2016 - Page 2 of 4 - Global Rotomoulding

Innovative Custom Rotational Moulding Designs

Plastic rotomoulding can create some truly amazing products, but if you’ve never designed in plastic it may pose a problem to your design.

This isn’t a problem for Global Rotomoulding, because here we create innovative plastic products, and to the highest possible standard. We work with our customers at any stage of the design or manufacturing process to ensure that they receive top quality service that results in a product that they are 100% satisfied with.

The following 5 stages make up a turnkey solution where we would work with your concept design all the way through to manufacturing:

Concept design

This is the part where we dream big! We work with our customers and highly-qualified engineers to generate a concept design for your product. We draw up plans and diagrams to accurately depict the structural elements and capabilities of your design. In the past, we’ve designed products that decrease weight, maximise volume and reduce product costs. We are passionate about taking products traditionally made from heavy materials such as steel, and making them better with plastic! A recent example is the Tuffmate 2000, a polyethylene box trailer.

Full product design

We then take the concept design and really nut out the nitty-gritty details. We collaborate with your engineers and offer our expert advice on plastic. We produce and test a working prototype and offer full product specifications. We are always up for a challenge and looking for new ways of using plastic and pushing the boundaries of product design – if it’s hollow, we’ll give it a crack!

Mould Manufacturing

Product consistency is important, and that’s why we work hard to create top-notch moulds. We are certified to the ISO 9001 standard to ensure your satisfaction. We make sure we spend extra time ensuring that your mould is perfect. Once you get the mould right, manufacturing with plastic becomes relatively quick and inexpensive once the mould is finalised.

High-capacity Manufacturing

We can handle just about any job size efficiently and safely. We operate from two local sites, manufacturing products from seven ovens across these. For larger jobs, we can also utilise our offshore manufacturing partners to cater to our customer’s lead times.

A plastic product equals easy transportation

Once your product is completed it’s time for transportation! Importantly, every product has been designed for efficient stacking and design for transport. Plus, because our plastic products are so light and incredibly durable, transporting your products is cheap and simple. They can be lifted by one person and require very little assembly. We strive to deliver you a product that you can simply place in it’s right place and watch it go to work!

We want to hear about your latest project! Contact us to discuss how plastic can be the right material for your design!

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How Rotational Moulding Builds Strong Plastic Products

Want to know why plastic is the perfect material for heavy duty rotationally moulded products? We take a closer look.

Here at Global Rotomoulding, we pride ourselves on our top-of-the-range moulds, innovative designs and strong plastic products. We have chosen to use polyethylene for a number of reasons. Find out why it’s ideal for mining, agriculture and transportation accessories below.

Polyethylene: the facts

Easy to mould

Polyethylene is a plastic with the ability to withstand high temperatures over a prolonged period, maintaining its stability while being moulded into the desired shape.

Consistently uniform

Its consistency means that uniform thickness is assured, an important feature of our products.

Strong and reliable

At Global Rotomoulding we use low-density polyethylene, as it’s stiff, strong and stress crack resistant. We focus across the board to make sure our strong plastic products can handle the requirements of any agricultural or industrial job.

Food Grade

Our products have a wide variety of uses. Our transportable tanks, in particular, can store anything from grain to diesel. We make sure that our plastic is food grade and can hygienically store feed for your cattle while also maintaining hazardous chemicals. All of our tanks are even colour coded according to appropriate usage.

UV resistant

Our products are produced with longevity and durability in mind. This is why all of our plastics are UV resistant and made to withstand the Australian summer outdoors.

Rust and corrosion resistant

One of the main advantages of utilising plastic over steel is that all of our products are still sturdy, but will not rust. Plastic is better suited to survive the harsh Australian climate and weather.

Light

Because our plastic is low-density, it is also light. This is especially convenient in our range of rural vehicle accessories as it means the majority of the weight in the ute bed can be used for tools rather than the actual toolbox.

Weighted

Because our products are lightweight, we build in features that allow them to be weighed down when needed. As such, products like our ballast trough can be moved around a paddock easily, but weighed down once situated to stop weather and cattle from pushing it over.

Double Walled

Weighing our products is achieved through their double-wall mould. The inner and outer skin in the ballast trough can be filled with water to stabilise it. The double walling also provides increased durability by placing less pressure on particular points, minimising cracking.

Sound like plastic rotomoulding is the perfect solution for your needs? Contact Global now to discuss innovative ideas, existing products and how we can help you get the most out of your equipment!

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Case Study: TuffMate2000 Trailer

On land and on sea, in the air and in space — plastics are taking over the transportation industry!

We take a look at the development process of one of our most innovative plastic products, the TuffMate2000 Trailer, and discuss some of the benefits of using polyethylene on the road.

The Product Brief

The TuffMate2000 was a revolutionary product from the very beginning. Designed in collaboration with the team at Trailers 2000, the brief was to construct a poly trailer that provided all the benefits of a steel trailer, plus more!

It had to be attractive, rust-resistant, and strong enough to carry a heavy load without buckling. The mounting system also had to allow for a growing and shrinking process because plastic tends to fluctuate in size. Particularly, if it’s left out in the sun for too long.

An early prototype of the Trailer in our workshop.

Testing the double-skinned walls for strength.

A new vision for transportation

Before the introduction of plastic trailers, most trailers were manufactured from steel. This was a major problem for two reasons:

Steel trailers rust and corrode
Heavy trailers are not economical or safe to tow

For many years, people have worried about leaving their trailers outside in the rain, salt air, and harsh Australian sun for fear of holes, rust spots, and corroded parts. There’s nothing worse than running outside in a wild storm to put a tarp on your trailer because you’re worried about corrosion, am I right?

Discussing the benefits of the Trailer with our friends.

Working on the trailer body in our workshop.

Plastic so tough you can smash it with a hammer

The first issue we hoped to resolve by designing a trailer with rotationally moulded plastic was strengthening the structure. We used high impact resistant, UV stabilised plastic that won’t rust, dent, or fade. At first, we went with a single-skin design, but it started to buckle when exposed to heat. So, we incorporated a double-skinned design that’s so strong you can strike it with a sledgehammer and see almost no effect.

Don’t believe me? Just check out this video!

A longer lifespan with no repairs needed

The Tuffmate2000 was designed to outlast every other trailer on the market. You can leave it in your backyard all year round and not have to worry about keeping it out of the rain or the salt air.

We used plastic that is impervious to almost every chemical, so you won’t need to be concerned about cleaning materials or maintenance. And, we’re proud to say that all of our plastic products are 100% recyclable and eco-friendly!

Are you interested in designing custom rotationally moulded products? Call us on 1800 666 333, or send us an online enquiry today to find out how we can help you!

Bunded Diesel Tanks: As Used In Mining

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It’s no secret that mines are some of the most dangerous places on earth to work. The combination of heavy machinery, low visibility, dynamite, and flammable liquids can be deadly if safety precautions are not implemented correctly.

Bunded tanks are one way to store and move diesel safely, provided they are made tough. So read on to see our top tips for safely storing diesel in bunded polyethylene tanks, and how this technology is now being used across many more industries, such as agriculture and chemical waste.

Diesel use in mining operations

Diesel is a significant energy source for the mining industry. It’s used in trucks for transporting overburden and ore from the pit to the dump site, stockpile, or next stage in the mining process. Most excavators, loaders, and diggers also require diesel to move soil, earth, and rocks from the ground to the truck.

Now, I don’t know about you, but mining trucks are unlike anything else I’ve ever seen. Their size and scale are just unbelievable. To protect the workers who use these behemoth machines, it’s paramount that flammable liquids – like diesel – are safely stored in bunded tanks.

What is a bunded tank?

A bunded tank is essentially a tank within a tank. The ‘bund’, or double wall, is designed to act as a second safety guard against spillages and leaks. Leaks in your diesel tank can not only cost you thousands of dollars in lost fuel, but they could also mean hefty cleanup bills under environmental legislation. In Australia, complying with environmental standards means ensuring that your fuel is bunded and safely transported.

Some of the benefits of plastic bunded tanks include:

Lightweight and easy to transport
Corrosion and rust-resistant
Solid one-piece construction means no weak weld lines or joints
Can withstand a broad range of hazardous waste and chemicals
Uniform wall thickness means your tank is strong and sturdy
UV stabilised for protection from the sun

The rise of bunded tanks in other industries

After the great success of plastic bunded tanks in the mining industry, other industries have been adopting a similar approach. At Global Rotomoulding, we manufacture bunded diesel tanks for utes and agricultural vehicles, as well as bunded tanks for the industrial industry that are designed to store chemical waste. You can never be too safe when it comes to diesel transportation, and that’s why we always recommend using the very best in technology — no matter where you are, mine or farm!

Are you interested in using bunded diesel tanks on your agricultural property or in your industrial space? Call us on 1800 666 333 or send us an online enquiry today to find out how we can help you!

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Plastic in Mining: a Safer Alternative

Mining equipment operates in some of the harshest environments imaginable.

Think hot, remote, and dusty. Underground, there is often poor visibility, no cellular reception, and a continual threat of collapse. Some mining workers even labour up to six Empire State Buildings deep, so safety is of course paramount!

In this article, we take a look at the safety benefits of using rotational moulded plastic products in the mining industry.

1. Lightweight and easy to transport

As rotational moulding has developed, the mining industry has become more and more reliant on plastic. You no longer need to be a big, strong miner anymore, because plastic products are easy to lift and transport.

Of course, heavy equipment like drills and digging machinery will always be manufactured with metal out of necessity. But other products, like safety guards, mixing tanks and pipes, can all now be converted to plastic.

One excellent example of a metal to plastic conversion in the mining industry is our Ludowici Safety Guard. Previously fabricated from steel, these guards used to require up to four people to safely move them. Now, you only need one!

2. Corrosion and rust-resistant

Reliability is crucial when it comes to product supply in the mining industry. To keep everyone safe, the equipment cannot falter or deteriorate. It must be able to endure years of tough abrasive work. Otherwise, lives are put at risk.

As a result, one of the biggest advantages of using plastic products in the mining industry is that they are rust and corrosion resistant. At Global Tanks, our plastic products are made from UV stabilised polyethylene, which means that they are protected from long-term degradation by the sun. They’re also durable, long-lasting, and can withstand a broad range of hazardous waste and chemicals.

3. No weak joints and fewer leaks

Rotationally moulded plastic products are also less likely to fall apart due to weak joints or corroded weld lines. This is because they are produced in one solid piece, rather than welding or bolting together various components.

Rotational moulding is also fantastic for plastic products like pipes, which supply cool water to large mining machinery, because they have fewer joints to leak from. The precise application of molten plastic also means that you can create a uniform wall thickness, even at corners and defined angles. So every aspect of your mining equipment is robust and sturdy!

Are you interested in designing rotational moulded plastic products for the mining industry? Looking for rural vehicle accessories, water tanks, or agricultural products? Call us on 1800 666 333, or send us an online enquiry today to find out how we can help you!

Super Strong Cartage Tanks: Globals ‘BIGFOOT’ Range

Have a heavy duty job to do? You’ll need a heavy duty cartage tank. Global Tanks have you covered with their Bigfoot range holding 2000-15000L.

New Features

The defining feature of these tanks are their separate high-strength feet with dual-skin moulding. More weight needs more support, and we have catered for this with our moulded in hold down anchor points.

But wait, the feet get even better.

Additional Features

We’ve included an optional water holding tank in the foot for extra space and we think it’s pretty neat.

The separately moulded feet also allow for greater curvature of the tank, which improves tank drainage.

Traditional Components

Our Bigfoot tanks maintain some of the most important features of our traditional tanks; UV stabilised and made from 100% recyclable food grade plastic with a smooth internal surface to improve cleaning and drainage.

Optional Extras

All of our tanks come with the option to mould in a sump to assist with cleaning and mounting kit are available for efficient assembling.

Variety of Uses

Our Bigfoot tanks are available as Diesel, Water, Fertigation & Molasses Tanks. These are colour-coded accordingly in a selection of no-nonsense and down to business colours. These tanks are also suitable for holding a wide range of chemicals. Please see here for a full list.

Safety precautions – we’ve got you covered

Because Bigfoot tanks are made to carry heavy weight substances we recommend using our Baffle Bones during transportation in order to minimise liquid movement when braking and turning.

Bigfoot tanks are large, sturdy and truly one of a kind. They are smooth, simple to use, easy to clean and readily available to you!

Bunded Plastic Troughs: Movable by a Single Person

If you need to store large quantities of molasses or water to feed your livestock, then one of the easiest and safest ways to do it would be to use a bunded ballast trough.

Now, I know what you’re thinking, what on earth is a ‘bunded’ ballast trough? Isn’t bunding only used in tanks that hold fuel and other toxic substances?

Well, hold onto your horse reins farmers, because you’re about to save a lot of time, money, and hassle!

What is a bunded trough?

A ‘bunded’ trough can best be described as a trough within a trough. The outer trough is filled with water to prevent the feeder from being moved or tipped over, and the inner trough is used to feed your livestock.

The benefits of a bunded trough:

Heavy water weight helps the trough to stay in place, even after all the feed has been consumed
Won’t be knocked over by excited animals or wind, causing unnecessary wastage and spillage
No ribs inside the trough for easier cleaning
Rugged rim and double wall provide strength and durability
Smooth surface and food grade plastic for animals
UV stabilised for Australian conditions

Lightweight Plastic Design

Unlike other heavy steel or metal feeding troughs, our plastic troughs are lightweight and easy to transport/install. In fact, they’re so lightweight that one person could move them on their own! Plastic is also infinitely better because it’s rust and corrosion resistant, which means that your troughs will have a longer lifespan and a lower risk of leakage.

Troughs that re-fill themselves

One of the best things about Global’s Ballast Troughs is that they’re designed to refill themselves once the trough is running empty. We’ve installed a protected float valve that closes the water off once it reaches a preset level, and opens the valve again when the float falls below another level. So, all you need to do is connect it to a local water supply.

In other words, you can get back to doing what you do best and leave your troughs on auto-pilot.

Cut back on the fuel costs of driving to your fields multiple times a day to refill your troughs
Enjoy greater productivity and efficiency with the time you have saved
No more worrying about dehydrated animals
Limit the evaporation effects of the harsh Australian sun
You don’t need to pay for extra staff – one person can do everything!

Find the size that best suits your needs

At Global Tanks, we make bunded troughs that are ideal for both small hobby farmers and large acre farmers. Our 830 Litre Ballast Troughs can feed large numbers of horses, cattle and sheep, while our smaller troughs, like the 450 Litre Trough and the 530 Litre Trough, would be perfect for smaller numbers.

Are you interested in using bunded ballast troughs on your farm? Call us on 1800 666 333, or send us an online enquiry today to find out how we can help you!

How To Keep Your Workplace Safe

When people interact with machinery accidents can happen. That’s why workplace safety should be top of the list of priorities for manufacturing businesses. If not, then serious injury or even death can occur.

Global Rotomoulding takes safety very serious. We take a look at some safety tips that can, and should be, enforced by manufacturing facilities.

1. Worker conditions

Basic safety rules for workers in a manufacturing environment ensures that they are protected on the job. These usually include rules about drug and alcohol use while at work and not wearing loose clothing, jewellery or hair which may get caught in machinery.

Appropriate safety gear and clothing should be worn at all times, such as steel capped boots, gloves, ear muffs, safety glasses etc. If a worker doesn’t abide by these rules then consequences should also be in place, such as a warning followed by termination of employment.

2. Worker Actions

Manufacturing businesses also need to enforce safety rules for when workers are carrying out their jobs.

This can include: operating machinery in a correct manner, i.e using both hands on a tool, and not bypassing safety switches and leaving safety guards and guides in place. They can also cover worker behaviour such as not acting in a manner as to endanger themselves and others.

3. Organised Workplace

How the workplace is organised in general is a determinant of worker safety. It should be clean and free of clutter, with tools housed in their correct locations and not lying around where they can injure people.

Any tools that require maintenance or replacing should be reported to a safety officer. The workplace should also be well-ventilated, well-lit and at an appropriate temperature for working in.

4. Emergency Situations

There needs to be a plan for dangerous or emergency situations which can occur in a manufacturing environment.

A clear set of procedures should be made available to workers so they know what to do, for example, in the case of a severe storm where should they shelter? All emergency exits should be kept clear with fire extinguishers and first aid kits placed in accessible locations. It’s a good idea to allocate a person responsible for first aid who has received the necessary training.

In general, workplace safety can be broken down into three factors: elimination of possible hazards, policies that protect workers and workers that follow the policies. If these three things are in place then the risk of worker injury is greatly reduced.

Global Rotomoulding is a manufacturer of plastic tanks, and also produces world-class custom rotational moulded products.

Case Study: Ludowici Safety Guard

As the advantages of rotational moulding become more widely known, more product designers and developers are jumping at the chance to boost safety, efficiency, and productivity in the mining industry. One such product that we designed is the Ludowici Safety Guard.

Used by mining companies all over the world, this bright yellow shield helps to keep mining workers out of harm’s way. The guard operates in a harsh environment and is fixed to a machine that continuously and violently vibrates at a high frequency. Our job? To design a product that is virtually indestructible.

The product brief

The Ludowici Safety Guard needed to be the ‘Iron Man’ of all products — strong, yet light enough to be carried by one person, unshakeable in structure, and able to withstand all sorts of shaking, trembling, and powerful vibrational movements.

The guard functions as a protective cover over a series of large rotating masses that need regular maintenance, so it also needed to be manufactured in two halves that could join together with precision and accuracy using a ‘tongue-in-groove’ arrangement.

An innovative solution to a dangerous problem

Before the introduction of plastic safety guards, the mining industry exclusively used heavy fabricated steel guards that often required up to four people to safely remove. They were expensive to manufacture and vulnerable to rust and corrosion.

The first issue we hoped to resolve by designing a rotationally moulded safety guard was the weight. We reduced the need for additional components by including as many as possible within the moulding itself. For example, we ditched the old screw on handles, which were heavy and rattled whenever the guard was in use, and designed new handles that were incorporated in the primary mould.

Product development and testing

Prototyping and testing were a crucial part of the Ludowici manufacturing process because we needed to be sure that our design would hold up under pressure and work as it was supposed to. We rigorously tested the safety guard against numerous performance criteria and refined our design to meet the high-stress requirements of the mining industry. As we had hoped, it passed with flying colours!

With smart design and a substantial weight reduction compared to the original steel guards, the Ludowici was hailed a success. Today, it demonstrates the true value of rotational moulding and proves that good design can transform any average product into something amazing!

Are you interested in designing rotational moulded plastic products? Looking for rural vehicle accessories, water tanks, or agricultural products? Call us on 1800 666 333, or send us an online enquiry today to find out how we can help you!

Why Rotational Moulding Is Perfect for Agricultural Products

New Agricultural Products: Why Rotational Moulding Is Perfect | Global Tanks | Brisbane

Global Rotomoulding specialises in the custom design and rotational moulding of plastic agricultural products, from livestock feeders to mixing tanks, pontoons, aquaculture tanks, and more.

Our primary goal is to provide Aussie farmers with improved systems and high-quality products that will simplify and increase efficiency.

If you’re business needs custom design and production of a plastic product, you should get in touch. We have designed many high-quality custom products such as the Quantum Mist Fan Cowl and the Vinidex AquaPRO system.

Here are just some of the other awesome products we have custom designed ourselves here at Global:

Troughs and Feeders

We have a wide range of troughs and feeders that are purpose built to withstand the tough Australian conditions. From a 200 litre linear trough to a 2000 litre round trough, we design custom rotational moulded products that will suit practically any livestock feeding needs.

Some of the advantages of our custom-designed troughs and feeders include:

Great for watering large numbers of horse, cattle, and sheep.
UV stabilised for the hot Australian climate.
Suitable for water, grains, drylick, or molasses.
BPA-free and food-grade safe.
Ideal for small hobby farmers or large acre farmers.
Easy to clean and maintain.

AquaCulture Tanks

Whether enduring the hot Australian sun or the harsh salty air, Global’s Aquaculture tanks are built to last. Our rotational moulded plastic is certified for both food and drinking water containment and does not support the growth of mould or harmful bacteria. We manufacture tanks ranging between 2000 litres and 5000 litres.

Some of the advantages of our rotomoulded aquaculture tanks include:

Rust and corrosion resistant.
Smooth finish protects your fish from rubbing up against a rough surface.
Solid one piece construction – no water leaks.
Suitable for fish, chemicals, algae growth, and fertigation.
Center drain for easy cleaning and maintenance.
BPA-free and food-grade safe.

Mixing Tanks

Global’s mixing tanks are custom designed to provide you with a swift, hassle-free mixing process. Whether you’re mixing feed for your animals or fertilizer for your plants, our mixing tanks are capable of blending and dissolving all sorts of liquids and dry products to meet your individual specifications.

Some of the advantages of our custom rotational moulded mixing tanks include:

BPA-free and food-grade safe.
Can withstand most acids, chemicals, seawater, and alkalis.
UV stabilized for Australian conditions.
Durable and long lasting hinged lid.
Easy to clean and maintain.

Grain Auger Hopper

Global manufactures a wide range of rural vehicle accessories, like our grain auger hopper, that are rotational moulded and custom designed for efficiency and speed. With a focus on gentle handling at high capacity, our grain auger hopper was designed to minimise impact and damage to your grain and pulses.

Some of the advantages of our custom grain auger hoppers include:

Lightweight and portable.
Quick and efficient grain movement.
UV stabilized for Australian conditions.
Solid one piece construction with no weak joints or weld lines.
Wide support base and low profile.
BPA-free and food-grade safe.
Smart and easy discharge mechanism.

Pontoons

Whether you’re looking for a center pontoon, a nose pontoon, or a pipe float, Global’s lightweight range of rotationally moulded pontoons won’t disappoint. They are a cost-effective alternative to traditional steel pontoon floats, and can be used for a wide array of applications.

Some of the advantages of our custom rotational moulded pontoons include:

Suitable for dams, rivers, and lakes
UV stabilized for Australian conditions
Won’t rust or corrode in saltwater
Lightweight and durable
Easy transportation and handling
Buoyant and unsinkable

Are you interested designing custom rotational plastic products? Looking for rural vehicle accessories, water tanks or agricultural products? Call us on 1800 666 333, or send us an online enquiry today to find out how we can help you!