The function of a vacuum flask is to insulate its
content. It maintains the temperature higher or lower than the surrounding
temperature. This keeps the content hot or cold for extended duration.
It works by eliminating air from the chamber between the
two flasks. The vacuum flask consists of two flasks placed within the other
joined at the neck. This is achieved because a layer of vacuum space is
created.
It is used to keep hot coffee or cold water, food or
beverages. The product has good economic value and attracts premium prices. Although
there are many types the market is not saturated.
Therefore investors interested in the business can carve
a niche through design quality and branding. To start the business you need to
learn the manufacturing process. Then purchase appropriate equipment and raw
materials.
Try to focus on one type of thermos and work on quality.
You need startup funding, good location and an effective marketing strategy. You
can supply you local demography or look at export opportunities.
A
Brief History
The insulated bottle was originally designed by Sir James
Dewar in 1892 as a result of research in cryogenics. He evacuated the air
between two flasks through a vacuum system to create the product.
Common uses of the bottle are for household use and scientific
chemical experiments. Later development of the product includes the
introduction of aluminum and glass.
By 1904 commercial glass blowers Albert Ashenbrenner and
Reinhold Burger designed and patented the thermos. They later sold the design
to the thermos company who expanded the size, shape and product rage. The
thermos design was significantly refined by Gustav Robert a Viennese inventor.
Types
of Thermos Flask
They generally work the same but come in different
designs. The different types can be based on materials used in the
construction. Common types include all-steel vacuum bottles, stainless steel
and ceramic thermal tumbler, glass.
Business
Plan
The first step is to write a comprehensive thermos flask
making business plan. Then carry out a feasibility study and product sampling.
You need appropriate funding, good design and quality equipment. Try to study
your competitions prices, products and marketing strategy.
Learn
the Trade
It is important you learn the manufacturing process. You
can hire an expert in the business. Other ways are through industrial training
or apprentice programs. Learn through trade workshops, seminars or tutorials.
Raw
Materials
The raw material depends on the type of thermos you want
to make. To manufacture the product you need stainless steel, plastic resin.
Others include soda-lime silicate glass, an aldehyde solution, silver ammonia
complex solution and liquid foam.
- stainless steel
- plastic resin
- soda-lime silicate glass
- aldehyde solution
- silver ammonia complex solution
- liquid foam
- borosilicate glass
- metal
Licensing
Register a business name and incorporate a company. Your
company could be an enterprise or LLC. Go to the corporate affair commission of
your country for details. You also need tax identification number TIN,
liability insurance cover.
Your products should pass the basic quality assessment
and standardization of such products. Other requirements include environmental
issues, proper waste disposal system and safety of employees.
Labor
Make sure your company hires experience machine operators
and administrative staff. You need direct labor for packaging, location drivers
and sales representatives. You need a marketing department and quality control
department.
Location
The location could be close to the source of raw
materials or market. Make sure the factory has basic utilities, good road
network and easy accessibility. The factory should accommodate equipment,
storage and loading area.
Manufacturing
Process of Thermos Bottle
The vacuum flask consists of two vessels placed one
within the other. Air is evacuated between the spaces to create a partial
vacuum to reduce convection or conduction.
There are a couple of steps you need to make thermos
bottle. The manufacturing process depends on the type of flask. The stages are
the perform preparation, system of billet. Then the introduction of a complex
solution poured into the bottle ballet inner layer and finally the vacuum
system.
To make plastic vacuum flasks small pellets of plastic
resin is blow molded into desired shape. A stainless steel sheet is shaped for
the outer covering. The formed outer cap
is fitted with inner layer and glass filter placed inside the outer cup.
Insulation is added and liquid foam is sprayed between
the cup spaces and allowed to harden. To manufacture a hot insulated bottle
instead on liquid foam, air is sucked out of the cup space with a powerful
vacuum machine.
The steel bottle is coated, bottle stamped or logo added.
Blow molding is used to make the top and a stopper is introduced. The final
product goes through a series of quality assessment and standardization tests.
Manufacturing
Process
1. Perform preparation
2. System of billet
3. Introduction of a complex solution
4. Vacuum system
Quality
Control and Safety
Insulated bottles go through strict control measures. The
heat or cold retention are tested, viscosity or discolorations. The vessel should be fitted with metal base
for safe handling or prevention from physical damage. Rapid vessel temperature
changes can lead to implosion or unexpected shattering.
Marketing
To get your product noticed you need an effective
marketing strategy. You need
wholesalers, retailers and export market. Use electronic and print media,
proper pricing and attractive packaging. Leverage on marketing professional’s to
introduce your brand to the general public.
