Rotational Molding

Processors using rotational molding equipment have a good chance next month to hone their craft, as the Rotational Molding Div. (RMD) of SPE (Society of Plastics Engineers) has opened registration for its 2010 TopCon meeting. The title of this year's TopCon is "Cost Effective Technology for Today."

Bulk plastic container manufacturer Macro Plastics (Fairfield, CA) has purchased a 162,000-ft² facility in Shelbyville, KY to expand its manufacturing capabilities. The facility will supply the agricultural, food, retail, and industrial markets in the central and East Coast regions of the U.S. Macro received cooperation from the county, its industrial development foundation, city officials, and the state of Kentucky. It plans to retain some of the workforce from the previous facility owners.

Lack of maintenance on processing equipment can cost a company a lot in energy, 
processing inefficiencies, and downtime. The flip side, proactive maintenance, is almost 
purely positive and can pay big dividends in the long run.

Following what it called a “serious study of the changing market drivers and careful evaluation of future opportunities within the sector”, polyolefin supplier Borealis (Vienna, Austria) has opted to exit the rotational molding market effective March 31, 2010. Borealis has served the rotomolding sector for many years with its Borcene and Borplus grades of polyethylene (PE), in addition to its sponsorship of the Assn.

A Japanese company is seeking licensees for its patent-pending process for rotomolding structures having a crosslinked polyethylene foamed core and a polyethylene or polypropylene skin. Rather than a blowing agent, foam here is realized via the via the unique design of the pellet. Potential applications are foreseen in any number of uses including coolers, flotation devices and piers, hot water tanks or chemical tanks, sporting goods, and more.
  　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　

By using low-pressure gas-phase catalysis technology, two new high-density polyethylene (HDPE) grades reportedly provide improved cold-temperature impact and environmental stress cracking resistance for custom rotational molders. Lupolen GX 5002 and Lupolen GX 5003 from LyondellBasell Industries utilize that company’s Lupotech G technology to produce HDPE grades suitable for industrial storage tanks, containers, intermediate bulk containers, furniture, and playground and sporting equipment.

Custom rotational molder Centro Inc. (North Liberty, IA) received a Certificate of Conformity (COC) from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for its low-evaporative fuel tank, called RotoLoPerm. Centro rotomolds the multilayer tanks using crosslinked polyethylene (PEX) for the inner and outer layers, and an undisclosed barrier material for the middle layer. The patent-pending RotoLoPerm can utilize existing tooling, says Centro, and is available in natural or pigmented PEX.

Our extensive post-NPE2009 coverage continues here in this web exclusive. Visit "NPE Central" at our Plastics Today site for the coverage from our September issue.

Although often the unsung heroes in a plastics processor’s compound recipe, additives’ pace of development is as swift or swifter than in any other corner of the industry. The benefits of these, too, are as far-reaching as with any other development: Improved mechanical properties, weight savings, energy savings, and improved efficiency are just some of the benefits additives can bring to a processor’s game.

BLOWING AGENTS
Lightweighting aids in energy, cost cutting
Foaming agent specialist KibbeChem launched a liquid blowing agent, LiquidLite, during the recent NPE show. It offers an alternative to powdered or pellet products that may create dust on the shop floor. According to company VP Shannon Rice, LiquidLite produces similar performance to powder or pellet materials but helps cost since 20% less of the material can be used to achieve a similar effect.