Abstract: An apparatus for a nozzle is provided for engaging with lightweight preforms for blow-molding the preforms into plastic containers without damaging the finish portion of the preforms. The nozzle comprises a first cylindrical portion including a first seal, a second cylindrical portion including a second seal, and a tapered portion between the first and second cylindrical portions. The first and second cylindrical portions include diameters that are less than respective diameters of interior surfaces within the finish portion. The first and second seals are disposed around respective circumferences of the first and second cylindrical portions and configured to tightly engage with the interior surfaces of the preform while maintaining clearance between the nozzle and the interior of the finish portion. In some embodiments, the seals are configured to stabilize an orientation of the preform after being pressed onto the nozzle and facilitate conveying the preform along a manufacturing line.

Abstract: An injection head for a container fabricating machine. The fabricating machine includes a first nozzle configured to establish fluid communication between an injection liquid source and a preform cavity in communication with a mouth disposed at an open end of the preform. The first nozzle of the injection head includes a substantially tubular spout configured to be inserted into the open end of said preform and thereby create a seal with the preform.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for coating a group of objects may be provided. A three-dimensional model of the group of objects may be generated. Segments that represent each object in the group of objects in the three-dimensional model may be formed. Instructions for coating the group of objects may be generated based on the segments. The instructions may be configured to cause a robotic coating system to coat the group of objects.

Abstract: An apparatus for producing plastic containers includes a heating module that heats plastic preforms and a molding module for molding the preforms into containers. The heating module includes a first transport unit that transports the preforms during the heating and a first interface. The molding module is downstream of the heating module in the transport direction and includes a blow molding 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 molding module may be disposed on the heating module and at least one further module integrated between the heating and molding modules. The further module treats the preforms following the heating and prior to the molding.

Abstract: An apparatus for molding plastic preforms into plastic containers, includes a clean room, at least one blow station having a blow mold for shaping the plastic preforms by at least one process pressure, and a venting device for venting or reducing the process pressure into the atmosphere. The venting device has at least one venting valve through which pressure can be vented into the atmosphere via a sound absorber, and a pressure drop safety device for closing the venting valve before the atmospheric pressure level on the venting device is reached.

Abstract: A method of forming a container includes blow molding a primary form of the container inside a primary mold. The primary form has an exterior surface. The method also includes applying a fluid to the exterior surface of the primary form to shrink the primary form and to form a shrunken form of the container. Furthermore, the method includes blow molding a secondary form of the container from the shrunken form inside a secondary mold.

Abstract: Plastic container manufacturing plant comprising devices for injection-compression of plastic in molds and effected by means of at least one rotary carousel actuated by electro-pneumatic actuators, of the single-stage type integrating at least one first rotary carousel (2) for molding of the preforms and a second rotary carousel (7) for stretch blow molding of the preforms. Moreover, the plant comprises a transport system (5) between said first (2) and second rotary carousel (7) comprising further handling wheels, of which at least one (8) comprises means for thermal conditioning of the preforms.

Abstract: A device and a method for manufacturing plastic containers, where a preform is manufactured in a casting mold and finished in a blow mold, and to ensure a constructively simple realization and an improved temperature control, the casting mold and the blow mold are lined up to form a mold complex.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and device for sterilising parisons made of a thermoplastic material that are intended for producing blow-moulded containers. During the sterilising process a sterilising agent is introduced into an interior of the parison by an applicator. At least one gas is supplied to the applicator via a least one supply element, at least sections of which are arranged in a horizontal direction next to a transport path of the applicator. The supply element comprises at least one outlet opening facing towards the applicator. At least one pressure-applying element is arranged between the applicator and the supply element and is resiliently clamped between the applicator and the supply element.

Abstract: An apparatus for tempering plastics material pre-forms with a tempering mould for tempering an outer wall of the plastics material pre-forms, wherein the tempering mould has at least one first mould part which is movable and wherein the first mould part contacts a first wall portion of the plastics material pre-form at least for a time, in order to temper this wall portion. The apparatus has a supply unit in order to supply the plastics material pre-forms to the tempering mould, and this supply unit has a holding device for holding the plastics material pre-forms as well as a movement device which, in order to supply the plastics material pre-forms into the tempering mould, produces a relative movement between the plastics material pre-form and at least one portion of at least one mould part in a longitudinal direction (L) of the plastics material pre-form.

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 upper and lower die sets and a plurality of upper and lower mold half blocks each attached to a respective die set. Each of the upper mold half blocks has a corresponding lower mold half block with which it cooperatively defines one or more cavities for forming the exterior shape of the body of one or more of the parisons. The individual, independent attachment of the mold half blocks to the die sets allows easy individual replacement of faulty or worn mold blocks. Further, such an independent attachment configuration also permits the mold half blocks of each 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 mold half blocks.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a first operating machine arranged for processing objects, a second operating machine positioned downstream of the first operating machine and arranged for further processing the objects, an accumulating arrangement interposed between the first operating machine and the second operating machine and arranged for receiving the objects, and a command and control arrangement arranged for detecting a parameter indicating the quantity of the objects contained in the accumulating arrangement and regulating the operation of the second operating machine on the basis of the parameter. A method includes dispensing synthetic plastics in a pasty state, compression-moulding the plastics to obtain a perform, blowing the perform to obtain a container, and filling the container with a product. Each step maintains its own regulated temperature so that the dispensing temperature is greater than the blowing temperature and the blowing temperature is greater than the filling temperature.

Abstract: According to embodiments of the present invention, there is provided a cavity insert for a molding system, the cavity insert having a deformable portion. More specifically, A cavity insert (106) is provided, the cavity insert (106) is for a molding stack (102) for use in an injection mold, the cavity insert (106). The cavity insert (106) comprises a body (122) configured to be received, in use, within a cavity plate (104) of the injection mold; the body (122) defining: a cavity molding surface (124) along an inner portion thereof; a circumferentially deformable portion (123); and an actuator interface (134) configured to cooperate, in use, with a complementary actuating interface (136) that is defined on a compression member (138) to generate a compressive force that selectively elastically deforms the circumferentially deformable portion (123).

Abstract: Process for manufacturing a plastic hollow body, the process comprising the following steps: a) a tubular stream of molten plastic is extruded; b) this stream is taken up by means of a tensioning device; c) a transverse cut is made in this stream so as to create a parison having one free edge that is not taken up by the tensioning device; d) the parison is moved relative to the tensioning device so that the free edge of the parison is also taken up by the tensioning device; and e) at least one longitudinal cut is made in the parison over its entire length. Equipment suitable for implementing this process.

Abstract: To provide a preform, a bottle and a preform molding apparatus capable of preventing lowering in the mechanical strength of a preform, reducing the amount of a resin material, as well as improving productivity. A preform mold 1e used in the preform molding apparatus has a mouth neck part mold 2, a body part mold 3e and a core mold 163, and the body part mold 3e has, on the outer edge of the upper surface of a cylindrical protrusion part 31e, an annular protrusion 33 which controls the moving direction of a solidified film 118 and a solidified film 117 which have been peeled.

Abstract: Apparatus, comprising a rotating carousel and a plurality of handling elements supported by said carousel and movable in relation to said carousel, said handling elements being so shaped as to remove a container from a blow-moulding mould arrangement, wherein said apparatus further comprises a plurality of further handling elements associated with said handling elements, said further handling elements being so shaped as to deliver a dose of plastics to a compression-moulding mould arrangement, each of said further handling elements being fixed to a corresponding handling element.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus (1) for moulding plastic preforms (10) into plastic containers (10a), comprising a clean room (20), at least one blow station (8) comprising a blow mould (4) for shaping the plastic preforms (10) by means of at least one process pressure (89, 91, 92), and comprising a venting device (65) for venting the process pressure (89, 91, 92) or a process pressure reduced to a recovery pressure into the atmosphere, wherein the venting device (65) comprises at least one venting valve (67), by means of which the process pressure (89, 91, 92) or the recovery pressure can be vented into the atmosphere via a sound absorber (69), said apparatus (1) being characterised by a pressure drop safety device (68) for closing the venting valve (67) before the atmospheric pressure level (97) on the venting device (65) is reached.

Abstract: Mold arrangement, comprising a blow-molding die arrangement arranged for receiving a preform and for expanding said preform to obtain a container, wherein a compression-molding die arrangement is associated with said blow-molding die arrangement, said compression-molding die arrangement being arranged for receiving plastics and for shaping said plastics to obtain a neck portion of said preform.

Abstract: The mould top support (3) for shaping the bottom of a thermoplastic bottle by what is called the “boxed top” process comprises: a base (10) interposed between the said mould top (3) and a sliding bolster (11) which is guided on the frame (6) of the mould carrier unit, which base (10) is made in the form of a dual-acting cylinder actuator, the rod (14) of which supports said mould top (3). The base plate (17), which closes off the cylinder of the actuator is provided with a rapid assembly finger (18) on the bolster (11). This base plate (17) includes, around the finger (18), on the one hand, holes designed to allow the sealed passage of nozzles that deliver a heat-transfer fluid and demoulding air into the mould top (3) and, on the other hand, zones for the attachment of the feed nozzles for the chambers (21 and 22) of the cylinder actuator, which nozzles are all placed parallel to the axis x-x? of displacement of said mould top (3).

Abstract: A mold device for forming a plastic container from a preform. The mold device comprises a mold defining a mold cavity and a central exterior rod system moveably disposed within the mold cavity. The central exterior rod system is positionable between an extended position engagable with the preform and a retracted position spaced apart from the preform. The central exterior rod system maintains a central orientation of the preform during formation.

Abstract: A method for forming a container includes receiving a parison, enclosing the parison with a mold that includes a cavity, and inflating the parison in said mold to form a blow molded container with a moveable region at the cavity. The method further includes repositioning the moveable region before filling the blow molded container.

Abstract: To provide a metal mold for forming a preform decreasing the hitting of metal molds at a portion where a slide insert metal mold and a cavity metal mold undergo the sliding yet maintaining the pressure. The metal mold (33) for forming the preform includes a slide insert metal mold (36) split into at least two for forming at least a nozzle portion of the preform, wherein a pressure is maintained by using a fitting portion which includes a preform-forming portion of the slide insert metal mold (36) coupled together from the split state and a cavity metal mold (34). Auxiliary fitting portions (40a, 40b) where the slide insert metal mold (36) and the cavity metal mold (34) undergo the sliding is formed at a position of not forming the preform separate from the fitting portion that includes the preform-forming portion.

Abstract: An apparatus comprises a blow-moulding mould arrangement arranged for expanding a preform to obtain a container, said blow-moulding mould arrangement comprising a die arrangement cooperating with a punch arrangement, the apparatus further comprising a compression-moulding mould arrangement comprising a further die arrangement cooperating with said punch arrangement for compression-moulding plastics to obtain said preform.

Abstract: The invention concerns an injecting/blowing device comprising at least one mold for injecting a thin-walled hollow preform capable of being transformed into a more voluminous hollow body by blowing, said mold including a counter mold defining the inner surface of the cavity, a cure located in the cavity and spaced apart from said inner surface, a preform impression located between the counter mold inner surface and the core, and which will receive the melt, at least two main preferential flow channels (CEP) optionally at least two secondary preferential flow channels (CEP), each CEP being delimited by at least one recessed zone at the surface of the core and the inner surface of the cavity.

Abstract: A forming method, in a mold fitted with a wall forming a cavity, of a container from an intermediate container including at least one lateral protrusion projecting toward the exterior of the container. The method includes a boxing operation of pushing back the lateral protrusion in order to form, by turning it around an articulation zone, a hollow reserve projecting toward the interior of the container and a local cooling operation, after turning the protrusion over, of sweeping a circulation fluid over the articulation zone.

Abstract: A forming method, in a mold provided with a wall forming a cavity, of a container from a blank, which includes a boxing operation of pushing back the material of the blank by an insert movably mounted with respect to the wall of the mold between a retracted position in which the insert is retracted into the wall, and a deployed position in which the insert protrudes with respect to the wall, in order to form on the container, by pushing back, a hollow reserve projecting toward the interior of the container. Additionally, a local pressurization operation is performed, after formation of the hollow reserve, of injecting a pressurized fluid between the insert and the hollow reserve.

Abstract: A dosing bottle is made by injection molding a synthetic resin preform with a threaded neck finish portion and a body portion. The neck finish has an internal collar adjacent said lower end thereof. The preform is removed from the injection mold and inserted into the mold of a blow molding machine. The mold has a cavity with a body portion conforming to the desired configuration and dimensions for the body of the bottle and a neck portion closely conforming to the configuration and dimensioning of the neck portion of the preform. The preform is heated and inserted into the blow mold cavity with the neck finish portion of the preform being sealed from the body portion of the cavity. Air is introduced into the body portion of the preform to blow the body portion of the preform into conformity with the body cavity while precluding any distortion of the collar and of the neck finish.

Abstract: A stretch rod used for forming a preform into a hollow body having in its surface a plurality of raised portions and/or recesses relative to the circular cylinder shape, whereby the stretch rod tip can come into contact with the concave, rotationally symmetric inner surface of the preform at a plurality of locations which are separate from one another. Also, a method and an apparatus for forming a preform into a hollow body, which uses such a stretch rod.

Abstract: A device and a method for manufacturing plastic containers, where a preform is manufactured in a casting mold and finished in a blow mold, and to ensure a constructively simple realization and an improved temperature control, the casting mold and the blow mold are lined up to form a mold complex.

Abstract: Process for manufacturing a plastic hollow body, the process comprising the following steps: a) a tubular stream of molten plastic is extruded; b) this stream is taken up by means of a tensioning device; c) a transverse cut is made in this stream so as to create a parison having one free edge that is not taken up by the tensioning device; d) the parison is moved relative to the tensioning device so that the free edge of the parison is also taken up by the tensioning device; and e) at least one longitudinal cut is made in the parison over its entire length. Equipment suitable for implementing this process.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a first operating machine arranged for processing objects, a second operating machine positioned downstream of the first operating machine and arranged for further processing the objects, an accumulating arrangement interposed between the first operating machine and the second operating machine and arranged for receiving the objects, and a command and control arrangement arranged for detecting a parameter indicating the quantity of the objects contained in the accumulating arrangement and regulating the operation of the second operating machine on the basis of the parameter. A method includes dispensing synthetic plastics in a pasty state, compression-moulding the plastics to obtain a perform, blowing the perform to obtain a container, and filling the container with a product. Each step maintains its own regulated temperature so that the dispensing temperature is greater than the blowing temperature and the blowing temperature is greater than the filling temperature.

Abstract: The preform is formed by an upper neck which maintains unchanged its form in the final object and a hollow body, joined to the neck. The method foresees the insertion, within a matrix cavity, of a metered body of polymeric material whose mass is metered according to a reference value, and the subsequent pressure insertion of a punch within the matrix cavity until it closes the mold's molding chamber, the punch conferring the shape to the inner surface of the preform and the matrix having an inner surface which confers the shape to the outer surface of the preform. According to the invention, in the molding of the preform, the error of the mass of the metered body with respect to the reference value is distributed in the hollow body, which undergoes a subsequent hot deformation until it achieves the final shape.

Abstract: Disclosed, amongst other things, is: a continuous molding machine, a cam of the continuous molding machine, a post-molding device of the continuous molding machine, a molded article handling device, amongst other things.

Abstract: The invention relates to manufacturing thermoplastic material containers (2) with a petaloid bottom (4) by drawing-blowing hot preforms (16) in a blowing mold that has a petaloid mold bottom (1) including radiating ridges (13) alternating with cavities (11) that are adapted to form the valleys (7) and the feet (5), respectively, of the container bottom; during drawing, heat losses are reduced in longitudinal zones (19) of the end part (20) of the preforms, extending over the bottom (18) and over an axial portion of their body (21), distributed over the periphery of the ends of the preforms facing respective cavities (11) of the mold bottom (1).

Abstract: An apparatus comprises a blow-moulding mould arrangement arranged for expanding a preform to obtain a container, said blow-moulding mould arrangement comprising a die arrangement cooperating with a punch arrangement, the apparatus further comprising a compression-moulding mould arrangement comprising a further die arrangement cooperating with said punch arrangement for compression-moulding plastics to obtain said preform.

Abstract: A method comprises forming a preform of plastic material, expanding said preform to obtain a container, said forming comprising compression-forming said preform in that mould arrangement wherein said expanding occurs; a method comprises expanding a preform in a mould arrangement to obtain a container, before said expanding it being provided to form a dose of plastic material in a paste state in said mould arrangement to obtain said preform; an apparatus comprises a forming mould arrangement, a punch device for expanding a preform in said mould arrangement, an abutting device cooperating with said punch device, said punch device and said abutting device identifying a configuration in which said punch device and said abutting device cooperate to define a forming unit for compression-forming a semifinished product of plastic material to obtain said preform and a further configuration in which said punch device and said abutting device cooperate to define an expansion unit of said preform to obtain a container.

Abstract: Disclosed are a compensating core for use with a molding system and the molding system incorporating same. A core insert for use in a molding system is provided. The core insert comprises a core base for defining, in use, a portion of a molding cavity; a core support for supporting, in use, the core base relative to a core plate of the molding system; a compensator associated, at least partially, with the core support to permit at least a degree of axial movement to the core base.

Abstract: The device for thermoforming an object presenting an undercut portion. The device may include a thermoforming mold having a base portion and at least two undercut-forming portions in the vicinity of an end; a countermold; and a moving thermoforming piston. The device further may include holding means suitable for holding the rim of the object relative to the countermold, and, in order to unmold the object, said portions of the mold and the holding means are suitable for being controlled in a sequence in which the undercut-forming portions are moved apart, the holding means are active and hold the object against the countermold, and at least the base portion of the mold is spaced apart from the countermold while the holding means are active.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for simultaneously forming and filling a plastic container is provided. A mold cavity defines an internal surface and is adapted to accept a preform. A pressure source includes an inlet and a piston-like device. The piston-like device is moveable in a first direction wherein liquid is drawn into the pressure source through the inlet and in a second direction wherein the liquid is urged toward the preform. A blow nozzle may be adapted to receive the liquid from the pressure source and transfer the liquid at high pressure into the preform thereby urging the preform to expand toward the internal surface of the mold cavity and creating a resultant container. The liquid remains within the container as an end product.

Abstract: A system for making plastic containers includes a source for providing a continuous stream of molten plastic, and a cutter for severing a continuing series of individual mold charges from the continuous molten plastic stream. A compression molder includes a plurality of compression molds arranged in a continuing series for receiving the mold charges in sequence and compression molding the mold charges into a continuing series of individual plastic container preforms. A blow molder includes a plurality of blow molds arranged in a continuing series for receiving the individual plastic container preforms in sequence and blow molding the preforms into a continuing series of plastic containers. A common drive coordinates continuous and synchronous operation of the molten plastic source, the cutter, the compression molder and the blow molder to provide the continuing series of plastic containers from the continuous stream of molten plastic.

Abstract: A compression-moulding press for moulding plastic containers (P) consisting of a moulding cavity formed by a plunger (5), a female mould (14), and two separable lips (7, 8). A cylinder (16) slides inside a sliding slide (22) to keep the lips (7, 8) closed. The plunger (5) slides inside the cylinder (16), with respect to both the cylinder (16) and the slide (22), when moulding the containers (P). Finally, a method for making plastic containers by means of compression moulding using said device is also described.

Abstract: The installation for manufacturing objects such as receptacles by thermoforming pellets of thermoplastic material includes conveyor means for conveying the pellets through the various stations in the installation, said stations including a heating station and a thermoforming station. The conveyor means comprise conveyor elements (46) defining cells (48) which are open upwards and downwards, and each of which is suitable for containing one pellet (12) while the entire top and bottom faces of the pellet remain unobstructed, means for depositing the pellets in the cells, drive means for driving the conveyor elements through the heating station, and transfer means (20) for transferring the heated pellets to the thermoforming station. The heating station includes bottom heater means (52) that co-operate with a support for the pellets while said conveyor elements are being driven through the heating station.

Abstract: A system for making plastic containers includes a source for providing a continuous stream of molten plastic, and a cutter for severing a continuing series of individual mold charges from the continuous molten plastic stream. A compression molder includes a plurality of compression molds arranged in a continuing series for receiving the mold charges in sequence and compression molding the mold charges into a continuing series of individual plastic container preforms. A blow molder includes a plurality of blow molds arranged in a continuing series for receiving the individual plastic container preforms in sequence and blow molding the preforms into a continuing series of plastic containers. A common drive coordinates continuous and synchronous operation of the molten plastic source, the cutter, the compression molder and the blow molder to provide the continuing series of plastic containers from the continuous stream of molten plastic.

Abstract: An apparatus for supplying a mold charge for a mold cavity in accordance with one aspect of the present invention includes a mold charge chamber having a longitudinal dimension and at least two lateral inlets for supplying resin materials to the chamber such that the materials are stratified longitudinally of the chamber. A plunger is movable longitudinally into the chamber to force the stratified materials out of the chamber and thereby provide a stratified mold charge for a mold cavity. The at last two lateral inlets to the chamber preferably are spaced from each other lengthwise of the chamber. In one embodiment, the plunger has a contoured end for imparting a contour to the mold charge as the mold charge is forced from the chamber. A gate preferably is positioned at an end of the chamber remote from the plunger for selectively closing the chamber for filling and opening the chamber for discharge of the mold charge.

Abstract: In the molding of parisons made of thermoplastic material for making bottles for containing effervescent beverages, resistance to bursting of the bottles is increased considerably the gasket (4) between the injector nozzle (3) and the injection cavity (1) is made of thermally insulating material and has a shape that is complementary to the shape of the cavity (1) for housing the end of the injector (3) in the injection cavity (1). Cutting of the sprue in specific conditions increases still more the resistance to bursting.

Abstract: Disclosed is an extrusion mandrel fastener (2) that is embodied as a two-piece unit comprising a supporting beam (4) and a holding beam (5) which can be joined together and are provided with semi-cylindrical recesses (7, 8) complementing each other so as to form cylindrical recesses (9). An extrusion mandrel (3) is inserted into each cylindrical recess (9) and is retained therein. The extrusion mandrel fastener (2) and the extrusion mandrels (3) are provided with ducts (13, 14, 15, 16, 24, 25) which allow fluid circulation so as to temper the extrusion mandrels (3) and communicate with each other as well as with openings (11, 26) that are disposed on the extrusion mandrel fastener (2) via cylindrical connecting sleeves (30). Said connecting sleeves (30) are preferably sealed by means of sealing rings and fix the extrusion mandrel (3) to the extrusion mandrel fastener (2).

Abstract: A system for making plastic containers includes a source for providing a continuous stream of molten plastic, and a cutter for severing a continuing series of individual mold charges from the continuous molten plastic stream. A compression molder includes a plurality of compression molds arranged in a continuing series for receiving the mold charges in sequence and compression molding the mold charges into a continuing series of individual plastic container preforms. A blow molder includes a plurality of blow molds arranged in a continuing series for receiving the individual plastic container preforms in sequence and blow molding the preforms into a continuing series of plastic containers. A common drive coordinates continuous and synchronous operation of the molten plastic source, the cutter, the compression molder and the blow molder to provide the continuing series of plastic containers from the continuous stream of molten plastic.

Abstract: An intimate fit preform cooling tube with an inner mating surface that includes a polymeric coating to increase its lubricity and thereby reduce friction with a preform to be engaged therewith. The cooling tube of the present invention substantially reduces or eliminates preform ovality and gate stretching problems.

Abstract: A dimensionally-stable, injection-molded portion of a blow molded intermediate article is engaged by a conveyance mechanism of a trimmer to controllably drive the intermediate article within the trimmer to permit accurate and high speed severing of the injection molded portion and moil from a blown finish container body. An injection-molded, closed end preform is provided having a neck finish with an internal and/or external peripheral drive surface. The preform is utilized to form an intermediate article including a container body and moil. The injection-molded neck portion of the intermediate article remains substantially unchanged from its as-manufactured preform condition and provides a dimensionally stable surface for use in driving and rotating the intermediate article within the trimmer.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing a large-volume cup-shaped or tub-shaped container made of a synthetic thermoplastic material, whereby a compact plastic, flexible hose-type preform (6) is extruded to obtain a given length and the container (1) is subsequently shaped. In order to carry out said operations with the aid of extremely simple extrusion devices and moulds, thc extruded preform (6) is expanded to a given size and a core (2) is moved upwards into the expanded preform (6). The lower, open end of the expanded preform (6) is then clamped against the core (2) to provide a seal and the preform is shaped by air in order to form a container.