Frequently Asked Questions

What do you need from me to recommend the best style and size of machine for my needs?

We need to know:

• The basic shape of your product (rectangle, square, cyclinder).
• The dimensions of what you want to mold (length x width x height).
• The approximate quantity of each that you want to mold per month.
• The quantity of hours you want to work per day and how many days per month.

What other equipment do I need to start producing?

You will typically need a fork lift, operators, resin, secondary finishing equipment such as router, and, of course, a building.

What's the difference between an Independent-Arm and a Fixed-Arm Turret machine?

With fixed-arm turret machines, 3- or 4-arm, all the arms index simultaneously. This means heating, cooling, and servicing operations need to be accomplished within same time allotment. The independent-arm machine, with 5 stations, allows one arm to index while the other arms may remain stationary, providing more process flexibility.

What types of molds are used for rotational molding?

The most common types of molds are cast aluminum, fabricated aluminum, fabricated steel, and stainless steel. Other types are available, such as machined and electro-formed.

What types of material are commonly used for rotational molding?

Polyethylene (LPDE, LLPDE, MDPE,HDPE, XLPE), PVC, EVA, Fluoropolymers, Polypropylene, Nylon, and Polycarbonate.

Are there any independent consultants to discuss our needs regarding rotational molding?

Yes. There are some highly regarded and very knowledgeable independent consultants that serve the worldwide rotational molding community.

Are molds under high pressure? Do they spin fast?

No. Rotational molding is a low- to no-pressure process in which molds are charged with resin, fastened shut, and rotated in two axes at low speeds. Typically, the major axis revolves four times to every one time of the minor axis (4:1). Speeds are slow enough that no centrifugal force is involved.