Polyethylene rotomolding
Rotomolding uses a variety of thermoplastic materials. Polyethylene (PE) is a commonly used material. It is popular due to its strength, ductility, and resistance to corrosion and chemicals. At Rotovia, we are active in polyethylene rotomolding. Among other things, we manufacture a wide range of containers for storage, handling and transport of chemicals and tanks for diesel fuel and hydraulic oil. These products are all tailormade, so they meet all demands of our customers. We are ready to design the best rotomolded products for your company too!
Polyethylene rotomolding: the types
In polyethylene rotomolding, different kinds of material are used. LDPE (Low Density Polyethylene) is used when flexibility is needed. LLDPE (Linear Low-Density Polyethylene) is similar to LDPE, but has higher strength and impact resistance, making it ideal for applications requiring greater durability. It is used in products such as fuel tanks, technical parts, and agricultural products. HDPE (High-Density Polyethyelene) is stronger and stiffer than LDPE and LLDPE. It is for example used for storage tanks. XPE (Crosslinked Polyethylene) is a special kind of polyethylene. This material contains a special crosslinking agent which reacts with the polymer material during the rotomolding process, creating cross-linked molecules. This chemical reaction enhances the strength, durability, and tear resistance.
The pros of polyethylene molding
Polyethylene molding comes with some great benefits:
- Polyethylene is light weight and very strong, which makes it a suitable material for a wide range of applications.
- The material allows for the production of large, seamless products, which is crucial for their strength.
- Excellent chemical resistance. Polyethylene is resistant to most chemicals, including acids, bases, and organic solvents.
- Polyethylene products can withstand low temperatures. Even at -40 °C the material still shows its flexibility.
The cons of polyethylene moulding
While polyethylene moulding has many pros, it is good to also look at the cons. This helps to always select the right materials for our rotomoulded products. The most important cons:
- The material has limited thermal resistance. When exposed to high temperatures, the stiffness will be reduced. Depending on the operating temperatures polypropylene or Nylon can be the better choice.
- Polyethylene moulding is not suitable for high-pressure applications such as pipes for gas distribution or pressurized fluid transportation.
- The stiffness of PE may be lower compared to other materials. Additional structural reinforcement can be required.
- Polyethylene can deform over time under loads. This can affect its dimensional stability and reduce the strength of a product.
Ready to bring your ideas to life?
If you are interested to know if polyethylene rotomolding is the right solution for the product you need, just contact the Rotovia team. With our knowledge and experience, we are able to give you the best advice for your situation. Together, we’ll bring your idea to life!
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