A Legacy of Innovation: Generations of PET Technologies Blow Molding Machines

Reaching 25 years is a significant milestone, both in life and for a company. In 2024, we at PET Technologies celebrate this achievement. Over the years, the world has changed, and so have we. We’ve gained a new office and a new plant, faced hardships and crises, and experienced great successes. Nothing showcases our development better than the evolution of our blow molding machines.

Having developed blow molding machines for so long, we’ve created multiple generations of them. Today, we’ll focus on our specialty—automatic linear blow molding machines—and the 4 generations produced by PET Technologies.

Worth to highlight that our customers were growing together with us.

Let’s explore them, see what’s new, and how they have evolved!

1st Generation:

These were machines released between years 1999 and 2002. They were simple and reliable. Some of them are in full operation up to date!

2nd Generation:

The standout machine of the 2nd generation is the APF-4. This machine is legendary, with over 150 units produced. Many are still operational at our clients’ plants, and we often receive calls from customers who, after 15 or more years, want to upgrade to our newest models. The reliability that started with the APF-4 continues to this day. This machine had a productivity rate of up to 4000 bottles per hour. The machine had an older-looking design, suited for its time, but today’s trends and our standards have changed, meaning that the machines of later generations look much different. PET Technologies first became known through this machine, as it was one of the first to be mass exported to other countries. Production of the APF-4 ceased in 2014.

3rd generation:

The models of the third generation brought great variety to our lineup, enhancing productivity, bottle volumes, and versatility. In the realm of regular 0.2-2L bottles, we developed the APF-3002 and APF-6004, with productivity rates of 3000 and 6000 bottles per hour, respectively. For bottles ranging from 3-10L, the APF-5 and APF-10 emerged, and for 10-40L bottles, the APF-30 was introduced. This generation also saw the introduction of our first machine for hot fill, the APF-6004 HF.

The third-generation machines were the first to incorporate servodrives. With this generation, we became truly established on the market, as it saw our move to our current plant. These machines were the first to reach Middle East and Africa, North and Latin America.

Why do customers choose them?

• Steady operation;
• Easy integration in the filling line;
• Low maintenance cost.

The third-generation machines are still produced today, though the focus has shifted to our next generation.

4th generation:

The next generation is likely the one you’re most familiar with. Introduced in 2017, the APF-Max series of blow molders has steadily conquered clients worldwide. Building on the previous generation, it offers even greater variety. The basic APF-Max models include 2-, 3-, 4-,6- and 8-cavity machines.

But this generation introduced something truly special and uncommon in machine building—universality and adaptability. The APF-Max is designed with the client’s interests at the forefront, which is why the number of models and their variants has increased.

Personalization doesn’t stop there. This generation added NIR heating to save energy and promote sustainability, air recovery systems, preferential heating, and more. The pinnacle of this innovation is our latest model, the APF-Max 3U, which can blow bottles from as small as 0.1L to as large as 10L through mold changes. Some of you may have seen it in person at the NPE2024 exhibition or in one of our social media posts.

PET Technologies customers worldwide choose these machines due to:

• Compatibility with lightweight preforms, refPET
• Versatility
• Low energy consumption;
• Easy integration in the filling lines.

Today, as we celebrate 25 years, we look back at our technological journey with pride. Many who have been with us since the days of the APF-4 are still part of PET Technologies, testament to our enduring legacy. The future belongs to the APF-Max series, which will continue to evolve and expand with new versions, keeping pace with market demands and setting trends in the industry. We’re excited about what’s to come and remain dedicated to providing the best solutions for our clients in the years ahead!