Without plastic, our lives would be very different.
It’s great to think about all the cool plastic things you’ve used in your life. It’s even better to know how plastic products are made.
Plastic extrusion is forming plastic parts into desired shapes using machinery. This process also produces continuous shapes like plastic tubes and pipes.
Read on to learn three key aspects of plastic extrusion worth knowing.
1. Plastic Extrusion Can Do Custom Shapes
The variety of applications of stock plastic extrusions includes the production of:
- Sign Posts
- Furniture
- Piping
- Electrical Connectors
- Door Frames
- Packaging
- Automotive Parts
First, the plastic extrusion process begins by applying heat and melting a plastic material. Common materials used for this process are polyethylene, polystyrene, or polypropylene.
The next step is forcing the material through a die. The die determines the shape of the extruded product. This process is a cost-effective way to produce a wide variety of shapes in large volumes.
The only limitation is the imagination of the designer. Manufacturers can customize shapes as required by their customers. This enables product designers to create innovative products with unique features and characteristics.
2. Plastic Extrusion Is Cost-Effective
There are several advantages of stock plastic extrusion compared to other manufacturing methods. Among the known benefits are speed, low labor costs, and low material costs.
Stock plastic extrusion can use a variety of raw materials and additives. This includes polymers, resins, pigments, and more. It is highly automated, which helps keep labor costs low.
The process can produce complex shapes, sizes, and configurations with high accuracy. With plastic extrusion, manufacturers can create custom products quickly and cost-effectively.
Because stock plastic extrusion requires minimal materials, it has less waste and cost. This makes it an ideal process for mass production of parts.
3. Plastic Extrusion Products Are Durable
Plastic extrusion products are highly durable based on application. It is because the product is created under high pressure, eliminating air bubbles and other imperfections. Additionally, plastic extrusion materials have superior tensile strength, making them more resistant to wear and tear.
Plastic extrusion products have a much greater lifespan than their alternatives. This manufacturing method can provide quality and durable products. Quality means having consistent parts that are strong and durable.
It is durable because it can withstand extremes in working conditions such as temperature, humidity, and wear. This makes them ideal for industrial and commercial applications. This process is vital for a wide range of industries worldwide.
Product qualities that can be achieved with plastic extrusion include:
- Material Strength
- Light-Weight
- Resistant to Corrosion
- Uniformity
- Good Surface Finish
Rely on the Best Plastic Extrusion Companies
Overall, plastic extrusion is a versatile and cost-effective way of manufacturing products. Plastic extrusion can customize a variety of shapes and sizes. The production process is cost-effective, and the products are durable.
With this simple guide, find the best plastic extrusion company you can work with.
To learn more about the manufacturing process and other topics, read our latest blogs!
