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.

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.

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 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.

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