Plastic Coextrusions
Coextrusion is defined as the simultaneous extrusion of multiple layers of material. This type of extrusion utilizes two or more extruders to melt and deliver a steady volumetric throughput of different viscous plastics to a single extrusion head (die), which extrudes the materials into the desired form. The thickness of each layer is determined by the relative speed and size of the individual extruders delivering the materials.
Coextrusions allow us to employ the unique characteristics of various polymers in the same profile or tube. This produces a multitude of useful products you will find at Plastic Extrusion Technologies.
The advantage of using co-extrusion over single extrusion is that each material used maintains its desired properties once it becomes the finished extruded product. This includes characteristics such as stiffness, impermeability, or environmental-resistance.
Our expertise with uniquely challenging plastic tubing and profile extrusions, partnered with our commitment to quality, has led us into many industries. As a leading supplier of extruded plastic tubing, profiles, and thermoplastics, we continue to prove time and again that our products are the highest quality in the industry.
The Coextrusion Process
During the standard extrusion process, plastic pellets are gravity fed into a, extruder, where compression screws melt and feed the plastic materials through a die. The coextrusion process involves multiple extruders forming layered plastic parts. Compatible plastic materials are extruded, delivering the right amount of molten plastic needed for that certain operation. The plastic material retains its original properties and is combined into a compound-material. If the plastic is mixed prior to the extrusion process, the characteristics of the materials may be changed, but the end result is a homogeneous plastic product.
Some polymers will not adhere to others. Introducing a conductive middle layer can often solve this problem. Plastics that have a much larger melting temperature difference are also unsuitable for the coextrusion process because degradation will occur. PVC and acetals should not be coextruded together because of the potentially violent reactions that can occur due to the difference in heat tolerances and melting temperatures.
Plastic Extrusion Technologies is able to use many different types of molten plastic in the coextrusion process. Some of the most commonly used plastics include:
- Polyethylene, low and high-density
- Acrylic / Noryl
- Polypropylene (different variations of polymer)
- ABS
- PVC
- TPR
Plastic Extrusion Applications
Plastic Extrusion Technologies creates plastic profile extrusions using the highest quality plastic material in order to protect against corrosion over time. Some of our creations include, but are not limited to:
- Brush products
- Refrigeration
- Hydroponics
- Cable and wire
- Safety products
- Agriculture
- Commercial construction
Why Choose Plastic Extrusion Technologies?
At Plastic Extrusion Technologies, customer satisfaction is our top priority. Since 1997, we have been developing solutions for your plastics needs across a wide range of markets, earning the trust and confidence of our customers along the way. We are dedicated to creating innovative solutions that bring your plastic products to market on time and within budget.
We excel in quality through our commitment to continual improvement. To accomplish this, we have developed policies and procedures to ensure the effectiveness of our quality management system and manufacturing process.
Please contact our experts to receive more information concerning our coextrusion services and custom plastic extrusion services. See what Plastic Extrusion Technologies can do for you.