Plastic Channels
Plastic channels are linear extruded profiles which can be extruded to any
length for use as trim, insulators, sealants, connectors and gutters. Channels
can attach, hold, guard, seal and direct flow of liquid. A wide variety of
industries use various types of plastic, PVC, acrylic and vinyl channels in
a diversity of applications, and plastic extruders are often capable of catering
to multiple industries due to the versatility of the plastic
extrusion process. Many different types of profiles with fairly close tolerances
can be fabricated with plastic extrusion simply by changing the die, or the
mold through which the molten plastic is pushed. Common types of profiles include
J-channels, H-channels and U-channels, although much more complicated profiles
are often extruded for applications such as window insulation, which requires
multiple internal gaps and chambers for heat and sound insulation.
Construction industries use plastic channels quite extensively, not only for
window trim and insulation, but for outdoor siding, indoor and outdoor trim,
outdoor gutters (commonly known as U-channels), indoor drains and gutters,
door frame trim and insulation, and for guards and bumpers around sharp corners
and edges. Appliance manufacturers use flexible PVC and vinyl channels for
refrigerator and stove door sealant, while automotive industries use many profiled
channels for interior and exterior trim and bumpers.
Lawn and garden industries manufacture plastic channels for gutters, hoses
and garden fixtures, while furniture, marine and recreational industries use
plastic channels for numerous incidentals. Commercial manufacturers extrude
plastic channels into curtain rods, drinking straws, picture frames, partition
holders, point of purchase displays, shelving and guards. Channels are often
co-extruded, combining hard plastic with softer plastic or rubber to create
soft sealing channels with hard fixtures.