As elucidated in the article “Rotational Molding – Working Principle, Application, Advantages,” rotational molding stands as a remarkable high-temperature, low-pressure plastic forming process. At its core, this technique involves introducing plastic powder into a closed split mold, setting it into a biaxial rotation to create a hollow component.
Working Principle: The process commences with the insertion of plastic powder into the mold. Subsequently, the mold is heated in an oven and rotated biaxially until the powder reaches its melting point. This molten powder adheres to the mold wall, forming a thin layer. Once the process is complete, the mold is opened, and the finished part is removed.
Maintaining precise control throughout the process is critical. Variations in mold rotation speed and heating time can influence the quality of the final product. Care must be taken to avoid overheating, which can lead to powder degradation, or underheating, resulting in the formation of undesirable bubbles.
Cooling plays a pivotal role as well. The formed part must cool gradually to minimize shrinkage and ensure easy removal. Striking the right balance in cooling rate is essential to prevent warping and maintain the part’s integrity.
Additionally, the use of mold release agents expedites part removal and enhances the quality of the finished product. These agents come in three varieties: sacrificial coating (silicones), semi-permanent coating (polysiloxane), and permanent coating (polytetrafluoroethylene).
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