For those of you with an interest in the engineering and manufacturing process of making glass bottles and jars, JBC has put together an interesting guide.
Glass bottle production encompasses a diverse range of techniques and machinery, tailored to meet specific bottle design requirements. In this article, we will explore the blow blow, press and blow, and narrow neck press and blow processes. Additionally, we will delve into the machinery variations used for different bottle types, such as lightweight mountains, jars, and spirit bottles, shedding light on the significance of machine size and glass weight in the production process.
Understanding the Techniques:
1. Blow Blow Process:
The blow blow process is an early and widely used technique for glass bottle production. It involves forming a glass parison, a hollow and elongated glass mass, which is then transferred to a blow mould. Compressed air is introduced, expanding the glass to conform to the mould's shape. This method is often employed for creating a variety of bottle designs, including wide mouth jars.
2. Press and Blow Process:
The press and blow technique combines pressing and blowing to shape glass bottles. In this process, a glass gob, a molten mass of glass, is cut and placed into a blank mould. The gob is pressed to form the initial shape and then blown to achieve the desired bottle contour. This technique is commonly used for creating bottles with uniform thickness and intricate designs.
3. Narrow Neck Press and Blow Process:
The narrow neck press and blow process is specifically designed for manufacturing bottles with narrow necks. It involves cutting a glass gob and placing it into a mould with a narrow neck formation. The gob is pressed and blown simultaneously, shaping the bottle's body and neck. This technique is suitable for producing lighter weight soft drink and beer bottles in large quantities.
Exploring the 8 Section Double Gob IS Machine:
The 8 Section Double Gob Individual Section (IS) Machine is a crucial piece of equipment in glass bottle production. It is an advanced and highly efficient machine used for mass production. This machine is capable of simultaneously forming two glass gobs, which are molten masses of glass, into individual bottles.
The "8 Section" refers to the multiple sections within the IS Machine. These sections serve different functions, such as glass delivery, shaping, cooling, and bottle removal. Each section performs a specific task to ensure a smooth and continuous production process. The number of sections is typically determined by the production requirements and the complexity of the bottle designs.
The "Double Gob" aspect of the machine refers to its ability to work with two gobs simultaneously. This feature significantly increases production capacity and efficiency. By working with two gobs, the machine can produce a higher volume of bottles within a given timeframe. The synchronized operation of the machine enables continuous production, minimizing downtime and maximizing output.
Machinery Variations for Different Bottle Types:
1. Lightweight Mountains (330ml):
JBC's lightweight 330ml mountain bottles are made using a 12 Section Quad Gob Machine employing the narrow neck press and blow process. This advanced machine enables the simultaneous formation of four glass gobs, streamlining production and maximising efficiency. The resulting bottles possess the desired lightweight characteristics while maintaining structural integrity.
2. Jars:
Jars are typically produced on 8 Section Double Gob Machines using the blow blow process. These machines are capable of working with two glass gobs simultaneously, ensuring a high-volume production of jars. The blow blow technique is suited for creating a wide range of jar designs, providing versatility and efficient production.
3. Spirit Bottles:
Spirit bottles, known for their heavier weight, are made using single gob machines. The weight of the glass necessitates a larger glass pull from the furnace, which is incompatible with larger machines. Single gob machines offer the necessary control and precision required for producing high-quality spirit bottles while maintaining their weight and structural integrity.
Glass bottle production employs various techniques, such as blow blow, press and blow, and narrow neck press and blow, to cater to different bottle designs and functionalities. The choice of machinery is equally important, with variations in machine size and capability to accommodate specific bottle types. JBC's lightweight mountain bottles are produced on a 12 Section Quad Gob Machine, jars are made on 8 Section Double Gob Machines, and spirit bottles require single gob machines due to their heavier weight. Understanding the interplay between techniques, machinery, and bottle characteristics enables manufacturers to produce a wide array of glass bottles efficiently and with desired specifications.