Cost factors to consider
Rotational moulding tools are much less expensive to make than other manufacturing methods and there is very little material waste, so it is inherently a cost-effective process. But consideration of the following can cut costs further:
- Design from the outset for manufacture by the rotational moulding process
- Avoid unnecessary complexity - it is more expensive to mould
- Material: always choose the lowest cost polymer that will do the job.
- Texture: Product surface finish is generated by the mould surface. For example, shot peening produces texture at low cost, whereas photo-etching, whilst more expensive, produces a more sophisticated surface finish, such as leather grain
- Colour: can influence the perceived quality of a product - Self-coloured mouldings are lower in cost and durable, however painting may be needed to achieve levels of gloss or exact colour matching to other painted parts
- Mould design: design for the minimum number of parts of the tool; careful selection of split lines can be critical in achieving this
- Ensure the design is right before committing to tooling.
A cost-efficient process
It may be that the form and appearance of a proposed component is constrained by its application. For example, an air duct has to convey a given airflow and fit into a defined space. But there is usually scope for variations and compromises which might have a significant effect on cost.
Consider another example: suppose that the required moulding is complex and requires several chambers and ports. It possibly has to fit behind a cover, avoid items such as cabling and itself be fixed to defined pieces of structure. Some of it may show, requiring correct colour and texture. Such a design is likely to affect the order of assembly of the truck, bus, aircraft or whatever is in question.
The designer then has numerous options in how he specifies the component. It is nearly always an advantage to discuss these with tecni-form with a view to saving cost. tecni-form can help you choose how to build up the assembly; to devise shapes which are easy to mould; and to select appropriate materials. Contact the tecni-form design department for ideas which will show you a shortcut to an economical solution.
A look around the tecni-form website The tecni-form website is designed to be a comprehensive resource for Industrial designers.
