Do you need custom plastic rotational molding for your product needs? Or, are you interested in knowing more about what types of products can be made with custom plastic rotational molding?
Here are just a few products that can be made with plastic as opposed to metal:
- Custom plastic containers
- Custom recycling bins
- Custom roto molded parts
- Plastic lockers
- Plastic pallets
- Recycling carts
Molding Machines
Since you’re interested in knowing more about the molding machines and process, there are two common types of machines:
- Independent arm
- Fixed-arm turret
There are usually three-to-four arms on the fixed-arm turret machines. These arms index simultaneously to provide precise motion.
The Molding Process
Heating is provided during this process by one of three methods:
- Convection
- Conduction
- Radiation
Radiation is not used as often as a heating source.
The temperature used to heat the polymers during this process will vary. This is because the amount of heat needed will depend on the type of polymer used. In general, the ovens are preheated to temperatures ranging from 500-to-700 Fahrenheit.
The actual speed of rotation is slow, and it’s important to note that this is not a centrifugal process. There are generally less than 20 rotations per minute. Timing is essential during this portion of the rotational molding process.
Materials Used
Recent reports indicate that 80%-to-90% of the material used in plastic molding industry is polyethylene. There are three types of polyethylene used within this process:
- High-density polyethylene
- Low-density polyethylene
- Linear low-density polyethylene
The type of polyethylene used will depend, of course, on what type of product is being fabricated.
The Benefits of Rotational Molding
While there are several benefits to using rotational molding for your product needs, they include the following:
- More economic tooling costs
- Seamless pieces
- Stress-free parts
An interesting side note is that the association of Rotational Molders was formed in Chicago during 1976. This is a worldwide trade association that represents companies in 58 different countries.
You may be interested in using custom plastic rotational molding if you are currently in the design phase of a new product and require custom molding and manufacturing. You may also be interested in having special parts fabricated for your existing product lines.
Since you prefer and/or are exploring having your products made out of plastic rather than metal, you may also be considering other plastic product development as well.