Technology
Rotational Moulding
The process of plastic rotational moulding, as distinct from injection and extrusion moulding, makes possible the economical manufacture of a limitless range of parts and products in all sorts of complex shapes and sizes, some of which are impossible to produce by any other moulding method. Unlike most other plastic processes, no pressure is involved in rotational moulding which contributes to the STRESS-FREE nature of the final product.
The process itself is relatively young, being perfected only during the last thirty years. During this time, developments in computer controlled operating environments and an increasing range of available complex resins (the raw material) has enabled the production of plastics that are flexible or rigid, giving the manufacturer a vast range of product opportunity.
In addition to major cost advantages, rotational moulding offers flexibility in design, lightweight alternatives to metal, excellent load bearing properties, resistance to stress cracking and corrosion, uniform wall thickness to extremities, and a choice of colours and finishes.
The moulding process has four-stages which involves loading the resin or "charging" the mould, heating and fusion of the raw material within the oven whilst being rotated on two axis, the cooling and mould release process, and finally de-moulding. Resin type and mixture, temperature, time and cooling are all critical applications of the design technology.
