Extruded sheets
Extruded plastic sheets: Production, process and applications
What are extruded plastic sheets?
Extruded plastic sheets are flat, solid or hollow structures made by extrusion. Extrusion is a process in which plastic material is forced through a die under high pressure and formed into the desired shape. Extruded plastic sheets are versatile products that are widely used in various industries.
What extrusion processes are there?
There are different extrusion processes that are used to produce plastic sheets:
- Single or twin screw extrusion: In this process, the plastic material is fed into a screw that transports it through a heating zone. The pressure and heat melts the material and extrudes it through a die to produce the desired sheet shape.
- Calender extrusion: In this process, the molten plastic material is pressed between two heated rollers to achieve a uniform sheet thickness.
- Flat die extrusion: In this process, the material is extruded through a flat die to obtain a sheet of uniform thickness.
Where are extruded plastic sheets used?
Extruded plastic sheets find a variety of applications in different industries:
- Construction industry: They are used for wall cladding, roofing, partition walls and flooring.
- Packaging industry: Extruded plastic sheets are used for packaging of food, consumer goods and industrial products.
- Advertising and signage: They are used as a substrate for billboards, signs and displays.
- Automotive industry: Extruded plastic sheets are used in interior trim, dashboards and car parts.
- Electronics industry: They are used for housings of electronic devices and communication equipment.
- Medical applications: Extruded plastic sheets are used in the medical industry for disposables, prosthetics and medical devices.
Advantages of extruded plastic sheets
- Versatility: They can be made in different sizes, thicknesses and colours.
- Lightness: Extruded plastic sheets are lighter than many other materials.
- Durability: They are resistant to weathering, chemicals and moisture.
- Formability: Extruded plastic sheets can be cut, drilled and moulded into various shapes.
- Cost-effectiveness: They are often less expensive than other materials.
Industrie | Application example |
---|---|
Construction industry | Wall coverings, floor coverings |
Packaging industry | Food packaging, consumer goods |
Advertising and signage | Billboards, displays |
Automotive industry | Interior linings, dashboards |
Electronics industry | Housings of electronic devices |
Medical technology | Disposables, prostheses |