Plastic Shapes

Plastic Shapes

Plastic shapes that are formed by extrusion are long, linear, consistent and structurally sound profiles which rarely if ever have bubbles or inconsistencies. Extruded products include hollow tubes and pipes, solid channels and rods, and thin, flat shapes like strips and sheeting. They are used in many different commercial and industrial applications within the automotive, aerospace, construction, plumbing, medical, marine and plumbing industries. Products like PVC pipes, aquariums, hoses, drinking straws, adhesive tapes, gutters, siding, pipes, lenses and airplane windows are made from plastic materials like PVC (polyvinyl chloride), high and low density polyethylene, butyrate, vinyl, polypropylene, polystyrene and acrylic via the extrusion process. This method of manufacturing plastic products is simple and produces high yields at a low cost. Plastic extruded parts are either mass produced in pre-determined measurements or custom made to fit the specific needs of a certain company. They may be completely clear and transparent, translucent or virtually any solid color.

The plastic extrusion process, which produces many different linear plastic shapes, is a quick three step process. First, the raw thermoplastic material, in flake or pellet form, is poured vertically into a hopper. It is fed down into an extruding channel, where it is heated until molten and forced through a die. The die can produce hollow, round or flat profiled plastic shapes and is comparable to the way toothpaste is squeezed through the opening of the tube. Immediately after the newly formed part has exited the extruder, it is cooled in a water bath and then cut to size through a conveyer system. Post-processing secondary services like anti-static coatings, punching, printing, and fixture installation are also available upon request. Coextrusion, a similar process in which multiple layers of plastic are adhered together for added strength of the part, is commonly done by plastic extruders.