Experimental and Computer Simulation of Stretch Blow Molding for Carbonated Soft Drink PET Bottle

Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottles for carbonated soft drink are fabricated by stretch blowing of preforms. In this study, the shaping process of pressure-resistant PET bottles by blowing preforms in the stretch blowing process was examined through experiments. Then, the thickness distribution and the stretch ratio for each location of the blown bottle were measured. Computer simulation of the stretch blow molding of the pressure-resistant bottle was performed by applying the preform and process conditions used in the experiment. In the simulation, the thickness and stretch ratio distributions of the blown bottle, the mold contact point of preform during blowing process, and the blowing path by location of preform were compared according to the physical properties of PET. Finally, the thickness distribution, stretch ratio of the blown bottle were compared through experiment and simulation.