System and method for forming containers using blow mold and electric heating elements

An apparatus for forming a container, the apparatus comprising:

• a blow mold configured to receive a preform and inject air into the preform to form the container, wherein the blow mold includes a first half, a second half, and a base, the first half and the second half collectively defining an inner mold surface and an outer surface positioned opposite the inner mold surface, the base including a push-up portion, wherein the blow mold is positionable between an open position and a closed blow molding position;
• at least one stretching rod configured to contact the preform within the blow mold and stretch the preform while the air is injected into the preform;
• and
• electric heating elements positioned in the first half and the second half adjacent the inner mold surface to heat the inner mold surface, wherein each electric heating element is positioned closer to the inner mold surface than to the outer surface.

A method of forming a container by blow molding, the method comprising:

• positioning a preform in a cavity of a blow mold, wherein the blow mold includes an inner mold surface defining the cavity and an outer surface positioned opposite the inner mold surface;
• heating the inner mold surface using electric heating elements coupled to the blow mold, wherein the electric heating elements are positioned adjacent the inner mold surface, wherein each electric heating element is positioned closer to the inner mold surface than to the outer surface;
• stretching the preform using at least one stretching rod;
• and
• injecting air into the preform such that the preform expands and contacts the heated inner mold surface to form the container.