Do you have an idea that you think would make a great plastic product? Many people do but think that turning it into reality is unrealistic. However, this is far from the truth, and producing a product from an idea is not as hard as it may seem.

When it comes to custom rotational plastic moulding, no idea is too far fetched. Once you have an idea for an item or product, the technicalities will need to be worked out. How it will be constructed, the size and scale, will it be once piece or several etc. The mould for the item will also need to be made, so that it can be constructed.

If you are unsure of how realistic your design is, or are unsure of the technical aspecs of the design, we are able to work with you on the design to make it viable. There are certain conditions that need to be met, such as wall thicknesses, to ensure that the item will be strong enough, hold it’s shape and withstand the circumstances it’s to be used in.

Once we have all these points worked out, it’s time to make the product. This is where the equipment is set up to make your specific item, which includes the mould. Once the equipment has been set up, it is very easy and often much more economically efficient to make a large quantity of the item, since the setup has already been done.

Now the actual plastic moulding takes place. This usually consists of four main stages.

1. A measured amount of polymer (plastic, usually in powder form) is loaded into the mould.
2. The mould is then headted in an oven while rotating, which melts the polymer and adheres it to the walls of the mould. The mould is rotated through two or more axes and at different speeds to avoid an accumulation of polymer powder in one spot. The amount of time the mould is in the oven is critical, as too long and it can impact the strength of the product, due to the polymer degrading, and too little time in the oven means the polymer will not melt completely which can result in large bubbles in the polymer.
3. Now the mould will be cooled, usually by use of a fan. This part can take some time, as it needs to cool enough so that the polymer solidifies and sets, and it’s cool enough to be handled safely by the operator. Upon cooling, the part will shrink and come away from the mould, making removal easy.
4. Removal of the part from the mould.

At this point your product is a reality which you can see, hold, and use. The creation process is not as complex as it may seem, it just takes knowledge, experience and the right equipment to produce the results. If you have a product you would like to see realised, get in contact with us today to discuss your idea!