Queen's University Belfast
Polymer Processing
Research Centre
Rotational Moulding
Hands-On Training Seminar
20th – 21st August 2015
Queen’s University Polymer Processing Research Centre
Title: Rotational Moulding Hands-On Training Seminar
Date: 20-21 August 2015
Venue: Queen’s University Belfast, PPRC, Ashby Building, Stranmillis Road, Belfast, BT9 5AH
Seminar Overview
This unique seminar will commence with the fundamentals of the rotational moulding process using examples of new, exciting and award winning rotationally moulded parts from around the world. It will also include an in-depth study of the anatomy of the rotational moulding cycle, heating and cooling mechanisms, as well as the science behind the formation and removal of bubbles and pinholes. The diverse range of rotomoulding machinery and moulds currently available to the industry will also be illustrated.
The following session will move onto Rotational Moulding - Influences over the Process, which will determine the effects on mechanical properties of different colour blending methods, as well as the mechanisms and control of shrinkage and warpage.
Two workshops will be delivered through a series of hands-on demonstrations and classroom presentations, covering the areas of rotational moulding foaming methods, In-mould pressurisation, powder grinding/quality, advanced in-mould cooling techniques, process monitoring, new materials and future development trends for the industry.
Cost: £600 (this includes lunch, refreshments, seminar group dinner and a copy of ‘Practical Guide to Rotational Moulding 2nd Ed’ along with all course notes).
Seminar Presenters
Mark Kearns is Rotational Moulding Research Manager of the Polymer Processing Research Centre (PPRC) at Queen’s University, Belfast, N. Ireland. A Chartered Chemical Engineer and Fellow of the Institution of Chemical Engineers, he has a Masters Degree in Rotational Moulding and has been involved in rotational moulding research and industrial support projects since the early 1990’s. Following an initial two years as Deputy Production Manager in a UK rotomoulding factory, Mark has spent over 20 years at Queen’s managing rotational moulding research projects for companies across Europe, Asia and North America. He has co-authored two books and over 60 papers & conference proceedings and lectures extensively worldwide. Mark has presented advanced seminars and keynote presentations on rotational moulding technology in Europe, South Africa, Australasia, Central & South America and the United States.
Dr. Mark Mc Court holds a BSc. (Hons) in Chemistry, an MSc. in Polymer Science & Engineering and a PhD in Polymer Science all from Queens University, Belfast, N. Ireland. He is currently a Rotational Moulding Process Engineer at Queen’s University. Mark has been involved in commercial rotational moulding research and development projects for almost 15 years at Queens, carrying out R&D projects for small, medium and multinational companies across the island of Ireland, UK, Europe, Asia and North America.
Dr Paul Hanna is a process engineer in the Polymer Processing Research Centre (PPRC) at Queen’s University Belfast, N. Ireland. He holds a BSc. degree in Chemical Engineering, MSc. degree in Polymer Engineering and a PhD in Rotational Moulding from Queen’s University Belfast. He has worked on Rotational Moulding research and development projects for companies across Europe, North America and Australasia for more than 13 years.
Who will benefit?
This seminar is specifically aimed at Managers, Supervisors, Operators, Production Staff, Process Engineers, those new to the industry and those wishing to arm themselves with the latest innovations in materials, processing, energy reduction, cycletime optimisation and quality issues in Rotational Moulding.
Training Course Agenda: Day 1
Thursday 20th August
08:30 – 09:00am REGISTRATION
09:00 – 11:00am
- Background to the process
- Rotomoulding examples from around the world
- Rotomoulding Machinery
- Moulds for rotational moulding
- Unique rotomoulding designs and features
- Heating and cooling mechanisms
- Monitoring and Control systems
- Comparison with other processes
11:00 – 11:15am REFRESHMENTS BREAK/NETWORKING
11:15 – 12:30pm
- Anatomy of the rotomoulding cycle – heating/cooling
- Formation and removal of bubbles/pinholes
- Different pigment blending technologies – advantages/disadvantages
- Effect of colour/blending method on mechanical properties/quality
- Shrinkage/warpage – effects and control
- Process monitoring and control
12:30 – 1:30pm SEMINAR LUNCHEON
1:30 – 3:00pm
- Rotomoulding Practical Workshops
3:00 – 3:15pm REFRESHMENTS BREAK
3:15 – 4:30pm
- Rotomoulding Practical Workshops
4:30 – 5:00pm
- Q&A
5:00pm SEMINAR CLOSE
Training Course Agenda: Day 2
Friday 21st August
09:00 – 10:00am
- Material trends for rotomoulding
- Factors effecting rotomoulding processing and properties
- Different engineering materials available to rotomoulding
- Range of polyethylenes for rotomoulding
- Mechanical Properties – impact/stiffness/flow properties
- Grinding/Powder properties & quality
- Additives – UV/Fillers
10:00 – 11:30am
- Rotomoulding Practical Workshops
11:30 – 11:45am REFRESHMENTS BREAK
11:45 – 1:00pm
- Rotomoulding Practical Workshops
1:00 – 2:00pm SEMINAR LUNCHEON
2:00 – 3:30pm
- Rotomoulding Practical Workshops
3:30 – 3:45 REFRESHMENTS BREAK
3:45 – 5:00pm
- Rotomoulding Practical Workshops
5:00 – 5:30pm Final Q&A
5:30pm SEMINAR CLOSE
Workshop Content:
(Note: Delegates will be split into two groups to attend each workshop in rotation over the 2 days.)
Workshop 1: Powder Technology & Advanced Processing Techniques
Introduction to material grinding, determining powder quality, demonstration of pulveriser operation & best practice, new material developments, new tooling developments, internal water spray cooling.
Workshop 2: Monitoring the Process and Multi-layer Foaming
Temperature and pressure monitoring during rotomoulding, demonstration of in-mould pressurisation, demonstration of multi-layer rotomoulding, foam layer rotomoulding, mechanical testing, in mould process monitoring and demonstration of polymer testing methods – MFI/Density.
Registration Fees / Cost £Delegate Rate: Includes attendance at all technical sessions and refreshment breaks, lunch and a copy of ‘Practical Guide to Rotational Moulding’ course notes. This fee does not include accommodation, please see local Hotels below.
Note: on site payment will attract additional £25 administration fee. / £600
per person
If you would like to attend as a delegate, please complete the following information, save and email this form to
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Cancellation Policy: No refund for those who fail to attend without prior written notification.
Cancellation up to 10th August 2015, will incur a charge of £100 administration fee.
Cancellation, on or after 10th August 2015, will incur a charge of 100% of the Total Payable shown above.
For further information or for enquiries please contact: Telephone Number: 028 9097 4700, E-mail:
Local Hotels close to the Polymer Centre:
21 Malone Road
22 Belfast
23 Co. Antrim
24 BT9 6RU
Web: www.wellingtonparkhotel.com
Tel: 0044 28 9038 1111
Fax: 0044 28 9066 5410
E: / Dukes at Queen’s
65-67 University Street
Belfast
Co. Antrim
BT7 1FY
Web: www.dukesatqueens.com
Tel: 0044 28 9023 6666
Fax: 0044 28 9023 7177
E: / Malone Lodge Hotel & Apartments
60 Eglantine Avenue
Belfast
Co. Antrim
BT9 6DY
Web: www.malonelodgehotelbelfast.com
Tel: 0044 28 9038 8000
Fax: 0044 28 9038 8088
E: