You don’t have to work in a manufacturing plant to be exposed to polymer profile extruded products. We encounter them on a daily basis and much more often we realize. And while profile isn’t the only type of extrusion style, it is a critical one.
Having the right manufacturing process in place is vital for better and longer-lasting quality, minimal defects during production, and over time, a consistent and reliable name you can trust with proven results.
Learn more about everyday examples of polymer profile extrusion and why having the right process is critical.
Applications of Polymer Profile Extrusion
PVC Pipes
One of the most well-known products that’s an everyday use item, and a product of polymer profile extrusion, is PVC pipes.
The PVC resin gets melted down and follows the extrusion process for the materials to take their shape. In this case, it’s formed into a tube and can be used for its intended purpose. What makes this an example of polymer profile extrusion is that the pipe is in one continuous shape.
Home Construction Industry
There are many products featured in home construction that fit the bill as a polymer profile extruded product.
Window frames: Window frames need to be made through polymer profile extrusion in order for the final product to be in a consistent, continuous shape. The polymer extrusion process makes it possible to produce potentially complex and customized designs.
Door seals: Similar to window frames, door seals need to be made through the same process because of the accuracy of this manufacturing method. Many polymer profile extrusion products have a degree of weather resistance as well, making profile extrusion an excellent choice for creating door seals.
Weather stripping: Rubber weather stripping is another example of a product that requires a consistent, continuous shape, ideal for polymer profile extrusion.
Appliances
Certain home appliances contain parts that are created by polymer profile extrusion.
Kick plates: That little guard found at the bottom of a refrigerator, freezer, or washer and dryer. A kick plate can be made through profile extrusion as it is one continuous piece. While kick plates aren’t always made this way, those that are provide good durability.
Cosmetic trim pieces: Trim pieces are seen just about everywhere, and while they can be tricky to make since they are often customized to fit into specific portions of an appliance, polymer profile extrusion is used to give the trim its continuous shape and appropriate cross-section pieces.
Medical Field
There are many different examples of products created through this extrusion style. One of the most common is tubing for IV lines and catheters, because of their need to be durable and a continuous, flexible shape.
Garden Hoses
While this is just one everyday example, many tubes and hoses are made through this production process.
The Polymer Profile Extrusion Process
Profile extrusion is one of the seven styles of extrusion services performed by Custom Profile. While the final result might differ, the extrusion process is similar among the seven services.
It starts off with material selection and preparation. In the case of profile extrusion, that could mean polyvinyl chloride or polyethylene. The material of choice is then fed into a hopper, which moves the polymer materials into the extruder.
When all of the material is in the extruder, that’s when the plastic begins to heat up and melt in order to take its designed shape. The melted material gets pushed into a die and that’s when shaping takes place.
Once the product has taken shape, it has to cool down. This can be done either through water chillers or a type of air conditioning. After it has cooled, any final touches are performed and then the product is shipped out.
Trust Custom Profile for High-Quality Polymer Profile Extrusion Products
From the design process all the way to delivery, there should be a heightened sense of attention to detail. Custom Profile holds an ISO class 8 cleanroom certification, which allows us to handle delicate projects.
While polymer profile extrusion may seem simple, this method can make hundreds of thousands of different products. Products could be delicate and this certification highlights our commitment to quality and handling throughout.
For over 30 years, Custom Profile has been an industry leader in extrusion processes and has served thousands of customers. Quality always remains at the forefront of what we do throughout our three different facilities, serving multiple markets and industries. Here at Custom Profile, we are dedicated to building and delivering a product that works. For your next polymer profile extrusion project, we have the skill and the resources to get the job done. Contact us today to learn more.