Extrusion Blog

Extrusion Blog

polymer resin with samples 600x402This section is a news and information blog about the Extrusion Industry.  Lean more about the types, uses, specifications, capabilities, and news about our industry.  If you need research, products, or a quote, please contact us today.

Plastics extrusion is a high-volume manufacturing process in which raw plastic is melted and formed into a continuous profile. Extrusion produces items such as pipe/tubing, weatherstripping, fencing, deck railings, window frames, plastic films and sheeting, thermoplastic coatings, and wire insulation.

Why Choose Plextrusions for Your Plastic Extrusion Requirements

When it comes to meeting your plastic extrusion requirements, Plextrusions, Inc. stands out as the go-to solution. Located in North Ridgeville, Ohio—just 25 minutes from Cleveland Hopkins Airport—our family-owned business has been a leader in custom plastic extrusion for over 40 years. From industrial components to medical tubing, we deliver precision, quality, and reliability that keep your projects on track. Here’s why partnering with Plextrusions is the smart choice for your extrusion needs.

Unmatched Expertise in Custom Extrusion

Plextrusions brings decades of experience to the table, mastering the art of custom plastic extrusion. Whether you need rigid PVC profiles for construction, flexible polyethylene tubing for fluid systems, or co-extruded parts for unique applications, our skilled team tailors solutions to your exact specs. We work with a wide range of thermoplastics—ABS, polycarbonate, polypropylene, and more—ensuring the perfect fit for industries like automotive, medical, and manufacturing.

State-of-the-Art Capabilities

Our advanced facility in Ohio is equipped to handle any plastic extrusion challenge. With cutting-edge extruders, we produce everything from single-lumen tubes to complex multi-layer profiles. Need in-line printing, hole punching, or custom lengths? We’ve got it covered. Our precision tolerances—down to thousandths of an inch—guarantee consistent, high-quality parts, whether it’s a prototype or a million-unit run.

Sourcing Extruded Plastics for the Medical Industry with Plextrusions

In the fast-evolving medical industry, precision, reliability, and innovation are non-negotiable. When it comes to sourcing extruded plastics for medical applications, Plextrusions, Inc. stands out as a trusted partner. Based in North Ridgeville, Ohio, just 25 minutes from Cleveland Hopkins Airport, we’ve spent decades perfecting custom plastic extrusion to meet the stringent demands of healthcare manufacturers. From catheter tubing to protective sleeving, our extruded plastics deliver the quality and performance your medical devices require.

Why Extruded Plastics Matter in Medicine

Extruded plastics are the backbone of countless medical components. Their versatility allows for the creation of flexible tubing, rigid profiles, and complex shapes critical for devices like IV lines, endotracheal tubes, and surgical tools. At Plextrusions, we understand that medical-grade plastics must resist chemicals, endure sterilization, and ensure patient safety—qualities we embed into every product. Our advanced extrusion process transforms materials like PVC, polyethylene, and polypropylene into solutions that meet ISO 13485 standards and FDA regulations.

Plextrusions - the power of extruded plastic

Unleashing the Potential of Plastic Extrusion with Plextrusions

In the world of manufacturing, where precision, durability, and efficiency are paramount, plastic extrusion stands out as a transformative process. Here at Plextrusions, located in North Ridgeville, Ohio, we are not just shaping plastics; we're shaping the future of industries across the board. Let's delve into how our expertise in plastic extrusion manufacturing can bring unparalleled benefits to your projects.

Cost-Efficiency and High-Volume Production:
At Plextrusions, we understand that cost is a critical factor. Plastic extrusion is one of the most economical methods for producing plastic products. Our state-of-the-art machinery operates continuously, minimizing downtime and maximizing output. This means lower costs per unit and the capability to meet high-volume demands without the risk of inventory shortages. Our process ensures that your products are not only affordable but also available when you need them.

Unmatched Flexibility and Versatility:
The beauty of plastic extrusion lies in its versatility. Whether you need intricate profiles, tubing, or custom shapes, Plextrusions has the capability to mold your vision into reality. We specialize in extruding a wide range of flexible and rigid PVC profiles but are not limited to PVC alone. From polyethylene to polypropylene, our facility handles various plastics, offering you a spectrum of materials to choose from, ensuring your products meet specific performance requirements.

What type of products are made from polypropylene?

polypropylene parts extrusions plextrusionsPolypropylene is a versatile thermoplastic polymer used in a wide range of products due to its durability, chemical resistance, and cost-effectiveness. Common products made from polypropylene include:

  1. Packaging Materials: Polypropylene is widely used in food packaging, such as containers, yogurt cups, and bottle caps, because it resists moisture and maintains freshness.

  2. Textiles: It is commonly used in the production of fibers for ropes, carpets, upholstery, and reusable tote bags.

What types of products use Rigid Polyvinyl Chloride?

polyvynil chloride mfg plextrusionsRigid Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) is a versatile and widely used plastic material known for its durability, chemical resistance, and ease of processing. It is used in various industries for a wide range of products. Here are some common applications:

1. Construction Materials

  • Pipes and Fittings: Used extensively for plumbing, drainage, and sewage systems due to its strength and resistance to corrosion.
  • Window Frames: Popular in the construction of window frames for its durability and thermal insulation properties.
  • Doors: Used for manufacturing doors, including both exterior and interior doors.
  • Cladding and Siding: Applied as exterior cladding and siding on buildings for protection and aesthetic purposes.
  • Roofing Sheets: Utilized in roofing systems for its waterproof and weather-resistant properties.
  • Flooring: Employed in vinyl flooring products for its durability and ease of maintenance.

2. Electrical Applications

What types of product are made from Flexible Polyvinyl Chloride

Flexible Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) is a versatile plastic material that, when plasticizers are added, becomes soft and pliable, making it suitable for a wide range of applications.  Flexible Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) is a pliable version of PVC, achieved by adding plasticizers. It is renowned for its durability, chemical resistance, and versatility. Widely used in products like medical tubing, electrical cable insulation, and waterproof clothing, its flexibility makes it indispensable in both industrial and consumer applications. Flexible PVC combines strength with adaptability, catering to diverse needs across sectors.

Contact Plextrusions for your next products.  Here are some common products made from flexible PVC:

What type of products use Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS)?

home appliancesAcrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS) is a common thermoplastic polymer used in a wide range of applications due to its strong resistance to physical impacts and chemical corrosion, along with its high-temperature resistance and good electrical insulation properties. Products that commonly use ABS include:

  1. Consumer Electronics: Housings for TVs, mobile phones, home appliances, and computer monitors.
  2. Automotive Components: Parts like dashboards, wheel covers, and interior trim, thanks to its durability and high gloss.
  3. Toys: LEGO bricks and other toy building blocks are famously made from ABS due to its safety, durability, and the fine detail it can hold.
  4. Sporting Goods: Helmets, protective gear, and even some parts of sports equipment.
  5. Musical Instruments: Some parts of musical instruments, such as the bodies of some guitars, flutes, and clarinets.
  6. 3D Printing: ABS is a popular material for 3D printing because it can be extruded easily, allowing for the creation of detailed models and parts.
  7. Home Appliances: Parts of vacuum cleaners, coffee makers, and blenders often use ABS for its toughness and aesthetic finish.
  8. Building and Construction: Pipes, fittings, and architectural trim can be made from ABS because of its good dimensional stability and resistance to impact.
  9. Office Equipment: Many parts of office machines, like photocopiers, printers, and computer cases, are made from ABS.
  10. Luggage and Storage: ABS is used in hard-shell luggage and toolboxes for its robustness and lightweight properties.

ABS's versatility and the balance between cost, performance, and appearance make it a preferred choice for many industries, especially where complex shapes and durability are important.

What type of products use PVC?

pcv products on lawnPolyvinyl chloride, commonly known as PVC, is a versatile synthetic polymer used in a wide range of products and applications across various industries. Some common products and sectors that use PVC include:

  1. Construction Materials: PVC is widely used in the construction industry for applications such as pipes, fittings, electrical conduit, and drainage systems. PVC pipes are especially popular due to their durability, corrosion resistance, and low cost.

  2. Vinyl Siding: PVC is used to manufacture vinyl siding for residential and commercial buildings. Vinyl siding is known for its low maintenance requirements, weather resistance, and versatility in design.

  3. Window and Door Frames: PVC is used to make window frames, door frames, and profiles. PVC window frames are energy-efficient and have good insulation properties.

  4. Vinyl Flooring: PVC is a primary component in vinyl flooring products, including vinyl tiles, vinyl planks, and vinyl sheet flooring. It's valued for its durability, ease of maintenance, and wide variety of design options.

How to select a plastic extrusion supplier?

Plextrusions.exterior 800x429Selecting a plastic extrusion supplier is an important decision that can significantly impact the quality, cost, and efficiency of your plastic product manufacturing process. To choose the right supplier, consider the following steps:

  1. Define Your Requirements: Clearly define your project's requirements, including the type of plastic material, dimensions, tolerances, volume, and any specific quality standards or certifications needed. Having a precise understanding of your needs will help you evaluate potential suppliers effectively.

  2. Research Potential Suppliers: Look for potential plastic extrusion suppliers through various sources, such as industry directories, trade shows, online marketplaces, and recommendations from industry peers. Make a list of potential suppliers to consider.

  3. Assess Supplier Experience and Reputation: Evaluate each supplier's experience and reputation in the industry. Look for suppliers with a proven track record of delivering high-quality products and meeting customer expectations. You can check their website, customer reviews, and references to gauge their reputation.

  4. Quality and Certification: Ensure that the supplier maintains strict quality control standards and holds relevant certifications, such as ISO 9001 for quality management. Quality assurance is crucial in plastic extrusion to meet your product specifications consistently.

What type of products use Polypropylene?

Propilen PipePolypropylene (PP) is a versatile thermoplastic polymer that finds applications in a wide range of products due to its desirable properties, including high melting point, chemical resistance, durability, and relatively low cost. Here are some common products that use polypropylene:

  1. Packaging materials: Polypropylene is commonly used in the production of packaging materials such as plastic films, bags, and containers. It is valued for its clarity, moisture resistance, and heat-sealing properties.

  2. Disposable and reusable containers: PP is used to make a variety of containers, including food containers, beverage cups, yogurt containers, and microwave-safe storage containers.

  3. Textiles: Polypropylene fibers are used in the textile industry for making carpets, upholstery, geotextiles (for erosion control and construction), and non-woven fabrics for various applications like disposable diapers and medical masks.

  4. Automotive components: PP is used in automotive applications for interior and exterior parts such as bumpers, dashboard components, door panels, and trim due to its lightweight and impact-resistant properties.

  5. Furniture: PP is used in the production of outdoor furniture, stackable chairs, and other furniture components because it is resistant to weathering and UV radiation.

  6. Medical devices and laboratory equipment: Polypropylene is used in the production of medical and laboratory items like syringes, test tubes, petri dishes, and microplates due to its chemical resistance and sterilizability.

What type of products use Polyethylene?

Propilen PipePolyethylene is a versatile and widely used polymer that is employed in various products across different industries due to its excellent combination of properties, such as durability, flexibility, chemical resistance, and low cost. Some of the common products that use polyethylene include:

  1. Packaging materials: Polyethylene is commonly used in the production of plastic bags, plastic wrap, and packaging films due to its flexibility and moisture resistance.

  2. Plastic bottles and containers: Many beverage bottles, food containers, and personal care product containers are made from high-density polyethylene (HDPE) or low-density polyethylene (LDPE).

  3. Pipes and fittings: Polyethylene pipes and fittings are used in the construction industry for water supply, drainage, and natural gas distribution due to their corrosion resistance and flexibility.

  4. Agricultural products: Polyethylene is used for agricultural purposes in the form of agricultural films (mulch films, greenhouse films), irrigation pipes, and various equipment like tanks and containers.

Information

At Plextrusions, Inc., we offer a variety of capabilities for your professional plastic extrusion needs. While specializing in extruding a wide range of flexible and rigid PVC profiles, we offer extrusion for many different plastics.

We own our own manufacturing facility located in North Ridgeville, Ohio – just outside of Cleveland, only 25 minutes from Cleveland Hopkins Airport. 

Plextrusions MADE IN AMERICA