4 – Machine Details

The importance of a properly designed oven section cannot be overstated. This refers to both the overall layout and the design of the actual ovens. Ovens must: • impart the correct temperature profile into the bottle wall • give enough flexibility to processors in heating sections of the preform to the best temperature for even bottle wall thickness distribution • have large-enough air blowers to control heat buildup inside the ovens • protect the neck finish of preforms • cool the infrared lamps for maximum life-span • cool the reflectors opposite the lamps • leave room for sufficient equilibration time • be sized for the correct throughput at a given preform wall thickness.