5. Integration into a bottling line

The blow-molding machine(s) are integrated as part of a chain of machines within a bottling plant.

For moderate output markets (less than 3,000 bottles/h) and specific application sectors (cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, etc.), empty bottles or vials are often manufactured in separate workshops. An intermediary decorating or printing operation may be carried out in-line or on the rework line. The containers are then stored and transferred to the filling workshop or transported to a packaging plant.

For the beverage market, where throughputs are very high (typically 15,000 to 60,000 b/h), bottle production is usually in line with bottling.

Preforms are then purchased from specialized suppliers or manufactured in a workshop close to the blow-fill workshop.