Techneat Engineering has been rotomoulding since 1995 gaining a wealth of experience enabling us to take projects from conception, through the research and design stage, to the manufacture of the final product and to provide our clients with high quality rotomoulding service.
We now have five moulding machines and are capable of producing moulds of 6.2m long by 2.8m diameter.
What is Rotomoulding
Rotational or rotomoulding is a technique used to cast plastics into a seamless shape and design. Particularly suited to moulding 3-D forms and hollow vessels, this flexible and economical method places powdered or granular plastic inside a specifically engineered, mould which is then baked, while slowly being rotated around an axis or number of axes.
The controlled application of heat (approximately 220 degrees C) melts the plastic particles, creating a softened polymer which is dispersed around the mould, coating the inside walls, as it rotates. This rotational action builds the item/component layer by layer, producing a hollow, seamless shape. Once formed, the rota-mould is cooled, usually by cold air or a fine water mist, to ensure the object has set-solid before it is released from the mould tool.
How does a rotomoulder work
Rotomoulding can satisfy a diverse range of product size or specification requirements and has the capability to mould several items/components at the same time, which is an advantage for short production runs. The process can accommodate intricate and/or more complex designs, including those that might require reinforcements, such as stiffening ribs, moulded inserts, or alternative surface textures. It also delivers uniform thickness throughout the cast and usually produces thicker corners, which benefits product strength and integrity.
Tooling costs are surprisingly low as the cast aluminium or stainless-steel moulds used to produce items do not have to withstand the high pressures, making them less expensive to manufacture.
The process also offers eco-benefits as rotomoulded products are made from Polyethylene. This polymer is versatile, durable and has numerous high-quality product applications in agriculture, food sector, marine and automotive industries, and outdoor/leisure trade. It can be recycled many times widely available and a very cost-effective manufacturing material.
The rotomoulding process
WHAT CAN WE MAKE WITH A ROTOMOULDER?
- Agriculture and handling: Sprayer tanks, crates, pallets, water/header tanks, chemical containers
- Insulated fish and meat cooler boxes.
- Environmental: litter bins, road cones, bollards, traffic dividers and road signs.
- Marine and sailing: Floats, buoys and pontoons, kayaks, canoes and boats
- Automotive products: mudguards, ducting, diesel fuel tanks, toolboxes, and tractor dashboards.
- Outdoors playground equipment, toys garden planters, water butts and furniture.
Proud members of the BPF