Rotomoulding is a plastic processing technology based on the adhesion of raw material to hollow rotational moulds. Rotational moulding allows the production of even large hollow bodies, which do not require subsequent welding and assembly. Widespread throughout the world with strong growth rates, rotomoulding technology is appreciated in a variety of contexts, ranging from design to architecture, from vehicle components to floor washers and tanks.

• The steps in a rotational moulding process are:
• loading the polymeric material into the mould;
• heating of the mould in an oven and rotation on one or two axes, allowing the polymeric material to adhere to the mould walls;
• cooling of the mould, again in rotation, allowing the polymeric material to solidify into the desired shape;
• opening of the mould and releasing of the plastic part.

Through SMART® technology, launched in 2013, Persico has developed DTH (direct tool heating) machines and tools to print hundreds of different products, including coatings and removable shells for composite products.

SMART® is a compact, clean and safe production cell that offers efficient use of energy and materials. Production can be fully automated by combining one or more machines with anthropomorphic robots. These cells can perform powder loading, insert loading, release agent spraying, automated moulding cycles and product discharge. As a result, rotational technology guarantees high production rates, production cost savings, labour savings and fast return on investment.

Compared to conventional rotational moulding processes, SMART® has a very small footprint and operates by means of electric heating instead of using gas. There can be up to 48 separate electric heating zones, each with temperature monitoring and control. Internal temperature, pressure, vacuum, inert atmosphere and internal cooling are all available with full control and allow a wide range of materials to be processed into complex end products.

These features allow:

• Shorter and more repeatable cycles
• Repeatability of the process and less rejects
• Maximum heat transfer efficiency (DTH SMART®)
• Control of wall thicknesses
• Automation.

These prerequisites also guarantee savings in production costs.

Having been asked over recent years by customers to provide production systems for manufacturing liners for H2 and CNG tanks, a  specific new generation machine has been developed. This SMART H2 machine provides state of the art production of hollow seamless liners in a variety of polymers using highly developed rotomoulding technology.

Persico can provide design assitance, full product developement, toolmaking, prototyping and pre production. All this can be delivered as a turnkey automated production cell that features:

• Specifically designed for long cylindrical tank liners the machine operates with rock and Roll’ motion.
• Different  sizes available to maximize use of floor space.
• Post moulding processing of gluing or welding can be avoided by co-moulded fully integrated metal bosses as part of the process.
• Metal bosses can be co-moulded and fully integrated into the liner as part of the
• Manual or automated powder and insert loading and product unloading.