Custom Profile works with over 400 different grades of polymers every day in one of our three facilities, but one of the most common materials we use is polyethylene. It’s a cost-effective thermoplastic that features multiple subgrades, can be used in widespread applications, and features many benefits that trickle into the product application.
Polyethylene extrusion can be seen from agriculture and packaging to tubes in numerous industries and even in automotive applications.
Uncover the wide range of applications of polyethylene extrusion and why it works with Custom Profile.
Common Applications of Polyethylene Extrusion
If we listed out every application of polyethylene extrusion, it would be a lengthy post. PE’s applications are near-limitless because of the natural material benefits found in polyethylene and that’s why this material is so commonly used. However, these are some of the more common examples and applications of PE extrusion.
- Pipes and tubes in a variety of industries such as commercial, residential, and industrial plumbing, agriculture watering and irrigating systems, and even medical tubing.
- Flexible films, bags, and packaging sleeves.
- When performed by crosshead extrusion, polyethylene makes superb wire and cable insulator material.
- In the energy sphere, PE extrusion is used by solar energy companies to encapsulate modules as well as provide lightweight framing.
- Common forms of door sealant such as a weatherstrip.
- Trim pieces that can be used for doors, windows, garage doors, and other construction and building applications.
Why It Works
With so many applications, the question then becomes, why is polyethylene so commonly used? For starters, PE and all its varied density forms are one of the most cost-effective materials available. Beyond the costs, the material is a thermoplastic which makes it suitable for extrusion and the subsects of extrusion such as crosshead extrusion.
As for the material itself, the property benefits are arguably why it is so commonly used.
- Chemical and moisture resistant: PE is resistant to harsh solvents, acids, and alkalis. Additionally, the material does not absorb water.
- Extreme durability: Through the extrusion process, PE withstands high impact and stress without deforming. This material remains flexible in extreme cold as well.
- Electrical and thermal insulation: Because of its resistant properties, PE acts as an insulator.
- FDA-compliant in specific grades: If the material is going to be used in food applications, there are grades of PE that follow all FDA compliance requirements and products can be food safe.
- Design flexibility: Like many of the materials used in extrusion, PE can take the shape of complex designs with relative ease.
- Minimal waste: Leftover PE from the manufacturing process can be reprocessed and used again for another operation.
- Ability for secondary operations with relative ease: Polyethylene can be used over and over again after it’s been released from the die because it stays hot and can be formed into extra pieces.
Contact Custom Profile, Experts in Polyethylene Extrusion
Custom Profile works with OEMs and many other customers around North America to manufacturer the extrusion projects they and their customers need. All too often, this leads to our timeless polyethylene extrusion services. With over 400 different grades of polymers in general, we have the full offering for polyethylene including high-density and low-density polyethylene.
Our headquarters in Grand Rapids, Michigan, serves as home, but we’re scattered across North America with our South Carolina and Mexico facilities. And if your projects need extra care, we hold an ISO Class 8 Clean Room certificate.
Be the next example of polyethylene extrusion at work and contact Custom Profile today