Rotational molding, also referred to as rotomolding or rotational casting, is one of the fastest growing plastics processing methods today.
The rotational molding process uses melted plastic to form a desired product. The mold is placed on a biaxial rotation (i.e. rotation on two axes) and rotated until the melted plastic covers all parts of the mold to produce the desired hollow plastic product.
Rotational molding techniques can be used to make hollow items of any size, open or closed, and of any desired shape.
In recent years, significant advances have been made in rotomolding. As a result, in certain instances, parts that were in the past very difficult to fabricate by other processes can now be produced using the rotomolding process.
LyondellBasell produces a range of Microthene high density polyethylene (HDPE), low density polyethylene (LDPE) and linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE) powders, as well as Petrothene HDPE and LLDPE resin pellets for the rotational molding market.
LyondellBasell has introduced the company's first products for use in the European rotomolding market.
Lupolen 4021 K RM and 3621 M RM are produced using LyondellBasell’s industry-leading Spherilene S low pressure gas phase process technology and innovative catalyst system.
Both grades are available in pellet and powder forms and can be purchased from LyondellBasell and via the distribution network through Ultrapolymers.
Benefits and Applications
Typical customer applications include:
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Commercial, industrial and agricultural storage tanks
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Containers for packaging and material handling
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IBCs and drums
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Tanks
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Sewage systems
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Variety of industrial parts, including covers and housings
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Under-the-hood and in-the-cab automotive parts
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Sports equipment (e.g., boats, canoes)
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Toys and playground equipment
Properties
The rigidity or flexibility of an item is controlled by the properties of the resin used and by the wall thickness of the molding.
The main differences between rotational molding and other plastics molding techniques, such as blow and injection molding, include:
- Resin powder is used instead of pellets
- The resin melts in the molds instead of being forced under pressure into the molds in a molten state
- The mold has a biaxial rotation
- Rotomolding molds are less expensive because of their simplicity
- Operating pressures are relatively low, allowing molds to be made from less expensive materials
More information about our wide range of products available for rotational molding can be found on our polymers site.
Microthene, Petrothene, Lupolen and Lupotech are trademarks owned or used by LyondellBasell group companies. Trademarks Microthene and Petrothene are registered in the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.