How to Know if Roto Mold Tanks are Right for You
Roto mold tank solutions are a common option for housing a wide range of items. These tanks are created through a process called rotomolding, which is specially designed to create large, hollow parts. Commonly made of thermoplastic materials, they’re a popular choice for storing water and chemicals, along with other materials.
With high tensile strength, impact resistance, and a broad design range, many businesses choose roto mold tanks over metal options. But, are these kinds of tanks right for your business? Let’s dive into the advantages and limitations.
Pros and Cons of Rotomolded Tanks
Advantages
The biggest advantages thermoplastic tanks offer are their lightweight nature, resistance to corrosion and chemicals, and speed to market.
Lightweight
Because roto mold tanks are made of a thermoplastic resin, they’re much lighter than other options — like metal. If you’re using these tanks to transport products over large distances, a thermoplastic option can help you save on logistics costs over time.
Resistant to Corrosion and Chemicals
Certain metals are susceptible to corrosion and oxidation, which can quickly hinder their use if not properly taken care of. Thermoplastics are much more resistant to corrosion and chemicals, reducing the risk of expensive replacements.
Fast Manufacturing Process
Rotomolding is a relatively fast manufacturing process compared to other options. So, if you need a large amount of tanks quickly, a thermoplastic solution could be the best option.
Limitations
While these tanks have a lot of advantages, they aren’t without their limitations. They can be damaged if exposed to extreme temperatures, may have limited load-bearing capacity, and the initial investment costs can be high.
Temperature Limitations
Thermoplastics are more susceptible to heat and cold fluctuations than metal. Extreme temperatures may cause the tank to lose its shape, and possibly lead to leaks or cracks. Though this risk exists, roto mold tanks are used for numerous applications in countless industries. An experienced rotomolding company can help you determine if it’s the right fit for you.
Limited Load-Bearing Capacity
Some thermoplastics may not have the same strength as metals. As a result, roto mold tanks might not be able to withstand the same weight and pressure as metal tanks. However, advances in plastic composites have made it possible for thermoplastic products to perform as well as—or even better than—some metals. As always, this will vary case by case, and a rotomolding expert can help you understand what’s best for your business.
Initial Investment Costs
If you’re looking to switch from metal tanks to roto mold tanks, the initial investment cost can be high. However, you’ll likely save money in the long run with a thermoplastic option. Plastic tanks weigh less than their metal counterparts, which can help you save on logistics costs if you’re shipping things across long distances. Additionally, roto mold tanks won’t rust or degrade, which means they may last longer than metal options.
How to Determine if a Roto Mold Tank is Right for You
Evaluate Industry Standards and Regulations
Depending on your industry, your roto mold tanks may need to adhere to certain regulations. If you’re storing or shipping food-related products, the FDA may require you to use certain thermoplastics for your tanks. The American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) and National Science Foundation (NSF) might also have certain requirements depending on what you’re shipping.
Assess Environmental Conditions
As mentioned above, extreme temperatures might impact thermoplastic tanks. If you foresee your tank being left to harsh environmental conditions, it might be best to look at a metal option.
Analyze Cost-Effectiveness
It can help to run the numbers to see if metal or thermoplastic tanks are right for your business. Compare the initial investment, along with any cost savings you might foresee regarding logistics costs or other opportunities. Additionally, compare the lifespan of thermoplastic tanks with their metal counterparts. This can give you an insight into what’s most cost-effective for the business.
Consider Customization Options
Thermoplastic tanks are highly customizable, and this might be a major advantage for your business. Are you looking for a shape that is difficult to achieve with metal options? You may be able to achieve your goals with a roto mold tank.
Looking for Roto Mold Tanks? Turn to GVL Poly
Have questions about roto mold tanks? Ready to get started? No matter where you are in your journey, GVL Poly can help. Founded in 1992, we have decades of experience helping businesses ideate and manufacture the perfect roto mold tank solutions. We’d be honored to help you, too.
As a full-service rotational molding partner, we’re here to help you from beginning to end. Our molding services are provided by experienced machine operators, and supported by a team of engineers, designers, tool builders, and other professionals. We consistently invest in the highest quality, most state-of-the-art equipment to help our customers get exactly what they need. In fact, we were the first company in North America to have an operational Leonardo Smart Molding Machine!
Reach Out to Us Today
If you need more information or are ready to get started with roto mold tanks, reach out to us here. Our team is standing by to understand your needs and match you with the perfect solution.
