Plastic Extrusion Profiles

Determining the best type of plastic / material for a plastic extrusion depends on the end use product and other factors including environmental factors and durability concerns.  Options can be narrowed down once there is a general understanding of the required application as well as the benefits of the various material types.  For example, ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene) is a very rigid and tough material but is usually used where long outdoor exposure is not required.  However, high-density polyethylene (HDPE) is very sturdy and is often used outdoors on park benches, tables, chairs and playground equipment.

Determining the right kind of material for your plastic extrusion profile is very important in the planning process.  Below are common materials used; however, there can be others by request:

• ABS – (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene)
• Clear Acrylic
• CAB – Cellulose Acetate Butyrate
• Polycarbonate
• LDPE – (Low Density Polyethylene)
• HDPE – (High Density Polyethylene)
• Polypropylene plastic
• HIPS – (Hi – Impact PolyStyrene)
• Polyurethane
• PETG (Polyethylene Terephthlate Glycol)/Copolyester
• Eastman Provista™ Copolymer
• Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) – Rigid
• Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) – Flexible
• Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) – Transparent
• Styrolux® – (Clear Styrene-Butadiene Copolymer)
• TPR – (Thermo Plastic Rubber)
• TPE – (Thermo Plastic Elastomer)

Plastic extrusions can be found in almost every industry and in a large variety of everyday products including Point of Purchase (POP) displays, outdoor furniture, fences and garage door weathering, medical devices, sneeze guards, commercial refrigeration, appliances, plastic dock bumpers, boat guides, and custom-built plastic pallets.

Some of the primary benefits and advantages of plastic extrusions include:

• Lower cost / higher efficiency compared to other molding processes.
• Versatility – Ability to create very complex shapes and shapes of varying texture, thickness, color, etc.
• Allows for alterations post-extrusion – since plastic takes time to cool, manufacturers may continue to implement changes on the product.

There are many common customization options which include:

• Custom profiles up to 22” wide and 7” tall
• Tubing to 4” round
• Multi-durometer and multi-color custom plastic extrusions
• Tolerances of .010” or better, exceeding industry standards
• Co- and tri-extruded plastic parts and components
• Dies and plastic extruded shapes made to your specifications
• Custom colors, including metallic, and color matching to pantone numbers
• Secondary options, including sawing, slotting, solvent bonding, tape application, taping, heat sealing, embossing, cutting, hot stamping, gluing, punching, special packaging, notches, coiling, drilling, holes, routing, labeling, mitering, multiple punching and CNC routing