Preform

What Is a Preform?

Preforms are parts used as intermediate products in the manufacturing process.

Specifically, a preform is a part that is formed into a certain shape from pre-formed material and then heated in a molding machine to be formed into its final shape. Performs to improve the efficiency of the molding operation.

Preforms are widely used in the manufacture of plastic parts. PET resin preforms are used in the production of PET bottles, which are preformed into the shape of PET bottles in advance and then heated in a molding machine to be formed into the final shape during the final molding process.

Types of Preforms

Below are some of the types of preforms when classified by resin, glass, metal, and paper.

1. Resin Preforms

Resin preforms are classified into the following types

• PET resin preforms (PET=Polyethylene Terephthalate)
• PP resin preforms (PP=Polypropylene)
• PE resin preforms (PE=Polyethylene)
• PS preforms (PS=Polystyrene)
• ABS preforms (ABS=Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene)
• PVC preforms (PVC=Polyvinyl Chloride)
• Polycarbonate preforms
• Polyurethane preforms
• Polystyrene preforms
• Polypropylene preforms
• Polyethylene preforms

2. Glass Preform

Glass preforms are mainly two types as follows

• Glass Fiber Reinforced Plastics (GFRP) preforms
• Glass container preforms

3. Metal Preforms

Metal preforms are mainly two types as follows

• Sheet preforms for aluminum cans
• Sheet preforms for steel cans

4. Paper Preforms

Paper preforms are mainly the following two types

• Preforms for folding paper container
• Preforms for corrugated boxes

Uses of Preforms

1. Resin Preforms

• Pet Bottles, Beverage Containers, Cosmetic Containers, Pharmaceutical Containers
  PET resin preforms are used for
• Automobile Parts and Home Appliance Parts
  Preforms of ABS resin, polycarbonate resin, etc. are used.
• Building Materials
  Preforms made of PVC and polyurethane resins are used. For example, they are used for window frames and insulation materials.
• Packaging Materials
  Preforms such as polyethylene resin are used. Examples include cushioning materials and other packaging materials.
• Others
  Preforms such as polystyrene resin and polypropylene resin are used. For example, they are used for tableware and stationery.

2. Applications of Glass Preforms

• Manufacturing of Glass Fiber Reinforced Plastic (GFRP)
  ProductsGFRP (Glass Fiber Reinforced Plastic) preforms are made of glass fibers coated with resin and used in the manufacture of automotive parts, building materials, ship parts, etc. GFRP is made of glass fibers coated with resin.
• Glass Container Manufacturing
  Preforms of glass containers are molded into shapes such as bottles and flasks, which are used as intermediate products for molding into final container shapes.

3. Uses of Metal Preforms

• Aluminum Cans
  Aluminum sheet preforms are used. Sheet preforms are sheets of aluminum formed to a certain shape before forming, and are used as an intermediate product for forming into the final can shape.
• Steel Cans
  Steel sheet preforms are used. As with aluminum cans, sheet preforms are used as an intermediate product to be formed into the final can shape.

4. Uses of Paper Preforms

• Foldable Paper Containers
  Paper sheet preforms are used. Sheet preforms are sheets of preformed paper that are formed into some shape and are used as an intermediate product to be formed into the final container shape. Cups, take-out containers, and paper bags are examples of such uses.
• Corrugated Boxes
  Preforms for corrugated boxes are made by forming corrugated cardboard into a certain shape and are used as an intermediate product to be formed into the final box shape.

Properties of Preforms

1. Intermediate Product Before Molding

Preforms are intermediate products before molding and serve as the basis for molding into the final shape. Therefore, the shape and size of the product can be freely designed. Preforms also allow the selection of the most suitable material for the shape and size of the product.

2. Streamlining the Manufacturing Process

Preforms improve the efficiency of the manufacturing process compared to the use of preformed materials. Preforms can eliminate extra processing steps, resulting in shorter manufacturing times and lower costs.

3. High Hermeticity

Metal and glass preforms are suitable for beverage and pharmaceutical containers due to their ability to achieve a high degree of hermeticity. This helps maintain product freshness and quality. Hermetic containers are also important to prevent product leakage and contamination during transportation and storage.

Other Information about Preforms

1. Adaptable to a Variety of Materials

Preforms can be made from a variety of materials. They can be molded from resin, glass, metal, paper, and other materials, taking advantage of the specialized characteristics of each material. This makes it possible to select the most suitable material for each application.

2. Recyclable

For example, resin preforms can be reprocessed to make new products. Glass and metal preforms can also be recycled.

3. High Degree of Design Freedom

Preforms can be made in a variety of shapes and sizes. Preforms can also be colored and printed, allowing for the creation of products with excellent design.