Plastic Profile extrusion is a process that is used for applications that require the final product to have a consistent cross-section, for example a pipe or a tube. Plastic Profile extrusion is a relatively low cost manufacturing process that can produce high volume production rates, making it one of the most common plastic manufacturing methods.
How does Plastic Profile Extrusion work?
Plastic extrusion involves melting plastic material, forcing it into a die to shape it into a continuous profile, then cutting it to length. The process is very similar to plastic injection moulding, only differing in the fact that plastic extrusion is a continuous process. In Injection moulding the product is pulled out of the die, unlike in extrusion where the fluid resin is extruded through the die.
Raw resin or thermoplastic material is placed in the extruder’s hopper. Additions can be made to the resin to suit the requirements of the final application such as UV inhibitors, anti-oxidants or colourants, these can be in liquid or pellet form.
When the material enters the feed throat near the rear of the barrel it comes into contact with a thermoplastic rotating screw. The screw forces the plastic resin forward into the barrel that is heated to the melting temperature, which differs depending on the resin. The barrel heat settings can be adjusted using independent PID (proportional-integral-derivative controller) controlled heat zones that gradually increase the temperature of the barrel. This is done to reduce the chance of overheating, by making sure that the plastic resin is melted gradually. Overheating can cause the degradation in the polymer.
The mixture is then pushed through a screen to remove any contaminants and then the plastic mix can enter the die. The die gives the final product its profile and shape. The design of the die must ensure that the molten plastic flows evenly to avoid unwanted stresses which can cause warping upon cooling.
The final product is now cooled by pulling the extrude through a water bath. As plastic is an excellent thermal insulator, it does not cool quickly. In comparison to steel, plastic conducts heat away 2000 times slower. To ensure that the newly formed product retains its shape, the sealed water bath uses a carefully controlled vacuum so as to make sure the tube or pipe does not collapse. In sheet extrusion cooling rollers are used to cool the sheet as it exits the extruder.
Once the final product has cooled, it can be spooled or cut into lengths.
What is Plastic Profile Extrusion used for?
Plastic Extrusion is used for piping, plastic sheeting, weather stripping, wire insulation, adhesive tape, window frames, fencing, deck railings as well as pipe and tubing.
Plastic extruders Euro Extrusions Ltd has secured its position as a major player in the plastic manufacturing industry, supplying thermoplastic sheet and film. Euro Extrusion’s sister company, Aquarius Manufacturing Ltd creates Profile Extruded Pipe products from 100% recycled material. With over 25 years in the plastics manufacturing industry, Aquarius has affirmed its positon as the market leader in the recycled plastics and rubber market. They produce 4×4 wheel covers, rubber edge protector and soaker hose, a root and surface level irrigation system.
The soaker hose pipe is a breathable recycled rubber irrigation pipe allows water to penetrate the soil slowly over a period of time. This environmentally friendly product saves water, time and money. The Soaker hose can be attached to any standard garden pipe. For more information about the Soaker Hose visit http://soakerhose.info/.
To find out more about plastic extrusion or any other plastic product contact Euro Extrusions, contact us here for more information.
