Material selection is an important part of any manufacturing process. Selecting the right material for a designed part can save time, stress, and product failure. That’s especially true when crafting thermoplastic extrusion profiles, which need polymers that are easily processed, offer versatility, and create cost-effective solutions.
Custom Profile works with the customer to choose the best polymer for each thermoplastic extrusion profile.
Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC)
Polyvinyl chloride is one of the most common polymers used for many extrusion services — including thermoplastic extrusion profiles. When we think of PVC, we often think of pipes, which is a great example of a product that relies on this specific polymer.
PVC is a strong material selection for thermoplastic extrusion profiles because of its cost-effectiveness and relative ease of melting and shaping into the designed profile. In addition, PVC can be melted and used again.
Some common extruded products made from PVC include pipes, window frames, door frames, and decorative trims.
Polypropylene (PP)
Polypropylene polymers offer versatility and design flexibility for thermoplastic extrusion profiles. It’s important to note that there are multiple types of polypropylene materials readily available for manufacturers and customers to choose from.
The versatility of polypropylene from both a design and application perspective makes it a popular choice as a material for thermoplastic extrusion profiles. Polypropylene boasts excellent chemical resistance and thermal stability, making it a popular material selection for those in the automotive, packaging, and appliance industries.
Products made from polypropylene include trim and edge corners for structural or framing profiles, automotive handles, food-grade and medical tubing, and multiple variations of consumer products such as LED lighting profiles.
Polyethylene (PE)
Polyethylene also offers flexibility and versatility. PE materials come in numerous grades and variations, which, depending on your product’s application, can make this an ideal choice. PE offers the highest level of design flexibility because of how easy it is to process and work with.
Different grades include high-density polyethylene (HDPE), low-density polyethylene (LDPE), and medium-density polyethylene (MDPE). Each grade relates to the material’s overall density in its final cooled form.
Some examples of products made from polyethylene include tubing, pipes, hoses, and protective trim pieces.
Polystyrene (PS)
Polystyrene material is useful for profiles that need to be rigid once the production process has concluded, but are easy to work with during manufacturing.
Although PS is light and easy to work with, it is a good insulator, making it an ideal selection for temperature-controlled environments. Polystyrene can be used for construction and insulation boards as well as to make foam or rigid profiles for edging and trim.
Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS)
ABS is a tough, impact-resistant thermoplastic commonly used in extrusion for products like piping, profiles, and sheets. It combines the strength and rigidity of acrylonitrile and styrene polymers with the toughness of polybutadiene rubber. During extrusion, ABS offers good melt stability and processability, allowing for smooth surface finishes and tight dimensional control. It is widely valued for its balance of mechanical strength, chemical resistance, and ease of post-processing, including machining, painting, and bonding.
Acrylic
Acrylic is a clear, rigid thermoplastic known for its excellent optical clarity and weather resistance. In extrusion, it is used to produce transparent sheets, light diffusers, and decorative profiles. Acrylic extrudes well when properly dried and controlled to prevent bubbles or haze, though it requires careful temperature management due to its relatively narrow processing window. The resulting extrudates exhibit high gloss, good UV stability, and superior light transmission, making acrylic a popular alternative to glass in many applications.
Thermoplastic Elastomer (TPE)
TPEs are a family of materials that combine the flexibility and elasticity of rubber with the processing advantages of thermoplastics. In extrusion, TPEs are often used for soft-touch grips, seals, tubing, and overmolded components. They process easily through standard thermoplastic extrusion equipment and can be re-melted and reformed without significant degradation. The material’s versatility allows for tailoring hardness, elasticity, and color, making TPEs ideal for applications requiring durability, comfort, and aesthetic appeal.
Trust Custom Profile for Your Thermoplastic Extrusion Profiles
Custom Profile serves as one of North America’s leading custom plastic manufacturers. With multiple industries served since 1992, we’ve developed the experience and expertise to deliver superior results.
Our extrusion process has been honed by decades of experience and a diverse customer base. With multiple styles of profile extrusion available, we have the knowledge and skill to meet your project needs, including thermoplastic extrusion profiles.
Connect with us today, and we’ll gladly answer your questions.