Views: 0 Author: Site Editor Publish Time: 2025-04-25 Origin: Site
A rotary mold is a dynamic injection mold that incorporates a rotating mechanism (such as an indexing plate, turntable, or servo-driven axis) to enable multi-station processing in a single cycle.
Unlike traditional molds that open and close linearly, rotary molds rotate between different stations, allowing for:
Multi-shot (multi-material) molding
Insert molding with automated part placement
Simultaneous cooling and ejection
This design significantly improves efficiency, especially for complex parts.
A typical rotary mold operates in the following way:
Plastic is injected into the first cavity.
Example: A rigid plastic base for a toothbrush handle.
The mold rotates (e.g., 90° or 180°) to bring the part to the next station.
Example: A second material (like soft TPE) is injected for a grip layer.
While new parts are being injected, previous ones cool or are ejected.
This parallel processing reduces cycle time.
Indexing Plate Molds – Rotate in fixed increments (common in 2K molding).
Turntable Molds – Used for high-volume production (e.g., bottle caps).
Servo-Driven Rotary Molds – High-precision control for medical or optical parts.
| Feature | Rotary Mold | Traditional Mold |
|---|---|---|
| Cycle Time | Shorter (parallel processing) | Longer (sequential steps) |
| Complexity | Higher (mechanical rotation) | Simpler (linear movement) |
| Cost | More expensive (servo systems, precision engineering) | Lower cost |
| Best For | Multi-material, insert molding, high-volume production | Single-material, simpler parts |
✅ Faster Production – Multiple operations happen simultaneously.
✅ Better Quality – Precise material bonding in multi-shot molding.
✅ Lower Labor Costs – Automated insert loading reduces manual work.
✅ Space Efficiency – One machine can replace multiple molding setups.
Two-color taillights (clear + red lenses)
Soft-touch interior buttons (hard plastic + rubberized coating)
Dual-material phone cases (rigid frame + soft edges)
Keycaps with embedded LEDs
Overmolded syringe grips
Multi-layer seals for drug delivery systems
Smart Molds with IoT Sensors – Real-time monitoring of rotation alignment and part quality.
3D-Printed Mold Inserts – Complex conformal cooling channels for better thermal control.
Hybrid Electric-Hydraulic Systems – Faster and more energy-efficient rotation.
Rotary molds are a game-changer for multi-material, insert-molded, and high-efficiency production. While they require a higher initial investment, their ability to reduce cycle times and improve part quality makes them indispensable in industries like automotive, electronics, and medical manufacturing.
