Abstract: An injection blow molding (IBM) system and method for forming a plurality of parisons and molded articles. The IBM system includes an injection station having two die sets and a plurality of first and second body mold halves each attached to a respective die set. Each of the first body mold halves has a corresponding second body mold half with which it cooperatively defines a cavity for forming the exterior shape of the body of one of the parisons. The individual, independent attachment of the body mold halves to the die sets allows easy individual replacement of faulty or worn molds. Further, such an attachment configuration also permits the body mold halves connected to a common die set to be spaced from one another, so as to reduce thermal expansion problems and ease dimensional tolerances required for the width of the body mold halves.

Abstract: An apparatus for molding plastic containers, including a transport device which transports the plastic preforms, including a heating device for heating areas of the plastic preforms and including a stretching device mechanically acting upon the plastic preforms, which stretching device stretches the plastic preforms along the longitudinal direction (L) thereof. The heating device and the stretching device are arranged in such a way that the plastic preforms may be heated before and after the stretching of the plastic preforms.

Abstract: An injection blow molding (IBM) system and method for controlling the surface temperature of the parison molds by passing heat transfer fluid through a plurality of fluidly-coupled heat transfer channels. The heat transfer channels can be formed primarily in die sets to which the parison molds are attached. The placement and distribution of the heat transfer channels relative to the parison-forming surfaces helps control the temperatures of the bodies and necks of the parisons being formed, instead of relying on various adjustments by an IBM operator. This system/method reduces the discretion required by the IBM operator and shifts the burden of consistently making high-quality parisons and molded articles onto the designer of the IBM tooling.

Abstract: A blow mold having at least two mold parts, mold support shells containing the mold parts, a mold support at least for supporting the mold support shells, motion drives for opening and closing the blow mold, and a locking means adjustable at least in the direction of the mold cavity axis relative to the mold support shells for locking the closed blow mold and for supporting the mold parts against forces from the blow molding process. The locking means has at least one locking sleeve with an at least conical inner wall manufactured using high-strength fiber material, which can be slid with the inner wall onto conical outer surface areas of the mold support shells and supports the mold parts across essentially the complete height of the mold cavity in a locking manner.

Abstract: An injection blow molding (IBM) system and method for forming a plurality of parisons and molded articles. The IBM system includes an injection station having two die sets and two mold half assemblies. Each of the mold assemblies is attached to one of the die sets. The mold half assemblies are configured to cooperatively form the exterior shape of the necks of a plurality of parisons. Heat transfer channels formed in both the die sets and the mold half assemblies are fluidly connected with each other, such that a heat transfer fluid can be routed to the mold half assemblies via the die sets.

Abstract: A device for manufacturing plastic containers, including a clocked preform manufacturing means, a temperature control means for thermal conditioning preforms manufactured in the preform manufacturing means, and a continuously working blow molding machine, where the temperature control means is designed and/or configured such that preforms that have been manufactured in one cycle of the preform manufacturing means can be differently temperature controlled.

Abstract: A system for the after-treatment of parisons (7) produced in an injection molding mold, comprising at least two after-treatment tools. To provide a system for the after-treatment of parisons produced in an injection molding mold, by means of which a plurality of after-treatment tools can be easily positioned, it is proposed in accordance with the invention that there is provided a positioning device for positioning the first after-treatment tool in at least one positioning direction, and the at least two after-treatment tools are connected together so that with the positioning device for positioning the first after-treatment tool at least one further after-treatment tool can be positioned by suitable positioning of the first after-treatment tool.

Abstract: A system for pre-stretching a preform utilized in forming a container. The system including an oven, a conveyor system configured for transporting preforms through the oven a blow molding station having at least one mold with interior surfaces defining the shape of the container, and a transfer station configured to transfer a preform from the oven into the blow molding station. The system also includes a stretch rod and an actuator. The stretch rod is movable between retracted and extended positions such that, when in the extended position, the stretch rod is positioned interiorly of the preform and the preform is elongated by the stretch rod to form a pre-stretched preform. The stretch rod is located to form the pre-stretched preform prior to the blowing medium being introduced into the preform in the blow molding station.

Abstract: An apparatus for the processing of plastics material containers with a shaping device for the shaping plastics material pre-forms into containers, with a heating device comprising a heating path for heating the plastics material pre-forms and with a sterilization device for the sterilization of the plastics material pre-forms, in which the sterilization device comprises a supply device to supply the plastics material pre-forms to the sterilization device, and in which the sterilization device comprises both an external disinfecting unit to sterilize the plastics material pre-forms at least on their external wall surfaces and an internal disinfecting unit to sterilize the plastics material pre-forms on their internal wall surfaces, wherein the supply device comprises heating path conveyor for conveying the plastics material pre-forms along the heating path to supply the plastics material pre-forms at least to the external disinfecting unit.

Abstract: Ovens for preforms in plastic material, applicable in particular but not exclusively to blowing machines and stretch blowing machines, are provided.

Abstract: A device for blow molding plastic containers includes an openable and closable blow mold for the conversion of tempered plastic preforms, whereby an inner blow pressure is applied to the plastic containers. The blow mold contains at least two shell like blow mold pieces that are arranged interchangeably at a blow mold carrier and that each contains cooling fluid pipes as conducts for a cooling fluid extending therein to temper the blow mold during and/or after blow molding of the plastic containers. The cooling fluid pipes in the blow mold are connected to a central cooling fluid supply. A coupling module that is associated with the blow mold carrier is arranged between the central cooling fluid supply and the cooling fluid pipes extending in the blow mold pieces. The coupling module and the blow mold carrier are associated spatially and/or structurally.

Abstract: It is disclosed a plate for a mould station to form a flanged hollow plastic container by shaping a flat billet, the plate comprising a base, a frame, an outer core to form a container of a first size and an inner core to form a container of a second size, smaller than the first size, wherein the frame is integral with the base and wherein the frame defines a frame upper surface; wherein the outer core, in a first configuration, is held elastically with its upper surface flush with the frame upper surface and, in a second moulding configuration, is held with its upper surface recessed with respect to the frame upper surface; wherein the inner core, in a first configuration, is held elastically with its upper surface flush with the frame upper surface and, in a second moulding configuration, is held with its upper surface recessed with respect to the frame upper surface; and wherein a retention system is provided to retain said billet substantially adhering to at least the upper surface of the inner core.

Abstract: Provided are a system and method for producing plastics material containers at a plant. A first processing unit outputs preforms having a temperature above an ambient temperature. A forming arrangement is arranged after the first processing unit in a direction of transport of the preforms, and forms the preforms into the plastics material containers. A heating device heats the preforms. A blow molding machine is in the direction of transport of the plastics material preforms, and expands the heated plastics material preforms to form the plastics material containers by applying a free-flowing medium. A discharge device is between the first processing unit and the forming arrangement, and discharges the plastics material preforms. A storage apparatus stores the plastics material preforms discharged by the discharge device.

Abstract: A heating device and a heating method for a blow molding machine comprise a heating element for radiating heat radiation for heating of preforms. A bottom reflector is movable relative to a counter reflector and is arranged opposite to the heating element for reflection of heat radiation radiated by the heating element in the direction of the preforms. A setting device is used for setting a position (LA+BM, LB+BM) of the bottom reflector relative to the counter reflector.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for producing hollow bodies from thermoplastic material in which web- or strip-type preforms of plasticized plastics material are shaped in a multi-part tool which forms a mold nest, with two outer molds and a central mold which perform opening and closing movements with respect to one another. The central mold is provided with at least one device for receiving and manipulating components to be fastened in the interior of the hollow body by means of a material and/or form-fitting joint. Prior to the fastening of the components to the inner wall of the hollow body to be produced, the components are heated by means of a radiant heating device. The radiant heating device is advantageously integrated in the central mold of the tool.

Abstract: A blow molding apparatus includes an injection molding station (12) that injection-molds preforms (1A) held by N (N is an integer equal to or larger than 2) rows of holding plates (30), a temperature control station (14) that performs a temperature control operation on the preforms (1A), a blow molding station (16) that blow-molds the preforms into containers, and a row pitch change section (130) that changes the row pitch of the N rows of holding plates so that P1<P3<P2 is satisfied, P1 being the row pitch of the N rows of holding plates when they hold the performs, P2 being the row pitch of the N rows of holding plates when they hold the containers, and P3 being the row pitch of the N rows of holding plates when they hold the preforms that are transferred to N rows of blow molds that are opened.

Abstract: The invention relates to blowing equipment (1) that uses a pressurised fluid for blowing vessels from preforms of a thermoplastic material and including a body (3) and a neck (6), wherein said equipment comprises a blowing mould (5) with a moulding cavity (4) in which the body (3) of a preform (2) can be placed, said mould (5) including an upper surface (7) from which protrudes the neck (6) of a preform (2) once the body (3) of said preform (2) is placed in the cavity (4), and wherein said equipment (1) also includes a nozzle (8) with an end (9) shaped so as to be placed in functional sealed relation with the protruding neck (6) of the preform (2). The end (9) of the nozzle (8) is connected to a means (12) for degassing the blowing fluid, capable of bearing tightly on the upper surface (7) of the mould (5) so as to define an inner volume (13) in which the blowing fluid blown under pressure into the preform (2) can be discharged after the preform (2) blowing operation.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention teach a post-mold treatment device and post-mold preform receptacle for use therewith for a post-mold treatment of a preform having a bell-shape. More particularly, an upper portion of a receptacle cavity associated with the post-mold preform receptacle is configured to have the same shape as the transition portion of the preform, and the upper portion is further configured to have a transition-fit size with respect to the transition portion of the preform at the instant that the preform is received from the molding cavity of the injection mold.

Abstract: A device optimized with regard to thermal management and an optimized method for the manufacture of containers are described in which the thermal energy of a plurality of consumers/generators of thermal energy is interchanged through a thermal energy combination. The device and the method are particularly suitable for stretch blow-molding machines and compressors.

Abstract: An apparatus for molding plastic preforms into plastic containers having at least one blow mold, within which the plastic preforms may be expanded into plastic containers is described. The blow mold has at least two blow mold parts which are movable relative to each other, including an application device which is movable relative to the blow mold, in order to apply pressure onto the plastic preform for the expansion thereof; wherein at least one area of the blow mold may be tempered. The apparatus has a tempering body which may be separated from the blow mold in its entirety for tempering the area of the blow mold.

Abstract: A Blow-mold assembly for the manufacturing of containers, comprising: A mold having a sidewall defining a mold cavity and provided with a channel for the circulation of a heating or cooling fluid, said channel having, on an outer face of the mold, an fluid inlet port and a fluid outlet port; A plug provided with a fluid supply line and a fluid discharge line; Wherein said mold and said plug are provided with complementary connection elements configured to provide removable connection of the plug to the mold with simultaneous connection of the supply line to the inlet port and connection of the discharge line to the outlet port.

Abstract: A machine for manufacturing containers from blanks of plastic material, which includes an oven furnished with a plurality of radiation sources for heating blanks as they travel through at a predetermined speed of travel and heating profile, and a programmed control center for modifying the speed of travel and heating profile based on a temperature measurement made on a blank leaving the oven, and a pressure measurement made in the blank during a subsequent blowing.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and device used to blow-mold containers. After thermal conditioning, a preform is shaped into the container inside a blow mold by the effect of blowing pressure. Required blowing gas is introduced into an interior of the preform through a connecting element. After the blow-molding, a purging gas is conducted through the interior of the container. A plurality of blowing stations are used, and, for at least one of the blowing stations, at least part of the required amount of the purging gas is stored in a storage volume associated only with said blowing station.

Abstract: An apparatus for the production of plastic containers from performs includes at least one oven configured to heat the performs. At least one blow molding station is configured to blow mold the plastic containers from the performs. A combined heat and power unit is configured to generate electric energy that at least drives the at least one blow molding station and to generate thermal energy that at least heats the at least one oven.

Abstract: The apparatus is constituted from a mold (1, 17, 14) formed by a central body (14) and a first head (1) and a second head (17) connected on opposite sides of the central body (14), as well as it having a rigid and perforated guide (5), which is axially centered inside the mold (1, 17, 14) whereon the blank pipe (10) is coupled longitudinally. This guide is provided with orifices (9) for the passage therethrough of an expansion fluid (18) which causes the expansion of the blank pipe (10) against the inner walls of the mold (1, 17, 14) without any heat exchange between the blank pipe (10) and the mold (1, 17, 14).

Abstract: An auxiliary device and a method for finishing and calibrating preforms that are removed from a multiple tool in an unstable shape, the calibration process being performed with compressed air immediately after removing and withdrawing the preforms from the multiple tool. Nipples that can be inserted into the preforms are provided with expandable press rings or sealing rings in order to seal the interior of the blow-molded part of the preforms. The compressed air is introduced via the nipples, the sealing process being performed by radially expanding the press rings or sealing rings in analogy to the closing process of thermoses, thus protecting the preforms from adverse forces. The sealing point can be randomly selected in the transition zone from the threaded part to the blow-molded part of the preforms. The interior of the blow-molded part is optimally sealed without affecting the form stability and dimensional stability of the preforms.

Abstract: Methods of and systems for fabricating a polymeric stent with improved fracture toughness including radial expansion of a polymer tube along its entire length at the same time and fabricating a stent from the expanded tube are disclosed herein.

Abstract: A method of producing a container from a thermoplastic blank, including a step in which the blank is heated using at least one beam of coherent electromagnetic radiation, and a step in which the container is formed from the blank thus heated. The invention also relates to an installation which is used to produce containers and which includes a unit for heating the blanks in order to form containers from the blanks thus heated. The inventive installation defines a path along which the blanks travel inside the heating unit. In addition, the heating unit includes at least one coherent electromagnetic radiation source which is directed toward a zone that is located on the aforementioned path.

Abstract: Disclosed therein is a spring tube melting machine of an air suspension system. The spring tube melting machine includes an inner molding part (100) and an outer molding part (200), which can mold an integrated spring tube by compressing half-finished spring tube materials at high temperature in order prevent bad molding due to the remaining air and overlap of spring tube materials and simplify maintenance due to repeated use.

Abstract: The cooling assembly comprising several cooling pins (1) that are connected to the same fluid inlet. Each cooling pin (1) is adapted to cool a molded hollow plastic piece (P), and comprises a hollow blowing pipe (2) having a fluid inlet (20a) at one end and at least one fluid outlet (21a) at the opposite end, and fluid boosting means (3) for boosting by Venturi effect the cooling fluid flow at the inlet (20a) of the blowing pipe (2). The cooling assembly can be mounted on a molding machine, and in particular an injection molding machine.

Abstract: A container treatment machine with at least one gripper, which can be compulsorily transported along a predetermined transport section for handling a preform or container during transport and/or acceptance and/or delivery, and including, at a holder retaining at least two gripper claws, at least one controllable electric or magnetic drive for the gripper claws, where the gripper claws can be moved relative to each other in opening and closing directions and at least between defined gripping and release positions, and where each gripper claw can be individually separately actuated by the drive in the opening and/or closing direction relative to another gripper claw of the gripper. Alternately, both gripper claws can be actuated together in the same direction.

Abstract: An oven (10) for the thermal conditioning of preforms made of thermoplastic, is traversed upstream to downstream by an air stream (A) for cooling the preforms and includes successively an air inlet zone (16a) having at least one air inlet port (22a), a zone (16b) for heating the preforms, that includes at least one ventilation module (36) that is able to guide the air stream (A) coming from the inlet zone (16a) to the preforms, an air extraction zone (16c) having at least one air extraction duct (68), characterized in that the air inlet zone (16a) includes a plurality of ventilation modules (36) and at least one air distribution chamber (18), called a plenum (18), which is interposed between the air inlet port (22a) and each of the ventilation modules (36).

Abstract: A blowing machine for containers, in particular bottles, with a preform heating module, to which a blow wheel is assigned and which contains a conveyor chain with exchangeable heating mandrels and optionally exchangeable shielding plates, with a service area provided on the conveyor chain in the heating module, in which an automatic changer for the automatic changeover of at least the heating mandrels is arranged. The automatic changer includes a magazine holder, a turret, which is adjustable and rotatable between the magazine holder and the conveyor chain, with grippers, and movably drivable unlocking components for engaging locks.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device and a method for producing preforms (14) with a special geometry, wherein the finished preforms have a neck region with a thread and a preform body, which adjoins the neck region and has an enlarged geometry in comparison with the cavity of the injection mould.

Abstract: Method and device for the production of plastic containers by blow molding or stretch blow molding of preforms, whereby the preforms are tempered, whereby the blow molds or stretch blow molds are possibly pre-heated before or during the blow molding or stretch blow molding process and whereby compressed air is injected into the preforms as blowing medium during the blow molding process. The blow molding and/or stretch blow molding devices as well as handling means and transport means are provided with operating power. The compressed air supply and/or the pre-heating means and/or the heating means and/or the drive means are powered by primary energy provided by at least one energy conversion device.

Abstract: A mold for fabricating containers made of thermoplastic material by blow-molding or stretch-blow molding a blank, which mold has a seat situated at the opening in the molding cavity for the purpose of receiving the rim of said blank, and cooling means for cooling said rim and, between said cooling means and the impression of the shoulder of the cavity of the mold, said mold has thermal insulation means for breaking a thermal bridge. The cooling circuit for cooling the rim is etched in a lid that is mounted around the opening of the cavity of the mold, and this etched portion rests in leaktight manner on a piece that acts as a thermal insulator.

Abstract: A die for molding a cuff on a plastic tube, including an upper shell and a lower shell defining a molding cavity between them; each of the shells has an external structure and an internal wall for defining a half of the molding cavity and for defining a hollow space with the external structure. The molding cavity and hollow spaces are separated from each other by internal walls. The die includes openings which are connected with the molding cavity and the hollow spaces respectively.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing a plastic article and a blow molding tool for performing the method. The method comprises extruding an approximately tube-shaped preform, dividing the melt flow within the extrusion head or separating the extrudate exiting or already exited from the extrusion head, such that a preform having an approximately C-shaped cross section is obtained, forming the preform into a hollow part within a multipart blow molding tool using differential pressure, wherein an expansion and partial preforming of the preform first takes place with the blow molding tool partially closed, then in a further step at least one insert is inserted into the interior of the partially preformed article between the not completely closed blow molding tool and through the open side of the preform, and in a further step the blow molding tool is completely closed; wherein the article is completely formed, forming at least one at least partially circumferential pinch-off seam.

Abstract: A preform transfer device includes at least one clamp including two levers pivoting between an open position and a closed position and elements for the elastic return of the levers to the closed position. The device includes a mechanism for selectively controlling the opening and closing of the clamp, this mechanism including: a lever spreading member driven by a link including at least one free end able to interact with actuating elements to cause the clamp to open against the force of the elastic return elements, and associated locking elements that are able to move between a locked position in which the clamp is held in the open position and a retracted position in which the clamp is free to close, the locking elements being able to interact with second actuating elements designed to cause the locking element to move from the locked position to the retracted position, to trigger the closure of the clamp.

Abstract: A method of molding a large returnable container includes a heat treatment step for subjecting a thick preform formed of a polyester resin or a primary blow-molded article to intermediate blow molding with heating to obtain an intermediate molded article, and a final blow molding step that includes subjecting the intermediate molded article that has shrunk to final blow molding with heating to obtain a large returnable container. The heat treatment step includes disposing the preform or the primary blow-molded article in a heat treatment mold, and pressurizing the preform or the primary blow-molded article so that a shoulder and a body obtained by blow molding close contact to a cavity surface of the heat treatment mold, and are subjected to a heat treatment, the shoulder being heated at a low temperature as compared with the body.

Abstract: An injection blow molding (IBM) system and method for forming a plurality of parisons and molded articles. The IBM system includes an injection station having two die sets and two mold half assemblies. Each of the mold assemblies is attached to one of the die sets. The mold half assemblies are configured to cooperatively form the exterior shape of the necks of a plurality of parisons. Heat transfer channels formed in both the die sets and the mold half assemblies are fluidly connected with each other, such that a heat transfer fluid can be routed to the mold half assemblies via the die sets.

Abstract: An injection blow molding (IBM) system and method for controlling the surface temperature of the parison molds by passing heat transfer fluid through a plurality of fluidly-coupled heat transfer channels. The heat transfer channels can be formed primarily in die sets to which the parison molds are attached. The placement and distribution of the heat transfer channels relative to the parison-forming surfaces helps control the temperatures of the bodies and necks of the parisons being formed, instead of relying on various adjustments by an IBM operator. This system/method reduces the discretion required by the IBM operator and shifts the burden of consistently making high-quality parisons and molded articles onto the designer of the IBM tooling.

Abstract: An injection blow molding (IBM) system and method for forming a plurality of parisons and molded articles. The IBM system includes an injection station having two die sets and a plurality of first and second body mold halves each attached to a respective die set. Each of the first body mold halves has a corresponding second body mold half with which it cooperatively defines a cavity for forming the exterior shape of the body of one of the parisons. The individual, independent attachment of the body mold halves to the die sets allows easy individual replacement of faulty or worn molds. Further, such an attachment configuration also permits the body mold halves connected to a common die set to be spaced from one another, so as to reduce thermal expansion problems and ease dimensional tolerances required for the width of the body mold halves.

Abstract: An extension for a heating element includes a bracket for a quartz lamp within a furnace of a blow molding machine. The extension includes a base that is coupled to the furnace where the extension directs the heating element toward an end of a preform. The extension may include a parabolic lens to provide controlled and directed heating of the end of the preform to optimize material distribution upon blow molding.

Abstract: A blow molding machine with air conditioning that while minimizing the introduction rate of outside air maintains constant temperature in a plant building and the interior of a blow molding machine and production of a bottle as a final configuration with stability in its measurement value. The machine is constructed so that air for biaxially stretching blow molding together with hot air of heating zone and internal air of a plant building is suctioned by suction chamber, filtered by primary filter and secondary filter into clean air, brought into heat exchange with primary cooling coil, fed under pressure by air blower and released through low-temperature duct into the interior of the plant building. Further, a housing on its side face is provided with vent to allow reflux of the clean air released into the interior of the plant building and flow into the heating zone and blow zone.

Abstract: The apparatus serves for blow molding containers. Preforms of a thermoplastic material are heated in the region of a heating zone and subsequently transferred to a blow molding device. The blow molding device is provided with at least one blow molding station for transforming the preforms into the containers. Provided for handling the preforms is a gripper-like transporting element (41) with two gripper arms (45, 46), which are arranged pivotably in relation to a gripper carrier (42). Each of the gripper arms can be pivoted by means of at least one lever and is coupled with a central element (49). The central element is arranged at least partly between the gripper arms. Each of the gripper arms is resiliently clamped with respect to the central element by at least one spring (56, 57).

Abstract: A method for assembling a handling unit of filled containers and a corresponding method, where the handling unit comprises different container types being different with respect to at least the height, base area, base area shape or the mechanical load capacity of the containers, and the supplied containers are arranged on a handling unit carrier. The arrangement of the containers with respect to the number and/or the position and/or the rotational position of the containers on the handling unit carrier is made in dependence on at least one of the above container parameters, and the handling units can be produced flexibly and with a high packing density.

Abstract: An apparatus for producing plastic containers includes a heating module that heats plastic preforms and a moulding module for moulding the preforms into containers. The heating module includes a first transport unit that transports the preforms during the heating and a first interface. The moulding module is downstream of the heating module in the transport direction and includes a blow moulding unit for applying a flowable medium onto the preforms for expansion thereof, a second transport unit that transports the preforms during the expansion, and a second interface. The first and second interfaces allow a mechanical connection and an electrical connection between the modules such that the moulding module may be disposed on the heating module and at least one further module integrated between the heating and moulding modules. The further module treats the preforms following the heating and prior to the moulding.

Abstract: A process for treatment of a thin-walled plastic container, the container having residual stresses resulting from its manufacture from a preform, which has been hot-filled and stoppered with liquid contents and then cooled once filled and stoppered, and being designed to undergo stress relief by a heat treatment, characterized in that it includes a stage prior to that of the heat treatment that consists in exerting mechanical force on the external surface of the thin wall of the container that is deformed by the hot filling to generate an interior pressure so as to compensate for at least the underpressure to which it is subjected and to restore its initial shape to it. An associated device for the implementation of the process is also described.

Abstract: Apparatus (1) for manufacturing plastic containers with a heating device (2) for heating plastic preforms (10) and a shaping device (4) for shaping plastic preforms into plastic containers, which shaping device is located downstream of the heating device (2) in a transportation direction of the plastic preforms, and with a transportation device (6), which transports the plastic preforms separately through the heating device (2) by means of a multiplicity of transport elements (14). Herein, the apparatus (1) is equipped with a stopper device (8) for temporary interruption of the flow of plastic preforms (10) to the heating device (2), wherein this stopper device (8) enables an interruption of the flow for individual plastic preforms (10). According to the invention, the heating device (2) is equipped with a multiplicity of heating elements (18) to heat individual plastic preforms (10) or groups of plastic preforms (10).