An Overview of Rotational Molding: Process, Benefits, Limitations and More!

One of the popular techniques of plastic molding is rotational molding, also called rotomolding. For the longest time, injection molding was used for creating most plastic parts, but when it comes to creating plastic parts that are strong, durable and meant to withstand wear and tear, rotational molding stands out. Companies like Fibertech offers a wide range of products that are designed using the process. Plastic products that are made using rotational molding include manholes, kayaks, large tanks and drums. In fact, creating hollow plastic products from resin gets easier with this technique.

How does rotational molding work?

The process of rotational molding is different than that of regular injection molding or blow molding. It starts with filling a hollow mold with plastic resin material, which has been powered. The mold is then rotated bi-axially and transferred in an oven. The process causes the resin to melt and cover the entire inner surface of the mold, thus taking the shape of the mold. The mold is then cooled, which hardens the material and final product is taken out.

Is rotational molding better than injection molding?

To be fair, both rotational molding and injection molding have their respective advantages and limitations. One shouldn’t be considered as a replacement for other. However, with rotational molding, it is easy to actually to make hollow plastic products with considerable strength. This is the precise reason why this technique is actually used for making products like manholes. On the other hand, injection molding is great for producing products in bulk, because the cycle time is lower than rotational molding. In other words, the applications are varied for both techniques, but with rotomolding, products with better strength can be designed easily.

Other aspects to understand

In case of rotational molding, high pressure is not required to create the product, so the tools or molds don’t have to be expensive. However, the cycle time can be a tad longer. You must also know that rotational molding reduces the wastage of materials, so in a way, the production costs can be curtailed. If you need products that are made with this technique, there are companies that can offer considerable help with prototyping. Check for the relevant details and find in advance about the costs involved, but getting an estimate.

Products made with rotational molding are meant to last, and that’s the biggest advantage, especially for hollow items that must be made as a single piece.