Rotational Moulding Plastic Types
Rotation Moulding uses polyethylene (PE). This is because PE is able to withstand high temperatures for a long period of time and is generally the cheaper plastic to use.
The way powder particles fuse together is dependant on the size of the particles. Normal powder particales are around 150 microns to about 500 microns. The size of the particales is important as this will determin the final outcome of the product. Done properly, PE and be re-moulded into a recycled product. Using compatible pigments, you can produce coloured rotational moulded products.
Density ranges of polyethylene |
Material |
Density (kg/m³) |
More Information |
Low Density Polyethylene (LDPE) |
915-929 |
Read more LDPE |
Medium Dinsity Polyethylene (MDPE) |
930-939 |
Read more MDPE |
High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) |
940-965 |
Read more HDPE |
Low Density Polyethylene (LDPE)
LDPE has a density range of 915 - 929 kg/m ³. LDPE can withstand a constant temperatures of 80 °C and 95 °C for a short time. Made in translucent or opaque variations, LDPE is quite flexible and is almost unbreakable.
High Density Polyethylene (HDPE)
HDPE has a density range of 940 - 965 kg/m ³ its stronger and more rigged than LDPE which means the impact strength is not very good at low temperatures.
Medium Density Polyethylene (MDPE)
MDPE display's bith LDPE and HDPE properties, not as soft as LDPE or as hard as HDPE. This material is ideal for liquid storage tanks such as water butts and oil tanks.
Ethylene-Butyl Acrylate (EBA)
Used for crash barriers, buoys and road markers this material is crack resistance and strond at low temperatures.
Polypropylene (PP)
PP has a density of 900 kg/m ³, which is lower than LDPE. PP is not thought high of with most rotation moulders. This is because, close to room temperature the material can become brittle. This then makes the manufacturing time very short but not in a good way.
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