What is Extrusion?
Extrusion is a manufacturing process in which raw materials are pressed through a cross-sectional die to form one continuous profile. This process allows for the creation of highly complex cross sections from brittle materials. Extrusion is used to produce items such as tubing, fencing, seals, railings, sheets, and window frames.
When extruding plastic products, the material is first ground up into tiny chips and dried out in a hopper before being heated to a molten state. The molten polymer resin is then forced into the desired shape with a consistent pull through a die and cooled, either with air or in a water tank.
Plastic extrusion can be performed on a wide variety of polymers including:
- High-Density Polyethylene — Corrosion-resistant material used for its high tensile strength, impact, and chemical resistance, and ability to withstand extreme temperatures.
- Low-Density Polyethylene — A softer polymer than its high-density counterpart with good electric properties.
- Flame Retardant Polypropylene — A cost-effective material offering a combination of strength, impact resistance, and flexibility.
- Nylon 6, 6/6, MDS — Also known as Polyamides, a strong polymer with good electrical, abrasion, chemical, and impact resistance.
- Acetal Copolymer (POM) — An easily machined synthetic sheeting material with a low coefficient of friction and high strength and resistance properties.
New Process Fibre’s Extrusion Capabilities
New Process Fibre is able to extrude all of these plastics in-house to specifications as thin as 0.008 inches. We offer widths ranging from 0.650 inches to 40 inches based on material type and thickness, as well as both standard and custom colors.
Our team is continually improving our processes in order to accommodate a wider spectrum of customers, applications, and industries. We pride ourselves on our ability to expand our material selection specs, and, as an ISO 9001:2008 certified manufacturer, we are constantly working toward more precise operations with tighter tolerances and greater repeatability. We also ensure that all of our operations are eco-friendly; nothing ever gets sent to a landfill, and all excess materials are reground and extruded again.
To learn more about plastic extrusion or to discuss how New Process Fibre can help get you started on your next project, contact us today.