Choose a used PET stretch blow moulding machine by matching the bottle, preform, production process and required output to the exact machine model and generation. Cavity count and maximum speed help narrow the search, but mould compatibility, utilities, condition and line integration determine whether the equipment suits your project.

This guide covers used reheat stretch blow moulding equipment, including standalone blowers and integrated blowing, filling and capping configurations.

1. Define the bottle and production requirement

Begin with the product and packaging specification. Supply:

Bottle: volume, drawing, dimensions, shape, neck finish and required performance.
Preform: drawing, weight, body length, wall thickness, neck specification and material, including intended rPET content.
Process: still or carbonated product, filling temperature, and any hot-fill, thermal treatment or hygiene requirements.
Output: saleable bottles per hour for each format, operating schedule and changeover frequency.
Installation: available space, utilities, downstream equipment, budget and required start-up date.

If preform details are not yet available, state what is known and use model-specific rated capacity for an initial comparison. Confirm the preform design and process before committing to a production guarantee. Bottle volume alone does not establish blowing difficulty or achievable speed.

A conventional reheat blower forms bottles from preforms made separately. For equipment combining injection and bottle forming within an integrated process, see injection stretch blow moulding machinery. If you also need to manufacture preforms, read our preform injection moulding buying guide.

2. Identify the exact model and generation

Record the manufacturer, complete model designation, serial number, manufacture year, installed options and documented upgrades. Confirm these against the nameplate and machine documentation.

For Sidel equipment, distinguish Series 2, Universal, Universal2, Universal2eco and Matrix/EvoBLOW configurations, including relevant HR or eHR variants. Use the full designation in comparisons, such as SBO 10 Universal, SBO 10 Universal2 or SBO 10 Matrix. A description such as “SBO 10” is insufficient.

Likewise, identify the generation and configuration of Krones Contiform, KHS/SIG Blomax, SIPA, SMI and other equipment. The same number of blowing stations across different platforms does not imply equal output, process capability or consumption.

Do not assume that the specifications of a current model apply to an older machine carrying the same family name. Check any claimed speed upgrade or conversion against the equipment actually installed.

3. Compare capacity for the intended bottle

Maximum capacity and expected production

For an initial rotary-machine comparison, nominal output equals active blowing cavities multiplied by the applicable bottles per hour per cavity. Use the rate documented for the exact model and configuration.

Older Sidel generations often fall around 1,200–1,600 bottles per hour per cavity, while many Universal configurations are around 2,000. Matrix configurations can run faster. These are indicative screening figures, not ratings for every model or bottle. Large bottles, specialised processes and particular configurations can differ substantially.

For example, ten active cavities at a verified rate of 2,000 bottles per hour per cavity give 20,000 bottles per hour nominal output. That arithmetic does not prove that any ten-cavity blower will achieve 20,000 bottles per hour with your preform and bottle.

If a machine can sustain 20,000 bottles per running hour, an illustrative combined utilisation and quality factor of 90% gives 18,000 saleable bottles per scheduled hour. The factor must be established for the intended operation; it is not an assumed guarantee.

Shortlisting suitable models

Start with the smallest configuration whose verified capacity can meet the required output with appropriate production margin. Compare its installed cost and flexibility with the next capacity option. Do not size a complete line solely against the blower's mechanical maximum.

If you already prefer a particular model and generation, assess that machine first and compare the immediately lower and higher capacity alternatives in the relevant range. Where preform weight or wall thickness is unknown, clearly identify any capacity estimate as provisional and request those details for validation.

For linear machines, check documented cycle time, active cavity count, heating and transfer arrangements. A rotary machine's per-cavity rate should not be applied to a linear blower.

4. Match the heating and blowing process

The preform must heat and stretch appropriately for the finished bottle. Check heating capacity, preform handling, neck protection, stretching system and the supported bottle envelope. A lighter preform or different material may require process development even when the neck finish is unchanged.

Hot-fill bottles require an appropriate heat-resistant bottle design and production process. Verify the installed heat-set configuration, mould temperature control and demonstrated output for that application. A standard cold-fill machine should not be assumed suitable for hot-fill production.

For oval or other shaped containers, establish whether preferential heating or other application-specific equipment is required. A machine capable of blowing a round bottle of the same volume may not provide the process needed for the proposed shape.

Confirm rPET suitability against the actual preform material and machine configuration. Changes in preform characteristics may require different heating settings or equipment adaptations; current-generation marketing claims should not be transferred to an older blower.

5. Verify moulds, neck handling and format parts

Obtain an itemised list of the blow moulds and change parts included. Check:

Mould fit: shell or block design, mould holder interface, height, diameter, base assembly and cooling connections.
Neck handling: preform feeder, oven mandrels or supports, grippers, transfer components and blowing nozzle arrangement.
Bottle handling: discharge system, guides and any format-specific parts before the filler or conveyor.
Process components: stretch rods and any special mould heating, cooling or orientation equipment.

Moulds are not interchangeable merely because two blowers have the same cavity count. Request drawings and a compatibility assessment before pricing a conversion. A neck-finish change can require work throughout the preform and bottle handling path.

6. Choose standalone or Combi equipment

A standalone blower discharges bottles to a separate handling system, commonly an air conveyor, before filling. Check the existing filler's neck handling, conveyor interface and operating capacity.

A Sidel Blow Combi integrates blowing with filling and capping. Bottles transfer directly from the blower to the filler through transfer wheels rather than through an air conveyor. Assess the blower, filler, capper and their shared transfer and control systems as an integrated configuration.

For a used Combi, confirm product compatibility, filling process, closure system, hygiene requirements and complete supply scope. Purchasing only the blowing section should not be treated as equivalent to buying a ready-to-install standalone blower; any separation requires an engineered assessment.

When considering an integrated system, compare the output of every stage and review the complete filling line requirement.

7. Confirm compressed air, cooling and utilities

Check the machine's site preparation data for electrical supply, connected load, low- and high-pressure air, cooling water and access requirements. Use the consumption figures for the intended bottle, output and installed air-recovery arrangement.

When selecting a high-pressure compressor, verify flow at the required delivery pressure and establish whether quoted figures use free-air delivery or another reference basis. Allow for pressure losses, other users and operating margin. A compressor's maximum pressure alone does not establish adequate capacity.

Confirm air treatment and quality requirements, receivers, pipework and cooling arrangements. Air-recycling equipment can affect demand, but its presence and condition must be verified on the used machine.

Establish whether the preform hopper, elevator, feeder, compressor, dryer, chiller or cooling tower are included. Obtain a separate list of any auxiliary equipment needed for installation.

8. Inspect condition and compare installed cost

Whenever possible, inspect the machine running with a relevant bottle format. Record preform specification, active cavities, sustained speed, rejects and test conditions. Assess bottle dimensions, material distribution, neck condition, leaks and the performance tests required for the application.

Inspect the oven, lamps and ventilation, transport components, stretch mechanisms, mould opening and locking systems, blowing valves, seals and cooling circuits. Review alarms, maintenance records, declared hours, control hardware and software backups.

For an overhaul, request the date, component list and work records. A general statement that a machine was overhauled does not establish the condition of every subsystem. For dismantled equipment, assess completeness, storage and recommissioning requirements.

Compare purchase price together with moulds, conversion parts, repairs, auxiliaries, dismantling, packing, freight, installation and commissioning. Confirm service and spare-parts availability for the exact generation, and agree acceptance criteria before purchase.

Frequently asked questions

How many cavities do I need for my required output?

Divide the required running output by the verified per-cavity rate for the intended model and bottle, then assess available machine sizes and operating margin. Generation, bottle geometry, preform and process must be considered before recommending a cavity count.

Can I shortlist a machine without knowing preform wall thickness?

Yes. Use the documented model-specific maximum output as a provisional starting point, stating the assumption. Obtain preform weight, drawing and wall thickness before confirming achievable bottle performance and output.

Can the same machine blow 500 ml and 1.5 litre bottles?

Possibly, if both formats fall within its supported bottle and preform range. Confirm moulds, heating capacity, neck handling and format parts, and establish output separately for each bottle.

Is a Universal blower equivalent to a Matrix with the same cavity count?

No. They are different platforms, and configuration matters within each generation. Compare the full model designation, documented output, process equipment, utilities and condition.

Are moulds and a compressor normally included?

Supply scope varies. Include them in your assessment only when they are expressly identified in the offer, with confirmed compatibility and capacity.

Discuss your bottle production requirement

Send PETmachinery your bottle and preform drawings, neck finish, preform weight, product, filling process and required output. Include your preferred manufacturer or generation, budget, installation location and target date.

Email sales@petmachinery.com to discuss suitable configurations, or browse our used PET stretch blow moulding equipment. Technical suitability and current availability are assessed separately for each enquiry.

For the wider project, see our guide to choosing used PET and beverage production equipment.

Technical references

Manufacturer resources provide background on process and configuration. Their current specifications do not establish the capabilities of an older used machine.

How to Choose a Used PET Stretch Blow Moulding Machine