For the uninitiated, plastic molding basically refers to the process of making plastic products using molds, and hence, the term ‘molding’. There are different techniques used for plastic molding, each having a set of pros and cons. In this plastic molding guide, we are discussing everything you need to know.
- Rotomolding/ rotational molding – Comparatively, this is one of the newer techniques on the block, which is used for making large, hollow products and plastic items with added durability. The process involves placing a plastic resin material in a metal mold, which is then rotated in an oven, until the oven coats the entire surface of the mold, thanks to centrifugal force. The mold is eventually cooled and the plastic item is removed. There is very little wastage of material with rotational molding and the process is used for making even strong products like manholes.
- Injection molding. In this kind of plastic molding, the melted plastic material is injected into a metal mold at a high temperature. The plastic takes the shape of the mold, and once that happens, the mold is cooled and the solidified plastic product is taken out. Injection molding is highly useful when large volume of products is required at one go, and it is possible to make a wide range or products. Molds required for this technique are expensive and can take considerable time in the making.
- Blow molding. Blow molding is used for making thin-walled and hollow plastic parts. The plastic material is first heated up, following which it is blown into a mold, where it expands and presses against the mold walls taking the shape. Once the mold fills up with the balloon, it is cooled and the plastic part is taken out. Blow molding may seem similar to that of rotational molding, but the tooling costs are much higher, which adds to the cost of the end product. The technique is more similar to glass blowing.
- Compression molding. In case of Compression molding, the plastic material is first heated and placed in a heated mold and compressed to the required shape. Compression molding products are best used for requirements when metal parts have to be replaced with plastic ones, and hence, it finds more use in the automotive industry.
If you want to find a company that specializes in rotomolding, check online now, and don’t forget to check samples and ask for an estimate.
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