Exploring Custom Extruded Thermoplastics: What is Right for You?
With so many various custom extruded thermoplastics on the market, it may be difficult to know which one is the right fit for your specific application. Various factors need to be considered when choosing a thermoplastic for your application, including the properties of the thermoplastic and the type of environment your product will be subject to.
Properties and Applications of Custom Extruded Thermoplastics
PVC
PVC has various advantageous properties making it ideal for applications in a wide range of industries:
- Dimensional stability
- Electrical insulation
- Low flammability
- Chemical Resistance
- Little creep
- Cost-effective
This thermoplastic is easy to manufacture through the extrusion process, making it an efficient and cost-effective option. PVC can be manufactured to be either rigid or flexible and, thus, can be used in a wide range of industries and applications. These applications include window frames, pipes, medical bags, flooring, and roofing.
ASA
Properties of ASA include:
- High impact resistance
- Wear resistance
- UV resistance
- Thermal stability at low and high temperatures
- Chemical resistance
With these many properties, ASA is commonly used in products that will be exposed to the natural environment. These applications include commercial siding, outdoor applications such as fittings and pipes, and lawn and garden equipment parts.
Polypropylene
Being used in various industries, such as the medical and construction industries, polypropylene needs to have various beneficial properties:
- Cost-efficient
- Recyclable
- Thermal stability
- Chemical resistance
- Durability
Some uses of this custom extruded thermoplastic include sample tubes, trim for windows, doors, appliances, and medical tubing.
Polyethylene
Polyethylene is another versatile thermoplastic option with properties including:
- Chemical resistance
- Flexibility
- Weatherproof
Applications of polyethylene include medical tubing, pipes, pipe fittings, trim for windows and doors, and parts for appliances.
How to Decide What Extruded Thermoplastic Is Right For Your Application?
Consider the Environment
What kind of environment will your application be in? It is important to be familiar with the temperature, humidity, weather, and potential chemicals your product will experience during its lifetime. Knowing this information will allow you to determine which properties are needed in your custom extruded thermoplastics.
Work With Your Plastic Extruder
When you partner with an experienced plastic extruder, they can help you determine which thermoplastic will fit your application best. They will consider the application, the environment of that application, how the application is used, and your budget. Taking all of these factors into consideration will allow your plastic extruder to find the best polymer for your project.
If You Are Looking for Custom Extruded Thermoplastics, Turn to Custom Profile
Since 1992, Custom Profile has been the trusted provider of custom extruded thermoplastics for a wide range of industries. From construction to medicine, we create products that meet all of our customer’s needs.
Our decades of experience have allowed us to master various extrusion methods, including co-extrusion, dual durometer co-extrusion, tri-extrusion, and crosshead extrusion. We are also capable of tubing extrusion, in-line operations, and more.
If you are ready to start creating your custom extruded thermoplastics, contact our team today.