Plastic extrusion is a method industry utilize to produce a variety of products including such common items as:
• Adhesive tapes
• Pipes
• Tubing
• Window frames
• Wire insulation
Custom plastic extrusion uses melted thermoplastic to create specialty, unique and original parts on demand. Although the process of feeding the pellets, beads or chips (resin), forcing it through the extruder’s barrel via a screw extruder to melt and reform into a solid shape, is identical to standard extrusion, the dies in use replicate the unique specifications of the molding company’s customer.
Materials
While the customer and the plastic manufacturer have some choice in the selection of the materials for the component, all choices must fall within certain parameters. Above all, they must be within the classification of thermoplastics. This type of plastic is the only one capable of melting and re-solidifying during under extrusion. Plastics that are capable of standard or custom plastic extrusion include the following:
• Acetate (EVA)
• Acrylic
• Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS)
• Chlorinated Polyvinyl Chloride (CPVC)
• Nylon (polyamides)
• Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC)- flexible/rigid/semi-rigid
• Polycarbonate (PC)
• Polyethylene – High, Low or Linear Low Density (HDPE, LDPE, LLDPE)
• Polypropylene (PP)
• Polystyrene (HIPS)
• Polyurethane (PU)
• Santoprene
• Thermoplastic elastomers (TPE)
• Thermal Plastic Olefin (TPO)
• Thermal Plastic Vulcanite (TPV)
Other criteria do apply including, application environment and cost. Furthermore, for the process, the company or customer may elect to use only virgin material. However, due to the very nature of the process and materials, it is possible to utilize recycled or “used” plastics. By employing the latter, all involved parties are indicating their dedication to the environment and sustainability.
Custom Plastic Extrusion
Plastic extrusion is a specific method capable of providing components and items suitable for pipes, tubes, weather stripping, films and lab equipment and much more. For many companies, standard extrusion suffices. However, for others, this will not suffice. Instead, they will request a custom plastic extrusion processto produce the desired result.
