Compression technology: advantages of an innovative PET preform moulding

PAM is the name of the innovative system, acronym of Preform Advanced Moulding. The 48 cavities prototype machine is currently running at 27.000 pref/h, producing a 23g CSD preform with 28PCO neck finish.
As for closure manufacturing, compression technology grants several advantages compared to injection process.
The continuous and oriented exit of preforms leads to the possibility of in-line quality control and …blowing!
The stable weight consistency of the compression process has largely been proved by closures manufacturing: the same applies to preforms production benefits of the long Sacmi experience.
Beside an obvious energy saving due to a lower PET melting temperature, preforms by compression require less heating in the blowing phase because the crystals of material are differently oriented.
A PET bottle coming from a compression moulded preform has better performances than a coming from a same-weight injection moulded preform, due to an higher homogeneity of the material distribution.
Furthermore preforms by compression can be stretched also in the bottom of the bottle, as injection gate is not there.
Looking at the complete PET bottle production process, further competitive and economic advantages can be developed, as this is a young technology, destined to a fast evolution.
Further details of the PAM machine will be explained at K07 Sacmi booth (15A05). The prototype machine will be available to be seen at Sacmi R&D Dept. in Imola (Italy).