The Process of Making a Bottle
The first modern bottles were calabash, large gourd- and pear-shaped containers. They were popular during the mid-19th century. The name calabash comes from the tropical American “calabash tree,” Crescentia cujete. The image to the right shows a calabash-style bottle made in the 1850s. Until the 19th century, it was not possible to make bottles of this shape.
The process of making a bottle is known as engravering. This process consists of removing a piece of the base mold and remolding the bottle. A glass worker then cuts a pattern in the mold’s interior. This process results in embossing the bottle. In addition to this, the pattern creates a smooth base and raised lines. These features make the bottle appear pricier and more authentic.
The next step is the shaping of the bottle. For this process, a mold cutter must be hired. This individual is responsible for creating the glass bottles. They must be able to cut the glass properly to produce the desired shape. This procedure requires a skilled technician. The mold cutter is the person who shapes the glass in the mold. These artisans use a blowpipe to force the air into the mold. This method produces a beautiful, reusable bottle that is durable and attractive.
Embossed labels are a form of relief design that is raised on the mold surface. Often, these labels are not raised, but rather flat. This process makes the letters and design appear more realistic. The Hutchinson style soda bottle, which originated in the early twentieth century, is an example of this type of embossed bottle. To learn more about the different techniques used to produce a particular style of bottle, visit the General Bottle Morphology and Mold Seams page.
The process of making a reproduction bottle begins with a mold cutter. A mold cutter is a glass worker who uses a special tool to engrave the inside of a mold. This process results in a decorative embossed label on the bottle. The finished product is often a replica of the original. The former Clevenger Brothers Glass Works, now known as Wheaton/Nuline, were the first companies to produce reproduction bottles.
A bottle’s appearance can be attributed to many factors. The shape and material of the bottle has a direct impact on the aesthetics of a product. During the production process, a glass manufacturer can use a glass cutter to engrave the inside of a mold with a laser. This allows the manufacturer to customize the shape and design of the final product. Some of the features of a returnable bottle can be altered to create a decorative and appealing effect on the outside.
The process of making a bottle uses a mold. The first part is the body of the bottle. The base is made of wood and can be hollow or round. A plastic mold is an excellent choice for a bottle of any size and shape. These pieces of wood are durable and will last for a long time. In the process of manufacturing a product, a plastic mold is used. If a glass is made of wood, it will be much more sturdy, with a wider bottom than a traditional jar.
