What are the advantages of rotational molding? Some part designers and engineers talk about tooling and materials. Others mention rotomolding’s design and manufacturing flexibility. All of these answers are correct, but why choose rotational molding for your next plastics project? Here are ten advantages of rotational molding that every part designer and engineer should know.
1. Cheaper Tooling
Because the operating pressures are relatively low, the molds that are used in rotational molding can be made from less expensive materials. There’s no need for secondary tooling either.
2. Faster Tooling
Rotomolding supports the use of cast aluminum molds that are easier to produce than the tooling that’s used in injection molding and other plastics manufacturing processes.
3. Material Selection
The advantages of rotational molding include support for a wide range of polymers. Depending on the plastic that’s used, rotomolded products can be either more rigid or more flexible.
4. Part Sizes
Rotomolding supports the production of plastic parts and products in a wide range of sizes. From small plastic floats to large plastic tanks that hold thousands of gallons, rotomolding provides greater flexibility.
5. Part Shapes
The advantages of rotational molding include support for complex shapes. By contrast, plastics molding processes like blow molding are relatively rigid and provide fewer design options.
6. Colors
Rotomolding supports the production of plastic parts in a variety of colors. With high-intensity blending, it’s easy to change colors. For longer runs, part designers and engineers can choose compounded materials that are already colored.
7. Textures
During the rotomolding process, decorative effects such as textured or engraved surfaces can be molded directly into the plastic part. This eliminates secondary processing, which saves you time and money.
8. Mold-In Graphics
Rotomolded parts can feature Mold In Graphics, a permanent way to provide parts marking or decoration. Mold In Graphics are a reliable alternative to traditional stickers, which may not adhere well to plastics.
9. Foam Filling
Rotomolded parts can be filled polyurethane foam for additional rigidity and for thermal insulation (such as with coolers).
10. Uniform Walls
The advantages of rotational molding also include support for uniform walls without thinning in the extremities – a problem that’s common to many other plastics manufacturing processes.
Achieve the Advantages of Rotational Molding
Would you like to learn more about the advantages of rotational molding for your next plastics project? Gregstrom Corporation of Woburn, Massachusetts (USA) is a rotational molding company that also offers value-added services such as design assistance and quality assurance. To request a quote or for more information, contact us.