The automotive industry, along with the medical and consumer goods sectors, all have something in common: They rely on plastic sheet extrusion to create certain products. This cost-effective manufacturing process gives businesses control over material choice, thickness, and performance. It’s a straightforward way to hit tight tolerances without driving up costs. Below, we’re exploring what plastic sheet extrusion is and whether it’s right for your business.
What is Plastic Sheet Extrusion?
Plastic sheet extrusion involves forcing molten plastic through a flat die to form a continuous plastic sheet. Once the plastic goes through the die, it’s cooled, cut, and often further processed. These sheets can be used for a wide range of applications. It’s a versatile manufacturing process that allows for a variety of finished products.
Applications of Extruded Plastic Sheets
The automotive industry commonly uses extruded plastic sheets for dashboards, trims, and protective layers. The medical sector might employ them for sterile packaging or device housings. Additionally, the construction industry may use them for wall panels, roofing, and insulation barriers. And, the consumer goods sector commonly uses them for packaging and appliance parts.
Of course, this is not an exhaustive list of all the applications of extruded plastic sheets. If you’re interested in hearing about how you can use them in your business, contact us today.
Advantages of Plastic Sheet Extrusion in Precision Manufacturing
Dimensional Accuracy
Plastic sheet extrusion is an extremely precise manufacturing process. That’s thanks to precise die design, consistent melt streams, speed control, and uniform cooling. Combined with rigorous quality assurance processes, a good manufacturer will be able to provide tight tolerances.
Material Versatility
As mentioned above, businesses have great flexibility in the material they want to use. Sheet extrusion is compatible with materials like polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), acrylic (PMMA), and polystyrene (PS). With many options to choose from, companies can customize their products to meet their exact needs.
Cost-Efficiency
This manufacturing process can run continuously without interruption. If you’re mass-producing products, it allows you to achieve a higher output rate. This higher production speed and volume directly translates to lower manufacturing costs per item.
Scalability and Speed
Because of its continuous process, plastic extrusion also allows for better scalability and speed. It eliminates the downtime that would be required to reset machinery for every new piece. That’s why so many companies choose plastic extrusion for their needs.
Partner with Allied Plastics for Excellent Plastic Sheet Extrusion Services
For the last 30 years, Allied Plastics has been a leading provider of plastic sheet extrusion services. When you partner with us, you know you’re getting quality products at a competitive price.
Our Twin Lakes, Wisconsin, facility boasts some of the largest plastic thermoforming machines in the country. These machines have twin sheet forming, single sheet forming, drape forming, pressure forming, and sheet over forming capabilities. With lean manufacturing principles and short lead times, we’re ready to take on your next project.
From concept to production, we’re your trusted partner. Our world-class engineering team is well-versed in creating custom components that meet your exact needs. And, our quality professionals are trained in the production part approval process, initial sample inspection reports, and part submission warrants. Additionally, we maintain ISO 9001:2015 and ISO 14001:2015 certifications to ensure quality.
Let’s Get Started
Our team is ready to create custom thermoformed products for your business. Contact us today to learn how we can help you.