What type of companies use plastic extrusions? What are the different types of plastic extrusions? What products are made by a plastic extrusion? These questions are answered below; however, due to the many advantages of using plastic extrusions in the manufacturing process and the versatility of these components, a large variety of industries and applications use plastic extrusions. Since these components can be custom designed and molded into complex shapes of varying textures, thickness, and color there is almost a limitless number of applications.
We have four main type of plastic extrusion profiles available and will provide a description, characteristics, and common applications and industries below:
1) Stock Plastic Extrusions
Stock plastic extrusions are in already in inventory and available for purchase in large quantities immediately. The below shapes are very widely used in a variety of applications and industries:
| Stock Plastic Extrusions | Description | Materials | Application | Industries |
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| C Shaped Plastic Profile | Open-faced design creates a channel where tags, cards and signs can easily be slipped into it. |
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| U Shaped Plastic Profile | The U Shaped design lends itself to decorate frames or graphic holders. |
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| H Shaped Plastic Profile | Sometimes referred to as a “joiner” channel, these plastic extrusions are able to join various materials together due to 2 channels in one extrusion. |
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| L Shaped Plastic Profile | Plastic profiles extruded at a 90 degree angle. |
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| J Shaped Plastic Profile | Referred to as “siding trim,” these plastic profiles have one side that is shorter than the other, giving it a “J” shape appearance. |
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2) Custom Plastic Extrusions
Custom plastic extrusions can be specific to a customer’s design and requirement and therefore has countless applications and industries where these can be found. Numerous characteristics of a plastic extrusion can be customized, including both the shape of the plastic extrusion as well as the materials and colors used. Examples of custom components include:
| Custom Plastic Extrusions | Description | Materials Available | Application | Industries |
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| Co and Tri Extrusion Plastic Profiles | Co and tri extrusion plastic profiles combine 2 or more materials through a single die that then then merges the materials into a single bonded component. These innovative custom plastic extrusions can combine multiple colors and can deliver plastic profiles with multiple performance characteristics. |
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| Various industries based on customer design and requirement |
| Metallic Look Plastic Profile | Metallic plastic profiles provide a simulated metal look without the price tag of aluminum extrusions or steel components. | Metal appearances available:
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| Various industries based on customer design and requirement |
| Wide and Tall Plastic Extrusions | Profiles up to 22 ½” wide or up to 7” high are available. |
| Various industries based on customer design and requirement | Various industries based on customer design and requirement |
| Custom Tube Extrusions | Profiles from a fraction of an inch in diameter to 4” round are available. | Variety of materials available |
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| Living Hinges & Flex Hinges | Living / flex hinges acts as a mechanical hinge that can be manufactured in many sizes, shapes and configurations. | Co-extruded using polyurethane (or FPVC) and bonded to high impact PVC. | Various industries based on customer design and requirement | Various industries based on customer design and requirement |
| Extruded Grippers | Plastic extrusion that can hold promotional material in place without any damage. | Extruded grippers are made from flexible pvc or urethane. |
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3) Sneeze Guard Components and Hinges
Sneeze Guards of any configuration can be created using plastic extrusions. Living hinges with grippers and co-extruded grippers can secure plexiglass into a protective shield to fit any location. These extrusions can provide protection on unique size desks and spaces where one plexiglass shield may not provide the protection needed. The sneeze guard components allow for a connection of two or more sneeze guards, are extremely easy to install and portable.
Many industries benefit from portable sneeze guards including:
- Schools
- Retail
- Office
- Government
4) Slatwall/Slatwall covers
Slatwall panels are a versatile display option for signs and merchandise. They are lightweight, adaptable and can be customized. Plastic slatwalls in various colors and wood grains are available as well as slatwall covers that can provide seasonal options or simply refresh the look. Slatwalls can be customized with corporate logos or with various backgrounds, images, patterns, or photos.
Many industries use slatwalls / slatwall covers including:
- Point of Purchase (POP)
- Retail
- Store Fixture
- Residential garage
Contact Zauderer Associates today to discuss plastic extrusions and your custom component needs.