Plastic Extrusion Manufacturing
The Extrusion Process
Thermoplastic extrusion begins by the plastic resin (usually in the form of small pellets) being loaded into the hopper of the extruder. The raw materials are mixed with color and UV prohibiting agents as dictated by the specifications of the end product. This mixture is gravity fed into the rear of the extruder barrel. The extruder uses a rotating screw to move the mixed raw material forward through the extruder barrel. As the material passes through the barrel it is heated gradually. This gradual heating process lowers the possibility of overheating the plastic polymer. At the front of the extruder the breaker plate and screen pack are mounted to maintain needed back pressure in the extruder and filter out any contaminates. Once clean consistent material passes through the screen pack and breaker plate, it is pushed through the die. The die is an engineered metal form that gives the molten plastic it’s desired profile. Downstream equipment is added to the production line based on product design and engineering.
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The Co-extrusion Process
Co-extrusion is a process by which two extruders are utilized in the same capacity as described above however both extruders feed into the same die. The process yields products that can be made of multiple types of polymers. Co-extrusions are a great option for extrusions requiring Hinges, Seals, Soft Outer Shells, or Wing Tips just to name a few.
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Over Jacketing Extrusion Process
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The over jacketing extrusion process involves the application of the plastic polymer to an existing wire or cable. This process applies an outer layer of plastic to the wire/cable creating a protective layer as the wire or cable is pulled through the die.
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Polyform, Inc.