Sustainable Solar Plastic Molding

Mission LightManufacturing transforms rotational molding into a sustainable powerhouse. We harness thermal energy from the sun to mold plastic – with zero energy costs, zero greenhouse gases. We do this with innovative technology that costs less than the traditional alternative. View the introductory video [ click here ]click here

Summary Most large plastic objects are rotationally molded – things like water tanks, kayaks, toys, and shipping cases. Over 3.6 billion pounds of plastic are rotomolded each year, which burns over 18 trillion BTUs of fossil fuels and emits more than 2 billion lbs of greenhouse gasses. LightManufacturing's Solar Rotational Molding (SRM) process uses thermal energy from the sun focused by simple sun–tracking reflectors – 'heliostats' – to heat the rotational mold. The heat is used directly, so there's no need for expensive and inefficient photovoltaic panels. We move the heat source rather than moving the heavy molds as is done in the traditional process. This 'target-ability' allows for significant simplification of the molding hardware, and lower capital costs. The result is unique – a solar process that is both cheaper to operate AND cheaper to purchase than the standard approach.

Problem Each Year, Rotational Molding Uses > 18 Trillion BTUs of Fossil Fuel Generates > 2 Billion Lbs of Greenhouse Gasses Rotational Molding Is... Capital Intensive (e.g. $300K–$1M purchase) Land Intensive (metal building, concrete pad) Impacted by increasing energy costs Locked out of new markets due to high entry costs, grid-tie requirement.

Technology ArmaturesHeat ControlSoftwareHeliostats Inexpensive electric armatures turn molds in the solar heat beam Thermal containment / molding-shell design Armature positioning, process control system, site productivity analysis Computer controlled mirrors track the sun, and deliver heat to the mold

Minimal Site Impact

No grid-tied needed

Uses Existing Tooling / Resins

Example Deployment

Finished Parts

Take-away SRM offers Significant Cost Savings Locate Factories close to Markets - reduced transport costs Virgin resin or recycled Same temperature ranges as gas ovens Potential faster cycle time due to radiative heating vs convective heating Expands rotomolding’s global potential