Simulation Of The Rotational Moulding Process Using Discrete Element Methods

Abstract

Motion control parameters (rotational speed and speed ratios) within rotational moulding are typically identified using rules of thumb or trial and error approaches. This leads to a significant waste of material, energy and time. An improved understanding of motion control is required to understand how robotic moulding can benefit the process and potentially reduce waste as rotational moulding is challenged to produce more complex shaped parts to higher levels of quality.<br/>This work proposes the use of the discrete element method (DEM) to model the effects of motion control during the rotational moulding process. This simulation-based approach when validated can potentially determine the benefits of using robot arms to execute the rotational moulding process, delivering optimal processing conditions to the operator without the need for pre-production trial and error methods. The paper presents the early findings of the research that has been based on uniaxial models and simple mould shapes. <br/>