Extrusion
Extrusion: processes, materials, differences and products
What is extrusion?
Extrusion is a widely used process in plastics processing in which a material, often in the form of granules or powder, is forced through a heated die to produce a desired shape. This process allows the production of long continuous shapes such as pipes, profiles and sheets.
Which materials are suitable for extrusion?
A wide range of plastics can be used for extrusion. These include:
- Polyethylene (PE): A versatile plastic used in various applications.
- Polypropylene (PP): Known for its strength and resilience.
- Polystyrene (PS): Can be extruded as expanded PS (EPS) for insulation or crystalline PS (CPS) for technical applications.
- Polyvinyl chloride (PVC): Extruded for pipes, window profiles, cladding and more.
- Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS): A thermoplastic with impact strength and gloss.
What is the difference between injection moulding and extrusion?
Injection moulding and extrusion are two different plastic processing methods:
- Injection moulding: Molten plastic is injected into a mould to produce three-dimensional objects.
- Extrusion: Plastic material is forced through a die to create continuous shapes such as pipes, profiles and sheets.
Extruded products
Extruded plastic sheets are used in various applications:
- Construction: In wall cladding, roofing, partition walls and flooring.
- Packaging industry: For food packaging, protective packaging and transport containers.
- Advertising and signage: As a substrate for billboards, displays and signs.
- Automotive industry: In interior trim, dashboards and bumpers.
- Electronics industry: For housings of electronic devices and communication equipment.
- Medical: For medical devices, disposables and laboratory equipment.
Advantages of extrusion
- Efficiency
- Adaptability
- Cost efficiency
- Material savings
- Long lengths
| Industrie | Application example |
|---|---|
| Construction | Wall panelling, floor coverings |
| Packaging industry | Food packaging, protective packaging |
| Advertising and signage | Billboards, displays |
| Automotive industry | Interior linings, dashboards |
| Electronics industry | Housings of electronic devices |
| Medical technology | Medical technology |