The 1810 PET preform is characterized by its lightweight, durability, and recyclability. It is designed to hold a variety of liquids, including water, carbonated drinks, and juices, and can also be used for non-liquid products, such as cosmetics and cleaning agents. The preform itself is typically produced with a small neck, which is later expanded during the blow molding process to create the desired bottle shape.
The production of PET preforms has a long history that dates back to the development of PET plastic itself. PET was introduced in the 1940s by British chemists and has since become one of the widely used thermoplastic materials in the world. Early PET bottles were limited in design and were primarily used for industrial packaging. However, as PET technology advanced, so did the capabilities of preform production.
In the 1970s, PET preforms began to gain significant popularity in the beverage industry. The rise of soft drink bottles, particularly carbonated drink bottles, drove the demand for strong, lightweight, and transparent packaging. PET was an ideal material due to its ability to withstand pressure, its clarity, and its relatively low cost. As a result, manufacturers began to invest heavily in PET preform production technologies.
The early preforms were created using basic injection molding techniques, but advancements in machinery, materials, and design soon enabled manufacturers to produce higher-quality, more precise preforms. By the 1980s, blow molding techniques were good, allowing manufacturers to expand the preform into a bottle shape with greater consistency and efficiency.
The process of creating an 1810 PET preform is complex and involves several key steps. These steps ensure that the preforms are made to precise specifications and meet the rigorous demands of packaging industries.
Injection Molding: The step in creating an 1810 PET preform is injection molding. PET resin pellets are heated until they melt, and then the molten PET is injected into a preform mold. This mold has the shape of a small tube, and the resin is allowed to cool and solidify into the desired preform shape.
Cooling: After the preform is molded, it undergoes a cooling process to solidify. The cooling time is carefully controlled to ensure that the preform has the right level of rigidity and that there are no defects in the structure.
Neck and Threading: During the molding process, the preform's neck is formed, including the threading needed for the bottle cap. The 1810 preform's neck size of 18mm is compatible with various types of caps used in the beverage and food industry, making it a versatile choice for manufacturers.
Storage and Transport: Once the 1810 PET preforms are created, they are stored and transported to the next stage of production: blow molding.
Blow Molding: The preforms are heated again and placed in a blow mold, where air is injected into them to expand the preform into the shape of a bottle. This process is what transforms the preform into its final bottle shape, and the quality of the blow molding process is critical for ensuring a consistent and durable end product.
Final Inspection: After blow molding, the finished bottles undergo quality checks to ensure that they meet the required specifications. These inspections include tests for strength, clarity, and leak resistance.