PREFORM PRODUCTION PETplanet Insider Vol. 26 No. 03/25 www.petpla.net 21 Simultaneous measurement of both internal and external temperature profiles ensures accurate heat absorption by the preform, which is crucial when calibrating IR ovens under varying environmental conditions, at different production sites, or when processing different resin types. This capability is also valuable for troubleshooting oven performance issues. As shown in Figure 1, the temperature differential between the internal and external surfaces was within 5°C, with the corresponding through-thickness temperature gradient calculated and represented in the contour plot. Hence, the oven settings can be validated and the corresponding temperature profile, both internally and externally, was quantified for the oven setup which achieves a good bottle. In conclusion, the preform temperature profile is the cumulative result of three distinct heating mechanisms, governed by complex thermal dynamics. A single-point temperature measurement on the external surface of the preform is insufficient for comprehensive optimisation of the heating process. By simultaneously measuring both internal and external preform temperatures, the complete temperature distribution can be accurately quantified and recorded. This data becomes invaluable for proactively identifying and correcting environmental or material variations, ensuring consistent production quality and operational efficiency. www.bmt-ni.com 2025 Figure 1: Preform temperature profile through thickness using Thermoscan
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