The world of plastics is ever-evolving, and new, cost-effective ways to create products are being discovered. One of the most innovative and useful methods includes the development of rotational molding. This technique allows for design possibilities that don’t exist with traditional plastic molding.
The Process
In theory, rotational molding is a simple idea. However, the equipment needed to accomplish this task is incredibly complex. The products that are developed from this process are durable and have a long lifespan. It is beneficial to use this plastic developmental process because it is cost-effective, offers quality finishing, and almost negligible size limitations. In general, the molding process is as follows:
Step 1: A mold is created. This is often unique and specific to the components you need developed.
Step 2: Plastic in either powder or pellet form is added to the mold.
Step 3: The mold is placed into the rotational equipment where it spins on two axes or is spun around inside a large oven. The goal is to ensure that the plastic uniformly covers the mold.
Step 4: As the mold cools, it continues to rotate in the oven. Once it is complete, it can then be removed.
If your component has any moving parts, they will be developed in phases or by having separate pieces created to complete the entire product.
Working with Professionals
To get the products you are hoping to create with rotational molding, you will work with professional designers every step of the way. They are the ones who are responsible for developing the mold that will create your final product.
The Products
Believe it or not, but this manufacturing process can create practically any product. Some of the most popular products that were created using rotational molding include the following:
- Garbage cans
- Decorative flowerpots
- Shipping cases
- Ball carriers
- Carpet fans
- Traffic cones and barriers
- Auto parts
- Toys
- Baby cribs
- Kayaks
- Sports equipment
- Storage tanks used in commercial, industrial and agricultural industries
- Mannequins
- And others
The popularity and cost-effectiveness of rotomolding has been growing recently. In fact, many other industries and products will soon be made using this manufacturing process.
The Benefits
Not only is this process cost-effective, it also has other benefits that make it ideal for a lot of industries to utilize. Some of the benefits include the following:
- Short lead time – this means that you can get products to your customers in a timely fashion
- Durable construction – the pieces created from this process are resistant to corrosion and stress-cracking; they also have a crack- and chip-proof color
- Flexibility in design – you have the option to produce multi-wall parts or modify the wall thickness
- Higher quality products – many of which have gone through quality assurance testing
Is it Right for You?
While this manufacturing process can create some high-quality plastic components, you may be wondering if it is right for you. This service generally works best for companies that require large-scale production of plastic parts that have a uniform wall thickness. If you want products that don’t have any thinning in the extremities, then this is the right process for you. It’s also ideal for companies who are looking for an economical way to produce these components.
Rotational molding is gaining popularity, and it’s not hard to see why. This cost-effective method creates high-quality components that are durable and long-lasting.
This is mind blowing, thanks for sharing this valuable content.
I have a dream of opening an outlet specified only for rotational molding technique. I love playing with plastics to reshape it in another way that looks catchy.
It’s interesting to know that rotational molding is often used for the manufacturing of bins. I’m thinking about opening my own furniture store someday and I’d like for it to have a section for items on a budget. I can imagine that making things out of durable plastic can be good additions for that section.