PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate) preforms are the foundation of plastic bottles used in industries like beverages, pharmaceuticals, edible oils, and personal care. But how are these preforms manufactured with such precision and consistency?
In this blog, we’ll walk you through the step-by-step PET preform manufacturing process, and show how Ankurwares, a trusted name in the packaging industry, ensures high-quality output at every stage.
Step 1: Selection of Raw Material
The process begins with the careful selection of virgin food-grade PET resin. These are white, semi-transparent pellets that serve as the base material for preform production.
At Ankurwares, only top-quality, BPA-free, and FDA-compliant PET resin is used to ensure safety, clarity, and durability in the final product.
Step 2: Drying the PET Resin
PET resin is hygroscopic—it absorbs moisture from the air. If this moisture isn’t removed, it can cause bubbles, haze, or structural weakness during molding.
That’s why the resin is fed into a dehumidifying dryer, where it’s dried at 160–180°C for 4–6 hours to bring the moisture level below 50 ppm.
Step 3: Injection Molding of Preforms
After drying, the resin is transferred into a PET injection molding machine, where the actual shaping happens.
Here’s how it works:
- The dried PET resin is melted at around 270°C.
- The molten PET is injected into precision-engineered molds that define the neck, thread, and body of the preform.
- After a short cooling phase, the preforms are ejected and collected for inspection.
Ankurwares uses state-of-the-art hot runner molds and advanced injection systems to ensure uniform weight distribution, clarity, and dimensional accuracy in every preform.
Step 4: Cooling and Post-Molding Inspection
After molding, preforms pass through a controlled cooling tunnel or conveyor to stabilize their structure. This is followed by:
- Visual inspections for transparency and surface finish.
- Weight checks to ensure uniformity.
- Dimensional checks using gauges and calipers.
Ankurwares implements automated quality control systems and manual checks to detect even the slightest imperfection.
Step 5: Storage and Packaging
Once cleared, the preforms are stored in clean, dust-free environments and then packed in corrugated boxes or bags, ready for dispatch.
Packaging is designed to prevent deformation, scratching, or contamination during transport.
At Ankurwares, we follow strict FIFO (First-In-First-Out) inventory methods and ensure that packaging is tailored for long-distance, damage-free delivery.
Optional Step: rPET Integration
With increasing focus on sustainability, many manufacturers—including Ankurwares—offer the option of integrating rPET (Recycled PET) into the manufacturing process. This requires:
- Sourcing and cleaning recycled PET flakes.
- Blending them with virgin resin (as per regulations).
- Adapting machine settings to maintain strength and clarity.
This eco-friendly step supports circular packaging solutions without compromising performance.
Why Ankurwares?
At Ankurwares, we don’t just manufacture PET preforms—we engineer solutions that fit your business needs. Here’s what sets us apart:
- Modern, high-speed injection machines
- ISO-certified processes
- Customizable neck sizes and weights
- Wide range of colors and applications
- 100% food-grade, safe, and recyclable materials
Whether in the beverage, oil, pharma, or cosmetic industry, our team helps you select the right preform and delivers it with precision and consistency.
Final Thoughts
Understanding the PET preform manufacturing process gives you better insight into your packaging supply chain. Each stage requires technical excellence and strict quality control from resin to preform.
If you’re looking for a reliable, high-quality PET preform manufacturer, Ankurwares is your go-to partner. We ensure consistency, speed, and customization, helping your brand maintain quality from packaging to product delivery.