What are Plastic Extrusions?
Plastic extrusions are like aluminum extrusions, with the difference being, raw plastic is melted and formed into a continuous profile and pressed through a specific built die. It can be cut to length, long or short and the profile can possibly be formed or easily welded into a final shape. In addition, by adding another (1, 2 or 3) extruder to the line, a dual/tri durometer extrusion can be added, to make a flexible living hinge or a gasket, or a gripper, or a separate color to a specific area of the profile face.
Plastic extrusions are everywhere in our daily life, from plastic tubing, point of purchase displays, seals and gaskets, windows and doors, skylights, fencing, signage, decorative trim, furniture and much more. It’s uses are endless. Colors are endless as well, including being able to match “metallic looking” materials in a cost effective way.
Why Use Plastic Extrusions?
The decision to use plastic extrusions is based on its ability to be easily formed, its light weight, great corrosion resistance, resistance to cold temperature transmission, its ability to be colored and color matched, its ability to be recycled and that it is relatively inexpensive. Most traditional plastics can be used, such as ABS, clear Acrylic, Cellulose Acetate Butyrate, Polycarbonate, Low Density Polyethylene, High Density Polyethylene, Polypropylene, High Impact Styrene, Polyurethane, PETG, Rigid PVC, Flexible PVC, Transparent PVC, Styrolux, TPR, TPE, and more.
Tooling for a plastic profile can be made relatively quickly and moderately inexpensively. Once a desired material is selected, then following a few rules of thumb for that specific material, the die can be created. If a die is made, to your design, you own the rights to that tooling, for as long as you buy material.
Whether you are looking for a cost-effective substitution for metal or your requirements need a specific type of material, give us a call or send us drawings and let us help you find the best solution. Click “Request More Info” below to contact us about your plastic extrusion needs.