In the manufacturing process for glass containers, XX Bronze neck rings are commonly used in the forming of the "finish area" of the container. Historically, these neck rings have been machined in container mould shops from cast shapes that have been either sand cast or continuously cast. These casting types, with their relatively low process costs, have proven over time to be very reliable casting methods for neck rings. However, with the drastic price increases of copper and nickel (two of the major components of XX Bronze) and ever-increasing machining costs that mould manufacturers are currently facing, the casting of blanks for neck rings can now be feasibly performed with a much more precision casting process, investment casting. This article explains how investment casting technology can provide valuable cost savings in neck ring production.
