Asian Mould Focus

Moulds for the glass industry have had to endure some of the harshest physical conditions in the glass production process, making their effective functioning one of the most critical factors in today's fast changing container glass industry. Moulds encounter temperatures higher than 1100 deg C, undergo oxidation, thermal shock, friction and wear, thermal and mechanical fatigue at an unceasing speed. Mould requirements for the hollow glass sector have changed considerably over the years. On average, each mould can shape about 1.5 million containers. This article looks at how the challenges of Asian container glass are reflected in the fortunes of the continent's mould suppliers.