Rotational moulding, or rotomoulding for short, is a plastics manufacturing method with many design advantages. In fact, the method has become so popular in the last decade, that it’s now one of the fastest growing sectors in the plastics industry.
“Rotomolding offers tremendous design flexibility, the ability to do short runs economically and in multiple custom colours, and it makes complicated shapes easily … the tooling costs are low, which means moulds are inexpensive … it’s ideal for low-volume production and product testing.”
– Dave Carter, President of RotoMould Inc.
Huge potential for plastic products
Rotomoulding has a long reputation as the best method for manufacturing polyethylene water tanks. However, recently, many manufacturers have started using the process to create plastic products for a wide range of other industries. From medical products to furniture, automotive and marine parts, agricultural tools, playgrounds, industrial garbage bins and more – the opportunities are endless!
Here are just a few of the design advantages of using rotomoulding for your next manufacturing project:
Greater durability
Rotomoulded products are made from one piece of hollow plastic, rather than welding or bolting together several parts. This means that your products are less likely to fall apart due to weak joints or corroded weld lines.
Consistent wall thickness
The application of molten plastic is very precise, which means you can create a consistent wall thickness around your products. This reinforces the product’s strength and hardiness, even at corners and defined angles.
Wide range of shapes
Plastic is a very versatile and flexible material. You can make virtually any type of custom shape or design with it. Additionally, the rotomoulding process allows for complex shapes that are very difficult to make with other materials.
Lighter weight
Plastic products are lighter than other materials such as metal, wood or concrete. This results in cheaper transportation costs, easier and less expensive installation because not as many people are required, and products that are easier to lift for the end user.
Lower production costs
Rotomoulding is a very cost efficient manufacturing method because the moulds are inexpensive to make and the process is highly scalable. Products are made using a single mould, which can be reused multiple times. Plastic is also a very cheap material to source.
Resistant to rust, corrosion and UV rays
One of the biggest design advantages of plastic is that it doesn’t rust or corrode like steel. Global’s products are also boosted by UV stabilisers, which help to protect them from harmful UV rays and degradation by the sun.
Variety of finishes, textures and colours
With rotomoulding, you can achieve a number of different finishing textures that add depth and dimension to your product. From smooth and shiny to rough and textured. You can also add logos and graphics and even add speckles and metallics to your poly mix.
Safer for humans
Our poly mix complies with the Australian standards AS 2070 (plastics for food contact use) and AS/NZS 4020 (products for use in contact with drinking water), which means your end users can rest assured that their loved ones are safe when they use your products.
Are you considering using rotomoulding for your next manufacturing project? If you can think it, we can usually design it! Give us a call on 1800 666 333, or send us an online enquiry today to find out how we can help you mould plastic in an imaginative way.
