Numerical and experimental study to predict the forming process conditions of non-axisymmetric glass perfume bottles

Abstract

Blow and blow forming process for glass bottle is already validated for 2D axisymmetrical bottles. Current research evaluates the capabilities of the 3D simulations with more complex geometries. This article presents the results of a numerical and experimental study of a non-axisymmetrical glass bottle. In this study, a perfume bottle with a square-based prism geometry and a new set of industrial process conditions have been evaluated. To validate the numerical results, the predicted temperatures in the glass domain have been correlated with experimental infrared measurements of the glass at various stages of the forming process. A comparison of the predicted glass thickness distributions with the section profiles obtained from the manufactured glass bottles is also provided. Finally, transition from the 2 Da to 3D model resulted in new difficulties and capabilities that are also discussed. This study validates simulations with experimental results to help in the design process of molds to avoid undesired thickness distributions and even fracture of glass containers for low thickness 3D corners.