Benefits of rotomoulding over other plastic manufacturing processes
- Single-walled and double-walled containers can be moulded.
- Complex 3D shapes can be made in one piece.
- Wall thickness is uniform and can be controlled by the amount of plastic used.
- No pinch-off seams or weld lines appear on the finished product.
- Moulds are relatively inexpensive to make.
- Production of small volume products can be economically viable.
- Almost no plastic is wasted in the production process.
- Moulded parts are essentially stress free.
- Metal inserts can be moulded in.
- High-quality graphics (logos, designs, instructions, warnings) can be moulded in.
- Foaming can be used to provide high stiffness or thermal insulation for minimum weight.
- Moulds can quickly be manufactured and put into production.
- Suited to small runs and rush deliveries.
- A profitable, cost effective and versatile plastic moulding process.
- This article explains the process of rotomoulding.
Rotomoulding
Roto Kayaks speciality is the manufacturing of complex plastic products with the use of rotational moulding (commonly known as rotomoulding) machines.
Of course, we can make tanks and buckets and other rotomoulded products that are simple in design, so if that is what you need, speak to us. There are many other rotomoulding companies who can do that too, so you have options.
When it comes to more complex products that require ingenuity, we are the team for the job. Also, if you have a product in mind that is not necessarily complex in design but requires a high-quality finish and good dimensional stability, you’ll struggle to find a rotomoulding company that puts more focus on these details than us.
Material
We mainly use LLDPE plastic (linear low density polyethylene), which remains more stable than most plastics during the relatively long heating period of the rotomoulding cycle. Polyethlyene is available in South Africa in a variety of standard colours. Minimum-order quantities of non-standard colours can be ordered.
Multi-part moulds
Although most moulds have two halves, complex designs may require three- or four-part moulds. The parting line, where the moulds connect, can include a complex curvature.
We have the experience and technical know-how to manufacture products requiring multi-part moulds.
Mould-in inserts
Metal inserts allow other components to be fastened to your product. Types of inserts include threaded fittings, anchor bolts and fasteners, which make for strong and robust connection points. Inserts are encapsulated by plastic during the moulding process and can be moulded through-and-through or as a surface connection point. Metal inserts are usually made of brass, but materials like stainless steel can also be used if the application requires it.
Most products that we manufacture include mould-in inserts. We seldom use off-the-shelf inserts, instead we prefer to design the perfect inserts for each application.
Mould-in graphics
Graphics, usually logos, decorative designs, warnings or instructions, can be adhered to the product during the moulding process. Unlike stickers, which are temporary and do not adhere very well to plastic, these graphics are permanent. They can also be moulded onto both smooth and textured surfaces.
Our manufacturing team has extensive experience of graphic application, specifically with graphics supplied by Mold-In Graphics, the international industry leader in mould-in graphics.
Assembly and fitting
Roto Kayaks assemblers have experience of finishing, complex assembly and outfitting to produce a finished product that is ready for shipment.