Water drinkers for cattle are typically manufactured from polyethylene which is UV light and frost resistant - Leaving Cert Engineering - Question d - 2021

The most suitable polymer manufacturing process for creating water drinkers from polyethylene is Injection Moulding.

Step-by-Step Process of Injection Moulding:

1. Feeding the Polymer: Pellets of thermoplastic polymer are introduced into the hopper of the injection moulding machine.
2. Screw Mechanism: A screw within the barrel moves these pellets forward toward the heated section.
3. Melting Process: Heaters along the barrel raise the temperature to melt the polymer, converting it from solid to liquid.
4. Injection into Mould: Once sufficient liquid polymer is present, a ram injects the molten polymer into the cavity of the mould, which is designed in the shape of the water drinker.
5. Cooling and Solidification: The polymer cools and solidifies within the mould, taking the final shape of the water drinker.
6. Ejection: Finally, the mould opens, and the finished product is ejected, ready for use.