What Plastic Molded Parts Can You Make with Rotational Molding?
Rotational molding, also called rotomolding, is an unique way of making hollow plastic molded parts. Whereas other plastic molding processes require pressure to mold the plastic, with rotational molding, heat and rotation are used instead.
There are four stages to rotational molding: First, a hollow mold (also called a tool) is filled with a powder or liquid resin. This resin-filled mold is then heated in an oven to melt the resin. As it’s heated, the mold is rotated so the melted resin coats the inside of the mold. The mold is cooled to solidify the resin. Finally, the mold is opened and the finished hollow plastic molded part is unloaded from the mold.
Custom rotational molding can be used to make a wide variety of plastic molded parts. From plastic molded parts as small as a ping pong ball to those as large as 20,000 gallon plastic bulk containers. These plastic molded parts can be ask anywhere from less than a pound to over 1,000 pounds in weight and can reach lengths of 17 feet.
Rotational molded plastic parts can also be made from a variety of resin materials. They can have walls of multiple layers and have various attachments. To give you an idea of some of the plastic molded parts you could make with rotational molding, here’s a list of some of the most common:
- Bulk plastic containers
Those oft-present plastic containers in attics, garages, bedrooms and moving vans are frequently made using rotational molding techniques. Used for storing and preferred for their light-weight yet durable material, plastic bulk containers can be made in a variety of colors, sizes, and designs with rotational molding - Laundry and linen carts
You’ve probably seen a laundry cart or two at a hospital or hotel. Well, those industrial laundry carts of made through rotational molding. After the cart is built, it’s typically placed on wheels to make it mobile. - Traffic cones
We all know what a traffic cone looks like, but did you know it was most likely made through rotational molding? It’s plastic and hollow, right? If it’s made of plastic and hollow inside, there’s a good chance rotational molding was employed in its manufacture. - Toys
This is probably the first place many consumers new to rotational molding go when they think of what they can make. What hollow plastic molded parts are more common than those of an action figure or toy doll, after all? With the customization options available, rotational molding can be used to make all sorts of plastic toys. From a ball to a toy truck to a doll or even a kayak, really the only limit to the manufacturing capabilities of rotomolding is the creator’s imagination. - Kayaks and canoes
Did you catch that in the last item? Kayaks can and often are made through rotomolding. When you need a light-weight, hollow plastic item, you’re best bet is rotational molding. The kayak you rented last summer? You bet! The canoe you take camping? Absolutely? The buoy that marks the reduce-speed zone on the lake? The dock floats keeping your dock above water? Yes and yes and so much more.
Signs, planters, garbage cans, furniture, dog houses, even parts for airplanes can and frequently made through rotational molding. The reason for this is the many advantages of rotational molding.
Advantages of rotational molding
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