|
The rotational molding process starts with a
mold that is placed in a molding machine that
has a loading, heating, and cooling area.
Pre-measured plastic resin is loaded into each
mold, and then the molds go into the oven, where
they are slowly rotated on both the vertical and
horizontal axis. The melting resin sticks to the
hot mold and coats every surface evenly. The
mold continues to rotate during the cooling
cycle, ensuring an even-wall thickness.
Once the parts are cooled, they are released
from the mold. The rotational speed, heating,
and cooling times are all controlled throughout
the molding process.
the Association of Rotational Molders
International, says that rotational molding
offers design advantages over other molding
processes because parts that are assembled from
several pieces can be molded as one part,
eliminating expensive fabrication costs. There
is consistent wall thickness and strong outside
corners that are virtually stress free, and if
additional strength is required, reinforcing
ribs can be designed into the part.
Additives to help make the part weather
resistant, flame retardant, or static free can
be specified. colors
added to the mixture are even
through OUT the material so scratches do not
turn white AS WHAT HAPPENS WITH MOST OTHER
PRODUCTS THAT HAVE A FINISH ON THEM. Inserts,
threads, handles, minor undercuts, flat surfaces
that eliminate draft angles, or fine surface
detail can all be part of the design. Designers
also have the option of multi-wall molding that
can be either hollow or foam-filled.
Compared to injection and blow molding,
rotational molding can easily produce large and
small parts in a cost-effective manner. Tooling
is less expensive because there's no internal
core to manufacture, which also means minor
changes can easily be made to an existing mold.
And because parts are formed with heat and
rotation, rather than pressure, molds don't need
to be engineered to withstand the high pressure
of injection molding.
CONCLUSION: THE CUSTOMER
GETS A BETTER LONGER LIFE, MORE MAINTENCE FREE
PRODUCT AT ABOUT 1/3 THE COST OF PRODUCTS DONE
BY OLDER PROCESSES.
|