Plastic Extrusion (PE) is known as a large volume of plastic manufacturing process where the raw form of plastics is melted to create a continuous structure. There are several items produced in this process and some of them include window frames, deck railings, thermoplastic coatings, wire insulation and fencing.
The process begins with feeding the equipment with raw plastics through the hopper right into the barrel of the machine.
The plastic present within the extruder is then melted with the use of mechanical energy that is generated by heaters and screws arranged across the barrel. This molten plastic is later pushed into another segment of the machine called die that gives shape to the liquid and this hardens as it cools down.
The entire process of plastic extrusion is carried in nurdles and they get fed by gravity. Along with that various additives such as UV inhibitors and colorants are used for the process. The more you get to know about the process, the interesting it gets.
The Design of Plastic Extrusion System
There are five different zones present in the screw of PE machine, interestingly various polymers will come up with various designs.
Most of the screws in the system are equipped with three components and these are:
· Feed Area: This is where the solids (plastics) are disposed into the system and the depth of the channel is same as the density of the area. For example, if you want to extrude a large volume of plastic at once then you should consider opting for a larger option for plastic extrusion.
· Melting Area: At this area the resin provided gets compressed and then passes away to the melting area. With this, the depth of the channel reduces with the increase of path, hence as the plastic moves, its channel narrows down.
· Metering Area: In the metering area the particles get mixed along with its uniform composition and then again get constraint to particular zone that provides it a structure. For instance, if the extrusion is performed to create fences, then the structure of the plastic would be similar to that of fence. This is primarily based on the final outcome that you expect from the process.
What Are the Advantages of Plastic Extrusion?
Plastic extrusion is able to bring new products into life. Moreover, the process can even be carried out with the help of used plastics and this is something that aids in recycling and thus minimizes the carbon footprints of plastic too. With the help of this process, there are three amazing specialties that can be achieved and that too within a short span of time and they are:
· Overcoating: In this extrusion a protective layer of plastic gets coated, for example the jackets of wires and cables, allowing them to perform effectively without being exposed to the external environment. This is because plastic acts as a barrier against corrosion, dust, dirt and moisture that exists in the atmosphere.
· Blown Film: In this form of plastic extrusion a fabricated film is placed on food storage or grocery bags and this yet again protects them too.
· Tubing: The tubing is quite similar to that of the common form of extrusions, in which plastics are used to create hollow tubes that either act as frames of windows or are used for creating fences. The design of the final product is based on the method of metering that you choose.
There you have it! PE does deliver a world of benefits and thus remains to be one the finest methods for harnessing the maximum potential of plastic.