The custom plastic extrusion process is varied, with applications sometimes requiring two or more different materials to create a specific part. Each plastic extruding process begins with plastic sheets or granules that are sent to a manufacturing facility, where additives such as colorants and UV inhibitors are added as needed. The raw plastic materials then undergo specialized molding processes in an extrusion machine, depending on the required application. Finally, the thermoplastic material is continuously melted and pushed through specific plastic profiles before being fabricated into the final continuous profile or extruded products.
Co-Extrusion and Tri-Extrusion are two similar plastic extrusion processes that each produce distinctive results.
Co-Extrusion
The co-extrusion process involves extruding two molten plastic raw materials through a single die so that they merge into a single structure before cooling. The advantage of co-extrusion over single extrusion is that each material retains its desired properties in the finished product. This includes characteristics such as stiffness, impermeability, or environmental resistance.
Coextrusion begins with large pellets being combined in large bins, which deliver the specified formula of materials to the coextrusion machine. After the pellets are mixed and melted, they are passed through a single extrusion head, known as the die. As the materials pass through the die, a multi-layered cylindrical rod is formed from the combined materials, cooled with water, and cut to specified lengths.
Tri-Extrusion
Tri-extrusion is similar to co-extrusion, except it uses three different raw materials to create the final product rather than two.
The tri-extrusion process uses three extruders to manufacture a part with three resins of different properties. It is typically used to create an extruded part with multiple performance characteristics associated with different types of plastic materials. The biggest advantage of the tri-extrusion process is the ability to add different finishes, colors, and materials to one single extruded profile.
Plastic Extrusion Applications
Plastic Extrusion Technologies creates high-quality products using high-quality plastic material in order to protect against corrosion over time. Some of our creations include, but are not limited to, HVAC, cable and wire, and refrigeration applications:
- Brush products
- Refrigeration
- HVAC
- Cable and wire
- Safety products
- Point of purchase displays
- Commercial construction
Contact Plastic Extrusion Technologies
As one of the top plastic extruders in Ohio, Plastic Extrusion Technologies provides quality plastic extrusions and tubing extrusions. We are always eager to find cost-effective solutions to your polymers and plastic extrusion needs. We are here to solve any extrusion challenge you might encounter by providing the highest-quality extruded parts on the market.
If you would like to learn more about our plastic extrusion process or require plastic extrusion services, contact us. With over 100 years of experience, Plastic Extrusion Technologies is happy to answer any questions you might have about the manufacturing process and meet your professional needs.