Among the many features of a bottle, it is important to understand how its parts interact with each other. This knowledge can help you select the right bottle for the application at hand. It can also be helpful to understand the terminology associated with each part.
The base of a bottle is the bottom portion of the bottle. The base is usually the largest diameter. It has an even bearing surface and is often the transitional zone between the body and the neck. The base can be either flat or rounded. The base is often stippled in a mold to concentrate the abrasions on the high points of the bottle. It is also considered a part of the finish.
The lip is the area at the top of the bottle. The top of a finish is often the area to which a cap is fitted. A cap is intended to fit snugly so that it does not leak or cause a hazardous spill. Depending on the type of container, a cap may be recessed into the bottle or it may be flat on the exterior. In some cases, the top of a cap has a recessed spot where labeling can be applied.
The shoulder is a constricted area of the bottle. The shoulder is usually below the finish. This is a good place to make a mark on the finish. This is done by putting a mark on the inner surface of the bottle, or by engraving a design on the inside of the mold. This type of marking is called embossing.
The rim is the top most part of the finish. This is the area where the bore is located. It is also a term that is frequently used to refer to the entire finish. This term is sometimes used in lieu of the term lip, and is usually more of a visual reference than a true definition.
The ring is a horizontal ridge at the base of a finish. It is a decorative feature that adds stability and evenness to the bottle. The ring is commonly seen on Champagne and Burgundy bottles. The ring is also useful for transferring a bottle from one location to another.
The neck is the part of the bottle above the shoulder. It is the section of the bottle that is most visible when it is held in a hand. It is also the part that is typically manipulated during the finishing process of a mouth blown bottle. It is also the part that is most often used for engraving designs and lettering.
The seal is a flat circular top surface. This is a critical feature because it makes direct contact with a closure. This may cause the container to leak if the cap does not fit properly. A bottle can be made to have a recessed label panel so that the edges of the labels are protected during shipping.
The neck ring parting line is a seam between the neck and the finish. This is also known as the joint-mark of the glass industry.
