Inspection Insights Blog from ALPS Leak Detection

Leak Testing Angle Neck Plastic Containers: Challenges and Solutions

Written by ALPS Expert | Apr 23, 2025 1:45:00 PM

For blow molding manufacturers, ensuring plastic containers are free from defects is critical for maintaining package integrity and brand reputation.

This is especially true for angle neck plastic containers, commonly used for household, industrial and automotive products like toilet bowl cleaners, automotive fluids, and cleaning solutions. These containers, designed for easy pouring and application in tight spaces, present unique challenges when it comes to leak testing.

To address this, see the ALPS Inspection BottleStop™ Multi-Head Leak Tester, a new, streamlined system engineered for angle neck, choked neck-prone, and large, stable containers.

Keep reading to learn more about defect challenges for angle neck containers and discover how the ALPS BottleStop delivers accurate, cost-effective testing to protect your products.

Types of Plastic Containers with Angle Necks

Angle neck containers are typically made from high-density polyethylene (HDPE) due to its durability and chemical resistance. These containers are widely used for:

The angled design allows users to dispense liquid into hard-to-reach areas, but it also complicates the inspection process due to the irregular shape and potential for choked neck defects.

Check out our leak testing fundamental guides.

Common Defects Found In Angle Neck Containers

One of the most common quality issues with angle neck containers is choked neck defects, where the neck becomes partially blocked during the blow molding process. This can lead to:

  • Incomplete Filling: Restricted flow prevents proper filling.
  • Leakage Risks: Improper sealing increases the chance of leaks.
  • Higher Production Costs: Defects lead to product waste and rework.

These defects not only compromise product performance but also pose a threat to brand reputation. Detecting a choked neck defect can be challenging, requiring the use of a fixed or sensing choked neck probe to thoroughly inspect the container's neck.

Learn more about the different types of empty plastic container defects.

Unique Leak Testing Challenges

Traditional equipment often struggles with angle neck designs due to:

  • Incompatibility: Standard probes may not seal the angled finish or opening.
  • Instability: The angled probe applies a horizontal force that must be counteracted to ensure proper sealing and prevent the container from tipping over.
  • Interference: Some container designs can make it difficult for the probe to reach the opening without proper spacing.

To overcome these obstacles, leak detection systems must combine adaptable testing probes, secure container handling, and regulated container spacing to ensure every container meets quality standards. This is where the BottleStop design steps in.

Need help identifying a plastic container defect? Our feasibility testing can help.

 

A Solution for Effective Leak Testing for Angle Neck Containers

BottleStop simplifies leak testing for angle neck, choked neck-prone, and large, stable containers with these key capabilities:

  • Precise Inspection: Adjustable angle probe assemblies ensure accurate testing.
  • Controlled Handling: Hold tooling stabilizes containers, preventing tipping or misalignment.
  • Efficiency: Capable of inspecting up to 65 containers per minute (CPM) without compromising accuracy.
  • Multiple Configurations: Available in 2-, 3-, and 4-head setups, with handling mechanisms tailored to production speed and sensitivity needs.

This streamlined multi-head system integrates with your existing conveyor or an optional ALPS-supplied conveyor. Programmable sensors track containers as they move through the gate, test stations, and reject zones, while gate cylinders manage flow and stop cylinders or hold tooling to ensure precise positioning.

Any defective angle neck containers are automatically removed by an integrated reject cylinder or an optional air jet for reliable, failsafe removal. This controlled process guarantees accurate results, minimizing waste and safeguarding your investment.

Ensure Quality and Protect Your Brand

Leak testing angle neck containers doesn’t have to be a challenge. With BottleStop, you can achieve:

  • Faster inspection speeds up to 65 CPM
  • Precise defect detection even for complex container shapes and designs
  • Cost-effective testing without sacrificing quality

BottleStop also comes with a touchscreen HMI with remote connectivity and is backed by expert service and support from our full-time service technicians and engineers.

Explore our family of empty plastic container leak testing equipment.

Why Choose ALPS Inspection?

ALPS Inspection is a trusted partner for blow molding manufacturers. Our commitment to innovation, quality control, and cost-effective solutions ensures you get the most reliable inspection technology on the market.

For more than 50 years, we've led the way in quality control for empty, rigid plastic containers. Our success comes from understanding our customers' needs and delivering tailored solutions, like streamlined systems designed to address the unique challenges of testing angle neck plastic containers.

Contact ALPS Inspection today to learn more about how BottleStop can improve quality control over your angle neck containers.