Article Directory

My good friend and I decided to take a couple classes together last year, and in both classes windows were abundant. We both sat near large window and shutters were clearly bolted on and ready to be put in action at any moment. After continually staring at them, there was a large word printed in the middle of the shutter and pronounced with its bright green ink, 'polymer'. After the semester I got tired of wondering what that word meant and bet my friend I'd find out the meaning and tell him what that word meant as soon as possible. It turns out that Polymer is a synthetic compound and is often used in custom extrusion. Wanting to know more on the process itself I did some research! It starts out with the plastic being melted into a liquid state, shaped into a continuous profile and cut to length. So let's get a little more in depth on this economically friendly process!

Processes of plastic extrusion begin with the manufacturing process of plastic being melted down to a liquid state, shaped into a continuous profile, and cut to needed length. I read this through some information pamphlets and books I scavenged from a couple nearby towns.

I came up with a plethora of more information and who would have thought that plastic extrusion produces items such as storm panels, and adhesive tape. Wire insulation and window framing are also big products made from plastic extrusion.

When the plastic moves through the cavity it reaches a screw mechanism where the plastic is forced out. Inside of the cavity it is a high 400 degrees to keep the plastic at its current state. Overheating is a problem sometimes when extruding plastic so plastic companies have figured a way to defeat overheating.

The additives are actually ultraviolet inhibitors, and the processes next step is to move towards an opening in the extruder cavity. It resembles a screw mechanism, as the screw rotates it forces the plastic material through the cavity. Exciting as it is there's more to this beneficial process!

Inside the Extruder cavity it is a whopping 400 degrees and needs to be kept at this temperature to keep the plastic in its liquid state. This is something interesting; while overheating is somewhat of a problem in the extrusion business they found a way to burn proof their plastic.

Injection Molding is a process where overheating is abundant and must be avoided at all costs. The plastic companies invest in three heaters to allow the plastic to gradually reach its melting point so it will not burn. Sounds pretty genius to me and for plastic makers?

Next in the process comes the exciting cooling process. Cooling fans and sealed water baths are most common forms of cooling. But some Plastic products are too delicate for those forms of cooling so especially designed cooling rolls are put in place.