How Does Plastic Moulding Work?

If you are having a custom plastic item made, you may very well be interested in how rotational plastic moulding works. It is actually a rather interesting process.

First, a mould is created of the item that is to be produced. These moulds are usually produced from CAD drawings, but it is possible to work from paper designs or physical models. Any metal items to be moulded are then fitted to the mould.

Polymer powder is then added to the mould and the mould is securely closed. The mould is slowly heated with hot air and rotated simultaneously. The movement of the rotation distributes the polymer evenly within the mould while it slowly begins to adhere to it. The moulded is then cooled, setting the polymer.

Now the mould is opened and the product removed from the mould, ready for any finishing and assembly. The moulding process is complete! Now the mould can be fitted with any new inserts and new powder put in ready for the next cycle.