When combining multiple plastic extrusion materials, you’re left with a product that’s stronger overall and has a longer service life compared to products made with just one material.
Custom Profile highlights the key points of how using multiple materials lets manufacturers create products that combine the benefits of each material, as well as other key points to consider when combining plastic extrusion materials.
How Strength is Improved When Combining Plastic Extrusion Materials
Blending materials is one of the most common ways manufacturers create stronger products. When plastic extrusion materials are blended together, the product takes on the benefits of each material.
Areas that improve include tensile strength, impact resistance, and even chemical stability. This is all achieved without any sort of secondary operation or additional services — but secondary services can even further enhance these benefits.
There are two main types of extrusion services that make combining materials possible: co-extrusion and tri-extrusion. In co-extrusion, two materials are blended, while three materials are blended in tri-extrusion.
Both services rely on different types of materials to create a product that lasts. Typically, a rigid material and a “softer” material are blended to provide the sturdiness and flexibility a product needs.
Key Benefits
Creating a stronger, longer-lasting product is the clear benefit of combining plastic extrusion materials, but there are further benefits as well.
- Combining materials can lead to Improved heat resistance and UV resistance as two or three sets of chemical properties and components blend into one singular material.
- Fewer manufacturing services, such as coatings and plastic welding, are needed to enhance the product and eliminate weak points.
- Despite more material handling during the process, which can marginally increase the cost, extrusion services are a cost-effective way of creating a high volume of products
- You have better design flexibility and can create products that contain complex geometries
Where Combining Materials Makes Sense in the Real World
Most extrusion products have common applications such as window frames, weatherstripping, or appliance parts. When combining materials, these products are enhanced and can serve in harsh environments.
Custom Profile: A Leading Expert in Combining Plastic Extrusion Materials
Custom Profile is an industry leader in plastic extrusion services. Since 1992, we’ve created millions of products manufactured to last. Our co-extrusion and tri-extrusion services allow us to combine multiple types of plastic extrusion materials to create the products you need in a timely, high-volume, and cost-effective manner.
We have over 400 types of polymers in stock and a number of specialty compounds to further enhance your products.
But we can do more than just combine materials. We offer in-house tooling services and a number of secondary operations like assembly and finishing to make your products stand out from the competition. Have more questions about combining plastic extrusion materials? Ready to get started on a project? Contact us today and see the difference we can make for you.