A Comparison between Conventional and Robotic Rotational Moulding Machines

Abstract

The ROBOMOULD® machine is a new generation of rotational moulding machine equipped with electrical heating and a range of internal and external cooling systems. This study has examined whether a typical rotationally moulded part such a monolayer polyethylene fuel tank produced by a robotic rotational moulding machine is more better in terms of manpower, energy efficiency and part quality than the same part produced using a conventional hot air oven. The trials have involved producing a monolayer polyethylene part in an Aluminium tool on a conventional machine. The tool was then modified to accommodate electrical heater bands and the same part was produced on the robot rotational moulding machine. Measurements such as gas consumption, electrical energy use, part cycle time and part quality were then compared.