Plastic Extrusion Materials

Many thermoplastic materials are used in custom plastic extrusion. The choice of material depends on factors such as the desired properties of the final product, environmental conditions, regulatory requirements, and cost considerations.

Each material used in custom extrusion offers different properties suited for various applications. Let’s take a look at some of the most common materials.

Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene

Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS) is a tough and rigid thermoplastic used in custom plastic extrusion for applications that require impact resistance and strength. This includes consumer goods, automotive parts, and electronic housings.

Kynar Fluoropolymer

Kynar fluoropolymer, designated as number 8, is a high-performance thermoplastic known for its exceptional chemical resistance, weatherability, and thermal stability. Kynar fluoropolymer is widely used in applications that require excellent resistance to harsh chemicals, UV radiation, and extreme temperatures.

High Impact Polystyrene

High Impact Polystyrene (HIPS) is a durable and cost-effective thermoplastic with a wide range of applications, particularly in packaging, consumer goods, and printing industries, where toughness, processability, and affordability are essential considerations

Polyethylene

Polyethylene (PE) is one of the most widely used thermoplastics in extrusion processes. It comes in various forms such as low-density polyethylene (LDPE), high-density polyethylene (HDPE), and linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE). PE is known for its excellent chemical resistance, toughness, and flexibility, making it suitable for applications such as packaging films, pipes, and containers.

Polyethylene Terephthalate Glycol

Polyethylene Terephthalate Glycol (PETG) is a thermoplastic polyester known for its clarity, toughness, and barrier properties. It’s commonly extruded into films and sheets for packaging materials, as well as for fibers used in textiles and bottles for beverages and other liquids.

Polycarbonate

Polycarbonate is a versatile thermoplastic known for its strength, impact resistance, optical clarity, and ease of fabrication. Polycarbonate products are used in countless applications across all aspects of life–from industry to life at home. Its wide range of applications across various industries emphasizes its importance in modern manufacturing and product design.

Polyamide

Polyamide (Nylon) is a strong and durable thermoplastic known for its excellent mechanical properties, abrasion resistance, and chemical resistance. It’s used in extrusion processes to produce fibers, tubes, and other components for applications such as automotive parts, textiles, and industrial equipment.

Custom Extrusion with Inplex

Looking for quality custom extrusion products and services? Inplex is one of the leading custom extrusion services in the US, with over 50 years of experience. We pride ourselves on our ability to put the right talent and technology in place to perform the best possible job for our clients.

We own a 42,000 sq. ft. facility in Naperville, Illinois, that is temperature-controlled and features an environmentally friendly closed-loop water cooling system. If you have specific needs or questions, don’t hesitate to contact us!