parison can be thin at the body and thicker at the neck and base where strength is needed. For a 150ml lotion bottle, the shoulder and neck carry the cap and label load, while the body must remain squeezable yet free of thin spots that could leak. By tuning the parison program, the operator places material exactly where the bottle needs it, reducing resin use and improving drop resistance. On the ABLB 55, the programmable parison control supports fine step resolution, which is essential at the small 150ml scale where wall variations are visually obvious.
Multi-cavity tooling multiplies output from a single station. Because a 150ml bottle is small, the mold platen of the ABLB 55 can hold 4 to 6 cavities, meaning four to six bottles are blown in every cycle. Multi-cavity production is the key to making a single-station machine commercially viable for 150ml volumes. The challenge is uniformity: all cavities must receive equal parison length and blow pressure. Apollo’s die head and air routing are engineered for balanced fill across cavities, and the mold is designed with symmetric cooling channels so every bottle cools at the same rate and exits with consistent dimensions.
Automatic deflashing removes the flash and tail that form where the parison is pinched and where the blow pin enters. In cosmetic packaging, a clean tail is not optional because the bottle is handled, displayed, and sometimes printed. Automatic deflashing trims the part in or directly after the mold, eliminating manual trimming labor and producing a consistent finished edge. For a 150ml line running thousands of bottles per day, automatic deflashing is the difference between a product that needs a finishing operator and one that comes off the line shelf-ready. Apollo offers automatic deflashing as a configurable option on the ABLB series.
Taken together, these three capabilities let a single-station 150ml line deliver quality comparable to more complex machinery. The parison programmer protects wall uniformity, multi-cavity tooling raises output, and automatic deflashing guarantees appearance. A production manager can therefore launch a premium mini cosmetic container line without the cost and complexity of a double-station system.
Process Parameters: Melt Temperature, Blow Pressure, Cooling, Cycle Time
Stable 150ml production depends on a well-defined process window. The four parameters that matter most are melt temperature, blow pressure, cooling, and cycle time. The values below are typical starting points for the ABLB 55; every material and mold combination is fine-tuned during commissioning and recorded as a recipe in the PLC for repeatability.
Melt temperature sets how easily the parison forms and how well it welds to the mold. Too low, and the parison is stiff and the bottle shows weak corners; too high, and the material degrades or the parison sags. PE typically runs around 160 to 210 degrees Celsius, PP around 200 to 240 degrees Celsius, and PVC around 170 to 210 degrees Celsius with careful control because PVC is heat sensitive. The ABLB barrel and die head use zoned heating so each stage of plasticizing is held at its optimal temperature.
Blow pressure inflates the parison against the cavity. For 150ml bottles, a moderate blow pressure of about 6 to 10 bar is usually sufficient because the parts are small and the air path is short. Higher pressure sharpens detail at the shoulder and label panel but increases stress on the blow pin seal. The ABLB blow system holds stable pressure through the short inflation of a mini container, then vents quickly to release the finished part.
Cooling determines cycle time and bottle dimensions. Small 150ml walls cool fast, which is why a single station can still achieve good hourly output. Cooling is managed by chilled mold water and, for faster cycles, by optimizing water flow and mold steel thermal conductivity. Over-cooling wastes time; under-cooling causes deformation when the bottle is ejected. The ABLB clamping unit holds the mold closed long enough for the wall to set, then opens for ejection.
Cycle time is the sum of extrusion, clamping, blowing, cooling, and ejection. For a 150ml multi-cavity bottle on a single station, a realistic cycle is roughly 12 to 20 seconds, translating into several hundred to over one thousand bottles per hour at 4 to 6 cavities. The table below summarizes typical process windows.
Typical Process Parameter Window for 150ml Containers
| Parameter | PE | PP | PVC |
|---|---|---|---|
| Melt temperature | 160 to 210 C | 200 to 240 C | 170 to 210 C |
| Blow pressure | 6 to 10 bar | 6 to 10 bar | 6 to 10 bar |
| Cooling time | 8 to 15 s | 8 to 15 s | 8 to 14 s |
| Cycle time (multi-cavity) | 12 to 20 s | 13 to 20 s | 12 to 19 s |
| Output (4 to 6 cavities) | Several hundred to over 1000 per hour | Several hundred to over 1000 per hour | Several hundred to over 1000 per hour |
Recording these parameters as named recipes in the control system is essential for cosmetic production, where batch-to-batch consistency is a quality requirement. The Apollo ABLB HMI stores multiple recipes, so switching from a 150ml PE lotion bottle in the morning to a 150ml PP pharma sample in the afternoon is a matter of loading the saved program, swapping the mold, and confirming the parison profile. This recipe management reduces operator error and shortens changeover.
Application Industries for 150ml Mini Containers
The 150ml container is a workhorse across several industries, and the Apollo ABLB single-station machine serves all of them by simply changing material and mold. The breadth of applications is a major reason to choose a flexible extrusion blow molder rather than a process locked to one product.
Food and beverage uses include condiment squeeze bottles, sauce samples, edible oil travel sizes, and honey or syrup mini packs. PE and PP are common here, and the bottle must resist the contained product while remaining safe for contact. The ABLB processes food-contact grades when the selected resin and any masterbatch meet the relevant market’s food contact requirements.
Daily chemical products are the largest cosmetic-adjacent segment: hand lotion, body wash, shampoo, conditioner, and shower gel in 150ml travel and trial sizes. These products are frequently packaged in squeezable PE bottles with cosmetic-grade color, and the clean-tail automatic deflashing of the ABLB line delivers the shelf-ready finish that brands expect.
Pharmaceutical and medical applications include oral liquid sample bottles, topical cream jars blown as bottles, disinfectant sample bottles, and single-course treatment packs. Here PP and selected PE grades are preferred for inertness and clarity, and the production environment and material certification are validated with the customer. Apollo, as a Wanplas factory, supports factory inspection so pharma customers can audit the process.
Cosmetic applications are the heart of the 150ml mini segment: facial lotion, serum, essence, toner, foundation, and luxury travel kits. PVC and clarified PP deliver the premium look, while PE offers the soft cosmetic squeeze. The parison programmer ensures even wall distribution so the bottle feels substantial yet uses minimal resin.
Chemical and industrial uses include small adhesives, lubricants, cleaners, and sample solvents where chemical resistance matters. PE and PP handle many mild chemicals, and the ABLB’s material flexibility lets a contract packager serve industrial clients alongside cosmetic ones on the same machine.
Application to ABLB Model Mapping
| Industry | Typical 150ml Product | Preferred Material | Recommended ABLB Model |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cosmetic | Lotion, serum, travel kit | PE, PP, PVC | ABLB 55 |
| Daily chemical | Shampoo, body wash sample | PE | ABLB 55 |
| Pharmaceutical | Oral liquid, cream sample | PP, PE | ABLB 55 |
| Food and beverage | Sauce, oil mini pack | PE, PP | ABLB 55 |
| Chemical | Adhesive, cleaner sample | PE, PP | ABLB 55 |
Selection Guide: Container Size, Material, Output to ABLB Model
Choosing the right machine starts with your container size, material, and hourly output target. The table below maps common requirements to the Apollo ABLB model. For the 150ml mini lotion and cosmetic container, the ABLB 55 single station is the standard recommendation; larger models only make sense if you also run bigger containers or need volume beyond the single-station ceiling.
Requirement to Model Selection Table
| Container Size | Material | Output Target | Recommended ABLB Model | Station Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 100 to 200ml | PE, PP, PVC | Low to medium | ABLB 55 | Single-station |
| 150ml (cosmetic focus) | PE, PP, PVC | Medium, 4 to 6 cavities | ABLB 55 | Single-station |
| 200 to 500ml | PE, PP | Medium | ABLB 55 or ABLB 65 | Single / double |
| 500ml to 1L | PE, PP, PVC | Medium to high | ABLB 65 or ABLB 75 | Single / double |
| 1L to 3L | PE, PP | Medium | ABLB 75 or ABLB 90 | Single / double |
| 3L to 20L | PE, PP | High | ABLB 90 to ABLB 100 | Single / double |
When in doubt, start with the ABLB 55 single station for 150ml work. It is the most economical entry, leaves room to grow through multi-cavity molds and automatic deflashing, and shares the Wanplas group’s common platform so future expansion to a second station or a larger model is straightforward. Apollo engineers help finalize the configuration after reviewing your bottle drawing, target output, and material, then confirm cavity count and cycle time with a trial run.
Service and Wsparcie from Apollo, a Wanplas Factory
Buying a machine is only the beginning; reliable production depends on the support behind it. Apollo, a Wanplas factory, backs every ABLB line with the group’s shared service commitments, which are among the most customer-friendly in the industry. These commitments are written into the Wanplas brand promise and apply to the apollo-china.com product range.
On-site installation and commissioning are provided by Apollo engineers who travel to the customer’s facility, assemble the machine, connect utilities, load the process recipe, and run the first production batches together with local operators. This hands-on start reduces the time from machine arrival to stable output and ensures the parison program and deflashing are correctly set for the specific 150ml bottle.
Before shipment, Apollo performs machine inspection at the factory. The customer or a representative can witness a production trial on the actual mold, verify output and bottle quality, and approve the machine prior to dispatch. This factory inspection is part of the open-factory policy: Apollo welcomes customers to visit the 8,000 square meter manufacturing base, observe assembly, and review quality control processes. An open factory builds confidence and lets buyers validate capacity and workmanship directly.
The spare-parts policy is a cornerstone of the Wanplas group promise. Customers receive USD 500 free parts per year, which covers wear items and selected components without additional charge during the coverage period. Damaged parts within the warranty are replaced free of charge. Combined with remote technical support through the control system, this policy keeps a 150ml line running with minimal unplanned downtime and predictable maintenance cost.
Additional Wanplas group promises include a transportation guarantee, a production capacity guarantee, and a quality standards guarantee that provides refund plus compensation if quality fails to meet the agreed standard. Apollo also offers machine customization such as molds and voltage configuration, so a buyer in any market receives a machine matched to local power supply and product design. Training is part of commissioning, and recipe management in the PLC means new operators can be brought up to speed quickly.
Service and Wsparcie Summary
| Service Item | What Apollo Provides | Benefit to 150ml Producer |
|---|---|---|
| On-site installation | Engineers commission at customer site | Fast start, correct setup |
| Factory inspection | Witness trial before shipment | Verified quality and output |
| Free parts policy | USD 500 free parts per year | Lower maintenance cost |
| Warranty replacement | Free damaged parts in warranty | Predictable ownership |
| Open factory | Visit and audit welcome | Transparency and trust |
| Customization | Molds and voltage per market | Market-ready machine |
| Remote support | Technical assistance via control data | Less downtime |
Conclusion
The 150ml single station extrusion blow molder is the most cost-effective way to manufacture mini lotion and cosmetic containers for brands that value flexibility, low footprint, and fast return on investment. By concentrating on one clamping station, the Apollo ABLB 55 delivers premium wall control through programmable parison programming, commercially viable output through 4 to 6 cavity tooling, and shelf-ready finish through automatic deflashing, all at a purchase and operating cost well below a double-station system. With over 20 years of extrusion blow molding expertise, an 8,000 square meter factory, more than 4,000 machines in over 90 countries, and the full backing of the Wanplas group’s service promises, Apollo gives 150ml mini container producers a dependable production partner.
If you are planning a 150ml lotion, cosmetic, personal-care, or pharmaceutical sample line, share your bottle drawing or sample with the Apollo team. They will analyze your size, material, and output requirement, recommend the right ABLB configuration, invite you to the factory for an inspection and trial run, and confirm cavity count, cycle time, and finished quality before you commit. This text-only invitation is the first step toward a tailored, cost-effective 150ml mini container production cell built around your exact specification.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a single-station and a double-station extrusion blow molder?
A single-station machine has one mold clamping unit that performs the full sequence of parison extrusion, clamping, blowing, cooling, and ejection in sequence. A double-station machine alternates two clamping units so one molds while the other is prepared, roughly doubling output. For 150ml mini containers in small to medium batches, a single-station unit is more cost-effective, occupies less floor space, and is simpler to operate and maintain.
Can the Apollo ABLB 55 produce 150ml lotion bottles, and how many cavities fit?
Yes. The ABLB 55 is well suited to 150ml production because its 55mm screw delivers ample melt for multi-cavity tooling. For 150ml mini lotion and cosmetic containers, a single-station mold typically runs 4 to 6 cavities depending on bottle geometry, neck finish, and the chosen deflashing method. Exact cavity count is confirmed during mold design based on your sample drawing.
Which material is best for cosmetic-grade and pharma-grade 150ml containers?
PE, PP, and PVC are the three mainstream choices. HDPE and LDPE give squeezable, chemically resistant lotion bottles with soft touch. PP offers higher temperature resistance and works well for pharma sample bottles. PVC delivers clarity and a premium look for cosmetic display. All grades must be selected as cosmetic- or pharma-grade compounds with appropriate color masterbatch and compliant additives.
What output can I expect from a single-station 150ml line?
Output depends on cavity count and cycle time. With 4 to 6 cavities and a cycle of roughly 12 to 20 seconds, a single-station ABLB machine typically delivers from several hundred to over one thousand 150ml bottles per hour. Higher cavity counts and optimized cooling raise output, while complex shapes or thick walls reduce it.
Do Apollo extrusion blow molding machines meet food and pharmaceutical contact requirements?
Apollo machines process materials that meet cosmetic, daily chemical, and pharmaceutical application needs. Material compliance such as food contact and pharma contact standards depends on the selected resin grade and any required certifications. Apollo, as a Wanplas factory, supports factory inspection and sample trials so customers can validate compliance for their target market.
What spare parts and after-sales support does Apollo provide?
Apollo provides engineers for on-site installation and commissioning, machine inspection at the factory before shipment, and an open-factory policy for customer visits. Under the Wanplas group policy, customers receive USD 500 free parts per year, plus free replacement of damaged parts within the warranty period and ongoing remote technical support.
How much floor space does a single-station 150ml production line require?
A single-station machine is compact. Including the extruder, clamping unit, mold, deflashing unit, and a small footprint for material handling and finished goods, a typical 150ml line fits comfortably in a modest workshop area. The lower footprint is one of the main reasons single-station EBM is preferred for small-lot mini container manufacturing.
Can I order a custom mold for a unique 150ml bottle shape?
Yes. Apollo offers machine customization including molds and voltage configuration. Customers share their bottle drawing or sample, and the engineering team designs the parison program, cavity layout, and deflashing solution. A trial run at the factory confirms wall thickness, appearance, and output before shipment.
