Abstract: A method of heating plastic blanks for molding comprises, for each blank in a sequence of blanks of different types, determining a heating requirement corresponding to characteristics of the blank a molding process to be applied and heating each blank according to its heating requirement. A microwave field is generated having a defined heating rate, and the blank is placed in the microwave field for a period of time equal to the heating duration, such that the heating duration and the heating rate correspond to the heating requirement.

Abstract: According to the present invention there is provided a preform suitable for subsequent blow molding, and a mold stock for producing the preform. The preform comprises a base having an elliptical inner face with a first flat circular bottom portion, and an elliptical outer face with a second flat circular bottom portion. The first and second flat circular bottom portions each have a center on a vertical center axis of the preform and a radius of equal size.

Abstract: There is provided a system, a method and preform suitable for executing liquid forming of the preform into a final-shaped container. The present technology includes various improvements to methods, apparatuses, and systems for forming final-shaped containers from preforms using a liquid destined to be contained in the final-shaped container.

Abstract: There is provided a system, a method and preform suitable for executing liquid forming of the preform into a final-shaped container. The present technology includes various improvements to methods, apparatuses, and systems for forming final-shaped containers from preforms using a liquid destined to be contained in the final-shaped container.

Abstract: A method, system, and preform for liquid forming of the preform into a final-shaped container using the liquid to be contained in the final-shaped container. The preform undergoes a stretching step to a size less than the size of a base of the final-shaped container, before being relocated and stretched to the final shape by the liquid. A stretch rod sealably connects with an interior surface of the preform to partially isolate a gate portion of the preform. The isolation is effected by a portion of the inner surface of the preform extending inwardly, or by a deformable member on the stretch rod which can selectively extend outwardly to contact the interior surface of the preform. The stretch rod includes a selectively heatable tip to heat the gate portion of the preform. The gate portion of the preform includes inner, outer, and core layers which comprise a material configured to affect the thermal properties of the gate portion.

Abstract: According to the present invention there is provided a preform suitable for subsequent blow molding, and a mold stock for producing the preform. The preform comprises a base having an elliptical inner face with a first flat circular bottom portion, and an elliptical outer face with a second flat circular bottom portion. The first and second flat circular bottom portions each have a center on a vertical center axis of the preform and a radius of equal size. The mold stack comprises a core insert comprising a first cavity defining portion with a gate defining portion, and a gate insert comprising a second cavity defining portion. The gate defining portion has a first elliptical curvature with a first flat circular bottom portion, and the second cavity defining portion has a second elliptical curvature with a second flat circular bottom portion. The first and second flat circular bottom portions each have a center on a vertical axis of the mold stack and a radius of equal size.

Abstract: A method, system, and preform for liquid forming of the preform into a final-shaped container using the liquid to be contained in the final-shaped container. The preform undergoes a stretching step to a size less than the size of a base of the final-shaped container, before being relocated and stretched to the final shape by the liquid. A stretch rod sealably connects with an interior surface of the preform to partially isolate a gate portion of the preform. The isolation is effected by a portion of the inner surface of the preform extending inwardly, or by a deformable member on the stretch rod which can selectively extend outwardly to contact the interior surface of the preform. The stretch rod includes a selectively heatable tip to heat the gate portion of the preform. The gate portion of the preform includes inner, outer, and core layers which comprise a material configured to affect the thermal properties of the gate portion.