As elucidated in the source titled “Rotational molding” from Wikipedia, the world of manufacturing has witnessed a remarkable transformation with the advent of rotational molding (often referred to as rotomolding). This ingenious process involves a heated mold filled with a specific quantity of material. The magic unfolds as the mold slowly rotates around two perpendicular axes, causing the heated material to disperse and adhere to the mold’s walls, ultimately shaping a hollow part.
To ensure uniform thickness throughout the part, the mold remains in constant motion during both the heating and cooling phases, preventing any sagging or deformation. While this process was initially introduced to plastics in the 1950s, it had limited applications due to its relatively slow pace and restrictions to certain types of plastics.
However, over time, refinements in process control and advancements in plastic powders have spurred the widespread adoption of rotational molding, making it a pivotal technique in modern manufacturing. Notably, this method has evolved over centuries, from its inception in 1855 for creating artillery shells to molding hollow objects from plaster of Paris in the 1920s. It has come a long way since the early days when it was predominantly used to craft dolls’ heads and has grown to encompass the creation of a myriad of products, including road cones, marine buoys, and car armrests.
This evolution and growing prominence of rotational molding also led to the establishment of the Association of Rotational Moulders (ARM) in 1976, a global trade association aimed at promoting and advancing rotational molding technology and processes.
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Source: Photo and article with all rights reserved, courtesy of wikipedia.org
