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Thermoplastic resin is extruded into a tubular shape called
a parison. (Figure a.) |
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When the parison reaches the proper length,
the mold is closed and the parison is cut. The bottom of the
parison is pinched closed and the top is held in place. The
mold is then conveyed to a position under the blowing and filling
nozzle. (Figure b.) |
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The blow-fill nozzle is lowered into
the parison until it forms a seal with the neck of the mold.
The container is formed by blowing sterile filtered compressed
air into the parison and expanding it against the walls of
the integrally cooled mold cavity. Next, the sterile air
is vented from the container and the sterile product is metered
into the container through the fill nozzle, which then retracts.
(Figure c.) |
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Separate sealing molds close to form
the top and hermetically seal the container. (Figure d.) |
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The mold opens, and the formed, filled
and sealed container is conveyed out of the machine. (Figure
e.) |
