Method for producing a hot fillable, collapse resistant polyester container without the need to utilize set process techniques and/or non-conventional container geometries

A method of forming a thermal collapse-resistant highly oriented polyester container for use in hot fill applications, said method comprising the steps of:

• (a) providing a polyester preform, reheating the preform, placing the preform in a blow mold cavity and distending the preform to match the blow mold cavity to form an intermediate article including a container having an oriented end unit receiving finish of a diameter materially greater than the diameter of the preform;
• (b) characterized in that in providing the preform the composition of the polyester, the draw ratio during distending of the preform and reheat conditions are all controlled in the absence of heat setting to provide the container with a sidewall and finish density in the range of 1.350 to substantially but less than 1.370 grams/cubic centimeter, which density corresponds to 14% to 28% crystallinity, the draw ratio being in the range of 8-10 to 1;
• and
• (c) removing the intermediate article from the mold and separating the container from the remainder of the intermediate article with the container having a shrinkage of no greater than 5% at a 190.degree. F. fill temperature.