Process for forming multilayer containers

A process for fabricating a container having a bottom wall, a top edge, and a sidewall between the bottom wall and top edge, comprising the steps of:

• providing a first molten polymeric material and a second molten polymeric material;
• and
• directing the first and second molten polymeric materials through a nozzle section into a mold cavity that comprises a region for integrally forming the bottom wall of the container,
• wherein the first and second molten polymeric materials co-flow in the mold cavity for at least a portion of the fabrication process,
• wherein, during the co-flow, the nozzle section directs the first and second molten polymeric materials into the mold cavity as annular inner and outer skin layers of the first molten polymeric material with an annular core layer of the second molten polymeric material between the inner and outer skin layers, and
• wherein a cold sprue is located between the nozzle section and the mold cavity, such that the polymeric materials pass through the cold sprue before flowing into the mold cavity and the polymeric materials are removed from the cold sprue after the co-flow portion of the fabrication process.

A process for fabricating a container having a bottom wall, a top edge, and a sidewall between the bottom wall and top edge, comprising the steps of:

• providing a first molten polymeric material, a second molten polymeric material, and a third molten polymeric material, the first and second polymeric materials being non-compatible, and the second and third polymeric materials being non-compatible;
• and
• directing the first and second and third molten polymeric materials through a nozzle section, a cold sprue and into a mold cavity that comprises a region for integrally forming the bottom wall of the container, wherein the first and second and third molten polymeric materials co-flow in the mold cavity for at least a portion of the fabrication process,
• wherein, during the co-flow, the nozzle section directs the first and second and third molten polymeric materials into the mold cavity as, respectively, an inner skin layer, a core layer, and an outer skin layer, with the core layer located between the inner and outer skin layers
• degating the cold sprue from the container or the mold cavity.