Welcome to Lyon! - armo-global.org

Welcome to the ARMO 2012 serve South American rotomolders. I am confident that
Lyon conference! It is a pleasure with our existing and new partner associations, ARMO
to be part of this conference will continue to encourage the spirit of cooperation and
where so many world-class mutual support within the rotomolding industry.
molders, suppliers, and industry
experts gather to share ideas Finally, this newsletter issue is the last that I will deliver as
and new developments. This your ARMO chair. My term expires after Lyon, and I thank
successful event has been a you all for your support over the last two years. I have
major effort and I want to thank full confidence that we will continue to excel in serving
our French host organization the global industry under the leadership of our incoming
(AFR) for all the hard work they Chair, Mr. Ravi Mehra. I have enjoyed the experience as
have done. I am particularly impressed with the program head of the alliance and will continue to support ARMO
they have assembled which showcases many of the new as I focus on my duties as the incoming president of
developments and trends in our industry. It is also the ARM. I also want to encourage all of you in our industry
largest European rotomoulding event since Belfast 2008 to consider active roles in your respective rotomoulding
supported by all the various industry associations under associations. It is only through your contributions that this
the ARMO banner. industry will continue to grow and enter new markets.
The rewards of your involvement are far greater than you
I also want to thank our newsletter sponsors for their might realize.
generous support of this printed conference edition.
Our first sponsor, Persico, has been a strong supporter of I wish you all success in your business and hope that you
the industry and continues to lead the way in automa- enjoy Lyon 2012!
tion and tooling construction with products including the
ground breaking “Leonardo” and CNC moulds. Our Sec- Sincerely Yours,
ond sponsor SAT is also a major contributor in machine
design and oven efficiency. With the increasing pressure Bill Spenceley, ARMO Chair
on our industry to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, we
welcome the contribution of their unique experience and
capabilities.

Over this last year ARMO has welcomed two new mem-

ber associations into the alliance, increasing to 11 the

number of global regions served. The Polish rotomould-

ing association (ROTOPOL) joined us in July and will

represent the Central and Eastern European region. The

National Association of Plastics Manufacturers (ANIPAC)

based in Mexico City, was the latest to become an ARMO

affiliate association

and will

www.persico.com www.sat-thermique.com

Newsletter published by: The Affiliation of Rotational Moulding Organisations (ARMO)
[email protected]; www.armo-global.org

2

Welcome to Lyon! Jean-Charles HENNI; from all continents) for their
President of the AFR contributions.
The French Association of rotational Also, our gratitude is addressed to
moulding , which has the pleasure to the sponsors and companies that were
organize this edition of the global «ARMO» present on the exhibition: without them,
Congress, is very pleased to welcome you ! nothing would have been possible.
This year, each month, 20 industrial Please have an excellent stay in Lyon,
members of the AFR have met to exchange the capital of the Rhône-Alpes Region,
ideas, actions, and develop the program the number one region in France for the
that is to be offered at ARMO 2012. They plastics industry and also... the capital of
are rotomoulders, suppliers of materials, French gastronomy !
manufacturers of machines and moulds,
technical centres... all the players in the Olivier PERRIER
French rotational moulding industry are Armo 2012 President
passionate about this project to ensure you
the best welcome to Lyon, with high quality
presenatations.
We thank particularly all the speakers (30

ARMO Events Calendar 2012/2013

[email protected]
www.rotationalmoulding.com

www.armo2012.com
[email protected]

[email protected]
www.armmeetings.org

[email protected]
[email protected]
www.rotationalmoulding.com

[email protected]

fot. Marie Perrin

www.armo-global.org [email protected] 3

Dr Nick Henwood What data sheets tell you –
and what they don’t.
COMING SOON – Our
“Ask Dr Nick” feature… Introduction

Regular readers of our Newsletter will be By Dr Nick Henwood, Rotomotive Limited
aware that Dr Nick Henwood is a frequent
contributor of technical articles. When we are considering which grade of
polyethylene (PE) to use for a new applica-
Nick has many years of experience in rotomoulding, tion, or we are considering switching to
working for a number of companies, including well- another grade for an existing application, the
known material supplier Matrix Polymers, which he Material Data Sheet is usually our first port
founded in 1992 and part-owned until 2006. Since of call.
then he has been involved mainly in consultancy,
training and research activities, through his company A Data Sheet can give you useful data to help you make
Rotomotive Limited, based in UK. your choice, as long as you know what to look for and
have a clear idea of what the various parameters stated
Our idea is that Nick will host a regular Question and actually mean.
Answer column in our Newsletter, commenting on
problems and challenges sent in by readers. Over the next few issues of the ARMO magazine, I will
Questions can be submitted on a totally confidential explain the various parameters that are stated on a
basis, if required. The main idea is to promote dis- typical Data Sheet for a rotomoulding grade of PE.
cussion and help our industry grow through sharing
knowledge. Years ago, when I first got involved in rotomoulding,
Data Sheets from different suppliers often contained a
Please submit questions, problems and discussion bewildering array of strange-sounding properties, many
points to Nick, via the ARMO office at of which had little bearing on what a rotomoulder re-
[email protected] ally needed to know. The Polyolefins Committee at the
Association of Rotational Molders (ARM) International
Dr Nick Henwood has over 20 years of experience in should be given full credit for their sustained efforts,
rotomoulding and is an acknowledged expert in roto over a considerable period of time, to rationalise the
materials. He currently provides consultancy and information contained on Data Sheets for roto grades.
research services to the global rotomoulding industry ARM still publish a useful document called the “Resin
through his UK-based company, Rotomotive Limited. Properties Booklet”, where materials suppliers are in-
You can contact him at [email protected] vited to submit data in a totally standardised form. This
makes direct comparisons easier and assists moulders
4 in making rational choices between different product
offerings.

The table shows the data required for a supplier to be
included in the Resin Properties Booklet.

For some parameters, ISO (ie European-based) stan-
dards can be substituted for ASTM (ie American-based)
standards, although most suppliers use ASTM standards
throughout. The measurement of Continuous Tensile
Load Environmental Stress Crack Resistance (CTL ESCR)
and Low Temperature Impact Strength is to proprietary
Test Methods developed by ARM International. Copies
can be obtained from ARM International.

No-one is claiming that the test methods chosen are

necessarily absolutely the best way of measuring mate- Ask Dr Nick
rial properties and at the ARM Materials Committee
we regularly review and discuss alternatives. However, table should not be an onerous task for any material
sticking to common procedures, that yield results that supplier who is serious about serving the roto industry.
we can all understand and compare, is obviously very
beneficial. Supplying data in conformance with the Data Sheets certainly don’t tell you everything you need
to know about roto grades and I will explain what else
you need to know in later articles in this series.

Notes:

1. Measurements of samples cut from compression-moulded sheets are preferred.
2. Measurements from samples of rotomoulded pieces are mandated.
3. Data from either ESCR test can be submitted, or both.

The ARMO Global technology in Poland by supporting research in
is growing. universities and factories, promoting the rotomoulding
industry and reinforcing the economic interests of its
In July 2012 the Polish Association ROTOPOL members. Also, the Association promotes scientific
officially became the ARMO Member. and technical solutions as a result of research inspired
by members of the Association or approved by the
The Association was founded in 2008 by fifteen peoples Board.

from universities and rotomoulding companies, among At the moment ROTOPOL is rather the small group
among ARMO Partner Organizations with regard to the
them were dr Marek Szostak, dr Andrzej number of moulders from Poland and Central/Eastern
countries. However the Association is dynamically
Krajewski and developing and hoping to welcome new moulders not
only from Poland but also: the Czech Republic, Slovakia,
prof. Jan Jurga Slovenia, Lithuania, Croatia, Romania and other central
and eastern European countries, which have already
from Poznan shown interest to be members of this Association.

University of If you are the moulder located in Poland or any other
central/eastern European country, you are welcome to
Technology where join ROTOPOL. Please contact: [email protected]
or [email protected]
the Association’s

headquarters is

located.

The Association’s
objective is to develop
the rotational molding

www.armo-global.org [email protected] 5



Rotational Moulders stated ‘there needs to be a cultural change and a push
Receive Political from UK government to encourage people to work
Awareness within the manufacturing industry. School league tables
should promote alumni not only attending university
BPF’s Rotational Moulding Group has gain but also joining good quality apprenticeship schemes’.
UK Political awareness. JSC Rotational
Ltd met with local MP, Karen Lumley, During the meeting Karen Lumley MP made it clear
Conservative Member for Redditch on that she is a keen advocate for local business. She
Friday 20th June, as part of the BPF’s claimed that SMEs and local businesses were pivotal for
campaign to promote the strategic future regional and national economic growth. Karen Lumley
of the UK plastics industry. Karen Lumley MP in her role as Member of Parliament has set up a
MP was joined on the day by Managing Local Business Council Group that meet once a month
Directors Karen and Mark Drinkwater to update her on issues affecting local businesses,
together with BPF Executive Jonathan Karen Lumley MP has invited JSC Rotational Ltd to
Bloom. become members and attend the monthly meetings.

During the meeting Karen Drinkwater, who is also the Jonathan Bloom commented ‘we are delighted that
Rotational Moulding Group Chair, made it very clear yet another BPF member has had the opportunity to
that UK Government needs to do more to encourage met with its Local MP and promote the industry and
school leavers into apprenticeship schemes. Karen rotational moulding. The BPF’s campaign is continuing
to be a great success and I urge BPF members to
continue liaising with their parliamentarians’.

Mark Drinkwater,
Karen Lumley and
Karen Drinkwater.

www.armo-global.org [email protected] 7

StAR HAPPENINGS Quality Water Tanks - Importance & Benefits was the
topic of Sushil Sonegara of Deepika Rotomoulders.
StAR SEMINAR CUM KOCHI REGIONAL MEET A quality product is processed under controlled
The Southern Port City of Kochi hosted StAR Seminar processing parameters to deliver consistent
cum Regional Meet on Aug 3, 2012. The Indian performances and results
rotomoulding industry has a significant presence in The Changing Rotomoulding 3102••DN3••••AeE••So•RTDSvDc•E••erveC•MSteEevaemenoAAeSpPdcvmViOnMciRmnnepoeMnfeaiegnuaboBnelSbPms:iemu:rge:rnroehedsCeoNg–W:aobreibonrPdcwrS:eenorcuefPtd2Go2utferc-rrourpkgwMteTolraP0lrp2ro0gsay2lCardeear1hrlbe1omaTiaenko3l0es3Dm0eeymctpmier1inaei1p(ssTmnnen(3g3eotnPSSRgeSAaRpter(ee(veutAiraesatcMsivnTs-coiieaetoilednuapnoiAenoplsatbneatwrtaDnlibaesyoidtildroesdn)iadnopaasnyl
South India. Market in South India was
The Seminar on Energy and Cost Saving in presented by N Bhaskaran of Carris
Rotomoulding was held as the pre lunch session. S Pipes. The developing markets for
Dave of Consta Cool, N Sairam of Reliance Industries Underground tanks and Automotive
and V Mahadevan, Consultant Rotomoulding formed diesel fuel tanks were good
the Team which conducted the seminar in a meeting examples of the changing market
hall filled to capacity. scenario.
The post lunch Regional Meet Session consisted of In depth Look at Foaming was the
Presentations which were very relevant to the region. topic taken up by U.Savadekar of
Following self introductions by attendees, the first Heera Rotopolymers. He discussed
presentation was Good Processing Practices by  Ashish different types of foaming and
Baheti of Baheti Rotoplast. He ran through a series of followed it up with a case study.
Trouble shooting Solutions to illustrate good processing StAR GOVERNANCE – EXPANSION AND
techniques. CHANGE
Understanding the Underground Market for The Governance structure of
Rotomoulding was presented by Raphy John of United StAR has been expanded with the
Polymers. The challenge lies in tackling the buoyancy formation of a Board of Directors,
issue. The pros and cons of underground rotomoulded commissioned in July this year. While
tanks were weighed against conventional ones through the “GB” - Governing Body remains
SWOT analysis. in its original status; four officer
members from “GB” have joined with
12 four New members to form this new
34 active Board of Directors.
Also included in the Board
are the Founding Chairman
and the Executive Director
of StAR. This Board will
bring / encourage new
blood - new active members
to provide effective and
reinvigorated management
and leadership to StAR
activities and goals.

1. Seminar Call for Papers
Attendees
2. Sushil, This is an advance notice on t
for papers” for ARMO 2013 i
Santosh,
Swetang If you are interested in makin
& Venit a Presentation at the confere
at Tea break please get in touch with the St
3. Discussion at [email protected]
during a Meet
Presentation
4. Qutub Minar,

Delhi

8



All armo members are part of the event with a Call for Papers
welcome to Cairns, now open to all moulders throughout the
Australia in march, 2013 world. Moulder presentations provide a
free registration and if you would like further
The ROTOMOULD 2013 Conference information please contact Michelle on
will welcome delegates to the tropical [email protected]
paradise that is Cairns, and more Rotomould conferences are known worldwide for
specifically Palm Cove from Sunday the their social events and networking opportunities and
10th March to Tuesday the 12th March. 2013 will be no exception. If you are interested in
Sponsorship of Rotomould 2013 the information will be
Known as the Riviera of Tropical North released in the next few weeks.
Queensland, Palm Cove has become To keep updated as the event progresses’ just visit
an enclave for those seeking luxury www.rotationalmoulding.com and click on Events.
amidst palm fringed tranquillity. Located
just 30 minutes north from the bustle of
central Cairns and 30 minutes south of Port Douglas,
the beautiful seaside village combines charm and
sophistication with the warmth of the tropical
north.
Among the contemporary elegance of the village,
Novotel Palm Cove offers the perfect environment
for delegates to enjoy a conference with a
difference.
Tucked between the Great Barrier Reef in the
Coral Sea and the lush rolling downs of the Atherton
Tableland to the west, Palm Cove is renowned for its
tourism attractions like the Great Barrier Reef and the
Wet Tropics World Heritage rainforest.
There is something here for every visitor to enjoy …
adrenaline-charged adventures like diving, white water
rafting and bungy jumping or more gentle pursuits
like birdwatching, hiking, gourmet restaurants
or just sitting under a palm tree sipping a
cocktail.
But of course a Rotomould conference
is not all about enjoying the local
wonders……a conference
program packed with
technical and business
presentations will
form the major

10

www.sat-thermique.com

GAMA Roto-Sat: When e.g. aeronautics, space technology, railway industry,
versatility and flexibility go operating on five continents.
hand in hand with energy-
effectiveness SAT is an excellent partner for rotomolders who can
benefit from its considerable experience in high-
The company SAT, is located in the French region precision industries by applying the best proven
Rhone-Alpes, in the town of Mery en Savoir which technologies to rotational molding.
neighbors Lyon and at the foot of trans-Alpine Massifs.
It specializes in the design and supply of industrial SAT is also the only French supplier of rotomolding
ovens as well as providing solutions connected with machines. At present, it is managed by Mr. Walter
thermic processes in industry. The company was Jaconelli, an engineer in fluid mechanics with over ten
established in 1953 and it is now getting ready to years’ experience in the rotational molding market who
celebrate its 60th anniversary next year! holds a MBA diploma from Lyon’s School of
As a company with 30 years of extensive experience in Management.
forced convection heat transfer, SAT entered rotational
molding in 1980. Taking advantage of its proximity to Lyon, the host city
Since then, the company has developed a wide range of of ARMO 2012, SAT wishes to mark its presence at this
rotational molding machines ranging from an conference by endorsing it as a Gold Sponsor. For the
independent arm carrousel machine to a two-arm company and its teams, it is a way of thanking
shuttle-type linear one, as well as super efficient rotomolders for putting their trust in us. It’s also an
stationary machines, portable ovens, and shuttle opportunity for SAT to demonstrate its professionalism
rotomolding machine for industrial processing of heavy and faith in the development of this market, while
and large-capacity parts. making sure to maintain its most important assets:
Today, over 200 Roto-Sat machines are in use flexibility and timely engagement!
worldwide. These machines are manufactured in Roto-
Sat’s Business Unit, which also markets its activities ROTO-SAT VV6002: A COLLOSAL, AND YET
connected with slush-molding (a plastics processing INDUSTRIAL, MACHINE
method utilized mainly in the manufacture of
automotive products such as dashboards or door In SAT, we call GAMA Roto-Sat VV a ‘Shuttle-Rotatif’. It
panels). The presence on this market means that our is an innovative machine based on a bi-arm tower and
Business Unit teams frequently cooperate with top a moving area enabling both hardening and cooling
automotive suppliers. (whole or partial). This innovation goes back to the
Apart from the above mentioned, other Business Unit 1990s when we expanded the range of
sections (including Solutions for Light Alloys Heat machinery offered. SAT engineers and
Treatment, Industrial Ovens, Furnaces, and Heating thermotechnicians worked to
Tunnels) engage SAT engineers and technicians’ with introduce a range of machines
expertise in high precision processes. These skills are for rotational molding, which
required in value added, high technological markets, could supply large volume
parts while retaining
high energy
efficiency. This

“ SAT is a privileged supplier of the
major contractors of Automotive
and Aerospace Industries, which
leads to excellence and the best techno-
logies. My company therefore intends to
bring to rotomoulders the best of its great
industrial experience !.” Walter Jaconelli

www.armo-global.org [email protected] 11



www.sat-thermique.com

needs. facilitate its operation are just one thing, but this new
Our Roto-Sat Business Unit is currently working on a tool will allow the users to carry out more effective
high-scale project concerning machines for rotomolding control and measurement of the machine’s daily
and slush molding. With regard output.
to slush molding activities
connected with the design of Such supervision, developed
machines for the manufacture automatically and internally
of dashboards or car door by SAT technicians, can be
panels, the development of exercised by means of a classic
new generation ovens needs to method, a simple functionality
be emphasized. They will raise for users who do not need
machine efficiency by over additional facilities. However,
40%, both in terms of energy those new extra facilities will
consumption and production take the users even further
rates, as their effectiveness is ahead, as they will let them
closely related to the overall monitor completely, the
performance of these complex output per hour, day, year… By
machines. When it comes to installing some optional
rotational molding, the equipment, users will be able
improvement of prevailing to supervise in real time and
ovens must be mentioned. archive data concerning the
Although even these ovens machine’s energy and fuel
exceed the standard consumption.
effectiveness desired on the All this information can be
market, SAT decided that there stored in the form of a
is always room for database, which – thanks to
improvement which the use of output monitoring
nevertheless could not be complimentary to machine
achieved without the proper control software – can record
tool for simulation. the data in tables showing the
Therefore, cooling processes in initial variables, which can
Roto-Sat’s ovens were carefully analyzed so that then be changed by the user.
significant improvement can be made on the flow, Rotomolders can thus assume a more effective strategy
consumption and restitution of energy while baking. of product or market development, in accordance with
Our goal is to design an oven which would ensure the more detailed, real-time data collected from their
best possible consumption indicator with relation to machine. This new interface and the new convenient
the weight of processed raw material, regardless of the solutions will be offered in all new Roto-Sat machines,
load settings. We should also mention development but they can also be introduced to the existing ones
projects that SAT implements in order to come up with ROTO-SAT M: the Manege series – a top list of
the design of an innovative oven that will considerably conventional machines
lower the carbon footprint involved in rotational SAT is constantly improving its range of Roto-Sat M
molding processes. Manege fixed arm machines. It is a series of high
To sum up, there are numerous innovative actions precision rotomolding machinery. In SAT’s opinion,
undertaken by SAT, especially in its favorite field of multifunctional Manege, consisting of three fixed arms,
thermal efficiency! portable oven and open cooling space, is the best
MACHINE CONTROL:
TOWARDS BETTER
MONITORING OF
PRODUCTION AND ENERGY
CONSUMPTION
Engineering and technician
teams at SAT have introduced
the new Homme-Machine
interface. Graphic
improvements worked out to

www.armo-global.org [email protected] 13





ARMSA ARMSA has recently had some new Members join
Rotation 2012 namely ACD RotoFlo - a new Colour Compounder
Conference and Supplier of Rotomoulding and Coating Powders,
Trogtek - an existing Rotomoulder of Animal feeding
Conference is being held in the 5 Systems, Makoro Tanks - a moulder of water tanks.
star Zebula Lodge from 5th to 7th
September. Clive Robertson outgoing Chairman of ARMSA will
present a paper on the South African Rotomoulding
Zebula is one of Africa’s premier Bush, Golf and Industry Consumption of Polymer since 1998 and
Spa destinations. ARMSA will be holding its AGM he will briefly touch on some significant factors that
on the evening of 5th September which will include occurred during that time. He will also present a
the election of a New Chairman and office bearers. Company Profile on his new company ACD RotoFlo
The new ARMSA Committee will be announced which has recently been established to offer Colour
shortly after the Conference. The Conference is kindly Compounded Rotomoulding and Coating Powders
Sponsored by Sasol Polymers; ACD RotoFlo; MBT SA in Kya Sands Randburg Johannesburg. Clive has had
agents from SCG Thailand and Stuart Polymers. During over 18 years experience in supplying Rotomoulding
the Conference the ARMSA Product of the Year will be Powders and over 35 years experience in the Plastics
selected and Sasol Polymers will announce the winners Industry in South Africa.
of the Sasol Polymers Student Design Competition
which was judged recently.

Sustainability in
rotation

From the new possibilities on
offer from biopolymers and
rotomoulding comes a more
environmentally-friendly
form of mobility

The rotomoulding technology has taken on
a leading role within the world of design
thanks to its design, feasibility and financial
potential. One limitation, however, when
both developing solu­tions and using it in other
application areas, is still linked to the materials
that can be used with this manufacturing
technique. With the arrival of the new Bio TP
Seal from Total new possibilities have appeared
on the horizon, as an interesting meeting
organised by Persico at its production plant
back in June showed. In particular, the use of

16





Persico Rotomulding and Ferry OPINIONS REGARDING THE AGREEMENT
Indutries Inc., a team in motion Harry Covington,
Ferry Industries Inc.
A renewed agreement for commercial
and technical assistance to enhance the “ This agreement with Persico is very important
Distribution of traditional rotational for our European customers in terms of technical
moulding machines in Europe. support for already existing machines. It is also
valuable for creating new business opportunities
PERSICO IS THE EXCLUSIVE SALES AGENT FOR FERRY for the Ferry product line. There is a lot of synergy in
ROTOSPEEDTM ROTOMOULDLING MACHINES IN THE the market between our two companies, Persico and
EUROPEAN MARKET. Ferry, and that works out to the total advantage and
Through a recently extended marketing agreement, benefit of our European customers. Our machines
Persico Rotomoulding will continue as the exclusive offer advantages compared to other traditional
European sales agent for the RotospeedTM line of rotomoulding machines. Rotospeed is known for
rotational moulding machines made by Ferry Industries the performance of the oven system and the cooling
Inc. USA. Ferry is a major worldwide supplier of system, and the ability to carry more weight than
traditional rotational moulding machines and has many competing machines. Ferry’s advanced RotoCure
machines already installed in the European market. software meets diverse production needs and can
The alliance with Persico provides for an on-going be integrated in a total process control system with
relationship with all customers. Rotolog and IRT (infrared thermometry).”
As Ferry’s agent, Persico sells new Rotospeed machines Claudia Persico,
and provides maintenance services and spare parts Persico Rotomoulding
for existing equipment. At its production site, Persico
will install a Ferry Rotospeed M 2600 in-line shuttle “Persico helps its customers all the way through
machine in its Research & Development Department. the stages of the production chain. Even
The installation of the demonstration machine will be customers completely new to rotational moulding
completed by October for potential customers to view can, with technical support from Persico’s personnel,
and use for testing purposes. develop their ideas into finished products. Design,
FERRY ROTOSPEEDTM: 4 ARMS AND 5 STATIONS models, moulds, both traditional rotomoulding
Ferry Industries can be credited with developing and machines, like ROTOSPEEDTM, and innovative machines,
producing the first 4-arm, 5-station independent- such as LEONARDO. We are able to assist our customers
arm rotomoulding machine. This innovation was so that they will acquire the rotational moulding know-
introduced to the market in 1985. The Rotospeed how they need in order to obtain the product they
machine’s independent arms (each arm indexes on its want.”
own) provide the user with the opportunity to work
with multiple stations for heating, cooling, loading and
unloading operations. Each cart rotates around a centre
pivot post and shares a common load-bearing track.
Rotospeed independent-arm machines can be bought
starting with only one arm/cart, and up to three more
may be added subsequently without modifications to
the existing machine. Double ovens or double cooling
stations are available initially, or a second oven or
cooling station can be added later on, thanks to the
modular layout of the Rotospeed independent-arm
concept.

www.armo-global.org [email protected] 19