The realm of custom plastic extrusion is both complex and fascinating. As the heart of manufacturing custom plastic tubing, it plays a critical role in numerous industries. From the medical field to automotive and beyond, these industries rely on the versatility, durability, and cost-effectiveness of custom plastic profile extrusions.
Follow along below as we explore the wide range of industries that leverage the plastic extrusion process and how it impacts our everyday life.
What is Custom Plastic Extrusion?
Plastic extrusion is a process where plastic materials are melted down and reshaped into continuous profiles. A key component of this is the custom plastic profile extrusion, which creates unique forms of plastic tubing based on the extrusion need of different industries. It involves using a die and tooling to shape molten plastic into profiles or tubes of a specific diameter.
Raw materials like thermoplastic elastomer, polyethylene, and flexible PVC are used in the process, resulting in extruded plastic profiles that are hollow, durable, and adaptable to various applications. These include the production of pipes, tubes, and other custom plastic profiles. The extrusion process offers a range of capabilities, including crosshead extrusion and tube extrusion, opening up a world of possibilities for industries in need of custom solutions.
The Role of Custom Plastic Extrusion in Various Industries
Custom plastic tubing is widely used in various industries for a range of applications. Some of the industries that commonly use custom plastic tubing include:
- Medical Industry
The medical field is a prime user of custom plastic tubing. Here, the extrusion process allows for the fabrication of flexible and rigid tubing used in a range of devices such as catheters, IV lines, and medical bags. Quality assurance is of the utmost importance in this industry, which requires tubes of varying diameters, lengths, and material properties.
- Automotive Industry
In the automotive sector, custom plastic profile extrusions play a key role in creating parts like seals, gaskets, tubing for fluid transfer, and protective coverings for wiring. The industry values the durability and cost-effectiveness of the extruded plastic profile, which can withstand a range of environmental conditions.
- Construction Industry
Plastic profile extrusion is also widely used in the construction industry. Whether it’s for window frames, door frames, or insulation, the extruded plastic parts offer a reliable, weather-resistant, and energy-efficient solution.
- Electronics Industry
In electronics, custom plastic extrusions are used to create insulating covers and conduits for cables, while plastic profiles can help to house or protect the circuitry. The versatility of the plastic extrusion process allows for a wide range of customizable options to meet the specific needs of this rapidly evolving industry.
- Food and Beverage Industry
Custom extrusion also finds its place in the food and beverage industry. From plastic tubing used in beverage dispensers to food-grade plastic profiles for packaging equipment, the material’s hygienic properties, durability, and low cost make it an appealing choice.
These are just a few examples, as custom plastic tubing is also applied in the aerospace, marine, and telecommunications industries among others.
Custom Extrusions at Plastic Extrusion Tech
With a wide range of applications across multiple industries, the value of custom plastic extrusions cannot be overstated. Each industry presents a unique set of challenges and requirements, and custom plastic tubing, fabricated through profile extrusion, offers adaptable and versatile solutions.
Whether it’s creating a simple tube or developing a complex plastic profile, the Plastic Extrusion Tech offers a custom plastic extrusion for every industry’s unique needs, making it a critical component in our everyday lives.
Contact our team for help with your custom plastic tubing needs and one of our representatives will be in touch!