RotationalMolding.tv is an internet resource for education about the Rotational Molding process. Here we will explore the applications, advantages and methods of manufacturing products that are Rotationally Molded. Rotational Molding is a developing process that continues to defy perceived limitations. Here we will explore and document these advancements to nurture the growth of this industry.
Reasons for Rotational Molding
- Superior strength and durability
- Ability to control wall thickness
- Less material wasted than in other manufacturing methods
- Ability to mold in reinforcement, threaded inserts or other pre-fabricated parts.
- This process lends itself to complex shapes reducing the need for a multi-piece part
- Produces corrosion, water and chemical resistant parts
- Shorter production time that other molding processes and easier to modify parts
- Ability to produce smaller runs
- Inexpensive tooling costs, in comparison to other plastic processes
Rotational molding process
The Rotational Molding process is one that utilizes heat transfer and a mold to produce hollw parts out of various polymer materials. A heated hollow mold is filled with a charge or shot weight of material, it is then slowly rotated (usually around two perpendicular axes) causing the softened material to disperse and stick to the walls of the mold. In order to maintain even thickness throughout the part, the mold continues to rotate at all times during the heating phase and to avoid sagging or deformation also during the cooling phase. The process was applied to plastics in the 1940s but in the early years was little used because it was a slow process restricted to a small number of plastics. Over the past two decades, improvements in process control and developments with plastic powders have resulted in a significant increase in usage.
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