The Mold Making Process

Our design and engineering team will work with you directly to ensure your design is perfected for rotomolding. Once your design is finalized, we’ll work together on a mold. We use both cast molds and machined molds, and our team will determine what’s best for your product. If you need a new mold, Elkhart Plastics can make your mold, or we will facilitate the process with a preferred mold maker.

In-House Mold Making

For certain types of products, Elkhart Plastics can build a mold using fabricated aluminum at our in-house facilities. This is a great option for products like RV liners or holding tanks. If you already have a mold that simply needs modifications, our team can handle that on-site in our mold building and repair shops.

Outsourced Molds

If your product is more complex, we will work with preferred mold makers to get you the best quality molds required for your project.

Mold Repairs & Modifications

Our mold shops will handle any future repairs or modifications that may be needed with your mold. If you come to us with an existing mold that requires adjustments, we can make any required modifications in-house.

Rotational Molding Small to Large Products

Tooling Types

Fabricated Sheet Metal Tooling

Fabricated Sheet Metal Tooling is most commonly used on large parts that don’t have complex design geometry. Sheet Metal Tooling is usually the least expensive kind of rotational mold tooling and can be made in 4 to 6 weeks depending on the complexity of the design. Fabricated Sheet Metal Tools are formed and welded. The welds are then ground and polished.

Billet Rotational Molding Tooling

Billet tooling is used for complex designs and when smooth surfaces are needed. Billet Tooling is usually the most expensive kind of rotational mold tooling and can be made in 6 to 8 weeks depending on the complexity of the design. The billet tooling starts with a 3D solid model of the tooling halves that are CNC machined, then the billet tool is ready to be framed and finished.

Cast Rotational Molding Tooling

The most common type of tooling used in rotational molding offers a wide range of surface finishes/textures. Cast Tooling is relatively inexpensive and can be made in six-to-eight weeks depending on the complexity of the design.