Faster. Better. Longer.

What role does the neck ring play?

The neck ring is a critical component in the production process for glass containers. It is part of the mould that forms a glass bottle on contact with the hot molten glass (at 1,000 to 1,200°C). Moulds have very long service lifetimes – they are used to create over 20 million containers – but neck rings wear out more quickly. Because they come into direct contact with the hot glass, they are subject to heavy wear – which can lead to incomplete bottle necks and quality defects.

Diamond tools: the clean and precise solution

The neck ring for the glass container is reworked regularly to ensure that it stays constantly precise and clean. Fresh welding powder is applied as the first step, and then a diamond-tipped tool accurately grinds it back to its original dimensions. Repairs are simple, fast and precise because an individual diamond tool is available for every neck ring geometry. This approach significantly extends the neck ring’s service lifetime, so repairs are not only more efficient but also more protective of the mould. Improved machining quality means that around 30 % fewer moulds need to be replaced today than in the past.

More efficient repairs – and higher quality

Early in 2024, the team at Vetropack Chişinău were discussing possible ways of improving quality. This led them to discover an efficient process for machining the neck ring, developed by colleagues in Kyjov. Thanks to an open exchange of ideas, they put a solution into practice that started out as an idea to improve quality. Last summer, Marek Pokorák and his team built and tested the semi-automated neck ring repair workstation in Kyjov. Then they delivered the workstation to Chişinău, where it was fully integrated into the existing workshop.

Collaboration boosts efficiency

Close collaboration between Vetropack Chişinău and Vetropack Moravia Glass was a key factor in the success of this project. Today, the new workshop is fully ready to go into operation – an excellent demonstration of successful international collaboration within our Group. With the help of the machines and tools that have been installed, employees can now repair several neck rings simultaneously, with higher quality and in less time.

Higher satisfaction – among customers as well as employees

Marek Pokorák, Head of the Performance Improvement Programme at Vetropack Nemšová and Kyjov, and Mould Design Supervisor, sums up: “I’m proud of our team and the successes we’ve achieved together. We’ve automated neck ring repairs in our Chișinău plant. This represents major progress in our continuous efforts to improve quality and efficiency. Aided by close collaboration between Vetropack Moravia Glass in Kyjov and Vetropack Chișinău, we’ve developed and implemented a technology that not only boosts the precision and quality of our products, but also improves working conditions for our employees.”