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Custom Rotational Molding Service
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Rotomolding, what is it? A. Rotational molding is a process for making hollow plastic parts. A measured amount of powdered plastic is placed inside a mold. The mold is closed and goes into an oven. The mold is rotated such that the powder contacts all the interior surfaces. Heat melts the powder into a layer that covers the inside of the mold. The mold is removed from the oven, cooled and opened. The molded part is then removed. |
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What kind of parts and products are made by rotomolding? A. Typical products include containers as well as material handling, industrial and recreational equipment. The process produces a seamless hollow piece. Small parts can weigh less than a pound. Larger parts weigh up to several hundred pounds. The wall thickness can be controlled. Many types of plastics can be rotomolded, most often polyethylene, in a wide range of colors. |
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Q. How are the molds made? A. Fabricated molds are made from metal sheets and shapes, usually steel or aluminum. The metal is cut, bent, fitted and welded. Casting aluminum from a wood pattern can make molds with more complex curves and shapes. CNC milling yields a precise and detailed mold. Sometimes the best solution is to combine more than one of these methods. |
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What features can be added after molding process? A. Secondary operations include routing, drilling and cutting. Hardware like valves, brackets, hinges and wheels are added. |
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Q. How
well does the product last? A. Linear polyethylene is the material we use the most. It has excellent strength, durability and toughness. All our materials include UV inhibitors making them suitable for extended outdoor use. Our hardware and fittings have a proven record of excellent service. |
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How much does it cost? A. Fabricated mold cost as little as $1,500 and up. Cast or milled molds are several thousand dollars and up. The customer usually pays the mold cost up front and retains ownership of the mold. The cost of molding individual parts depends on size, complexity and the number ordered. Molding a twenty pound part would typically range from $35 to $70. An eighty-pound part might range from $150 to $300. |
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Q. Does Dixie Poly Drum make
molds? A. Yes, we make fabricated molds. We commission the making of cast or milled molds through specially tooling shops. We also run molds the customer had made elsewhere. |
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How are the molds designed? A. The customer can provide the finished design or work with our design team to create a solution. We can work from our sketches and specifications. We use Solidworks 3D modeling software to illustrate and rework the design to your satisfaction. |
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Q. How
do I get a quote? A. Provide us with your requirements and we can give you a preliminary estimate. When the design is finalized, we will provide a quote for the mold. We will also provide a per piece quote based on the number you expect to order. There is no charge for us to provide a quote. If there is a fee for our design work we will let you know first, before any charges are incurred. |
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How long has Dixie Poly Drum been in business? A. We have been in the rotomolding business since June 1985. We have molded hundreds of different products and many millions of pounds of plastic. Many of our employees have been here ten years or more. Our dedicated team has the technical expertise to deliver the service and quality you expect. |
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© 2004 Dixie Poly Drum Corp.
Ph: 1-800-845-0536 • Fax: (843) 589-4050 • P.O. Box 597
28 Dixie Poly Drive Yemasse, SC 29945
Site Design and Maintained by: El B Designs, Inc.