Increased Size Extends Already Substantial Advantages in Productivity and Economy of Rotoline Dual-Shuttle Systems over Competing Shuttle and Carousel Systems
KENT, OH, U.S.A., October 20, 2006: Rotoline has extended the length of the cylindrical oven that is unique to the company’s range of rotational molding equipment, enabling molders to produce larger parts without need for a larger machine, and making Rotoline systems even more productive, energy-efficient, and versatile than competing shuttle and carousel units, the company announced today.
The new extended-oven “XT” machines replace every model in Rotoline’s range of dual-shuttle machines, including those with oven diameters of 1.5, 2.0, 2.5, 3.0, 3.5, 4.0, 4.5, and 5.0 meters. For example, the length of the oven in the new DC-5.00 XT model (with a 5.0 meter-diameter oven), is now 5.5 meters, 10% greater than the previous DC-5.00 model. All models are available with either straight arms or C-shaped offset arms (see photo of offset arm).
“The advantage of an extended oven is greatest with the offset arm because there is more usable area for the swing along one axis,” said Robert Sly, president of Brazil-based Rotoline Industrial Equipment Ltda. and of U.S.-based affiliate Reduction Engineering, Inc., which also sells and services Rotoline equipment. “By making it possible to produce larger parts without need for a larger machine, the new ‘XT’ machines also save operating costs, since the extended oven is nevertheless smaller than the one in the next-larger model and uses less energy.”
The cylindrical oven that distinguishes Rotoline systems eliminates the dead or cold spots that occur in a square oven and heats more efficiently, noted Sly. “Think of it as the difference between a standard oven and a convection oven,” he said. “Our customers are reporting 20 to 25% less gas consumption than competing equipment, and 20% shorter cycle times.”
At the same time, the dual-shuttle configuration increases output by enabling each tool to enter the heating cycle more frequently, according to Sly, since there is no wait for the oven or cooling station to be free.
“Because the cost of a Rotoline dual-shuttle machine is nearly half that of a four-arm carousel, two Rotoline systems provide 30% more output than a single carousel entailing a similarly sized investment,” Sly said.
A Rotoline dual-shuttle machine has a central cylindrical oven, at either end of which is a rail-mounted cart (see photo of a typical system). Mounted on each cart is a tool-bearing straight or offset arm. While one arm is inserted into the oven, the other is retracted for cooling by axial fans.
The system is modular in construction, with the carts independent of the oven. Wiring connections between all components is “plug and play,” noted Sly. “This modular design enables Rotoline equipment to be installed and producing parts in under five days,” he said. “And as the molder’s business grows, redeploying the machine is simply a matter of unplugging the components and moving them elsewhere in the plant. Such versatility is not available with any other rotational molding system.”
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ROTOLINE INDUSTRIAL EQUIPMENT LTDA. is a worldwide supplier of shuttle-system rotational molding machines with unique cylindrical ovens. Product ranges include DC Series dual-shuttle and M-Series single-station machines, plus a system for laboratory use with a 0.5 meter-diameter oven and an L-shaped offset arm. To contact the company’s headquarters in Brazil, telephone 55-49-3324-5680 or email roto@rotoline.com.br. Rotolmolding system sales and service is also available from affiliate Reduction Engineering, Inc. in Kent, OH, U.S.A.: 1-330-677-2225 or sales@reductionengineering.com. Visit www.rotoline.com.br.
Increased Size Extends Already Substantial Advantages in Productivity and Economy of Rotoline Dual-Shuttle Systems over Competing Shuttle and Carousel Systems