FROM MOLTEN GOB TO BOTTLE
How do moulding machines produce millions of identical bottles?
1 Drop the gob Equal measures of the hot molten glass, called gobs, are fired into blank moulds through funnels. 2 Neck formation Sinking to the bottom, the molten glass fills the shape of the bottle neck, but needs to be hollowed. 3 First blow Into the neck, which is facing down, air is blown upwards. This pushes the glass away from the centre, forming a gap. 4 Blank shape This is a standard bottle shape after the first stage. It can now be placed into further moulds with differing shapes and designs. 5 New mould A mould with the final bottle shape surrounds the blown blank.
6 Second blow
7 Finished bottle When fully cooled the bottle is clear and solid. Air enters from the top, pushing the glass further outwards. As it takes shape the glass becomes thinner and cooler.