This section would try to solve all your common queries on various
aspects of the extrusion process, extruded profiles, materials for extrusion
etc. For facilitating an easy understanding the whole category is divided
into three sections of plastics, aluminium and rubber.
Plastics
(Q) What is plastic extrusion?
(A) Plastic extrusion is a profile that has a given cross section shape
(two given dimensions, width and height) which can be easily cut to any
length. The plastic can be in the form of thermoplastic (heat that affects
its characteristics) or thermoset (heat does not affect the
characteristics). Thermoplastics can again be re-grounded and used.
Thermosets generally cannot be reused. While PVC, Polystyrene, ABS and
Polyethylene are all typical examples of a thermoplastic. Urethane, Epoxy,
Alkyd and Melamine comes under the category of thermosets.
(Q) What are the typical plastic materials used in the Plastic
extrusion process?
(A) The common plastic material used in the plastic extrusion process are
acrylic, ABS, polystyrene, polycarbonate, polyethylene, rigid and flexible
PVC, polyurethane, nylon etc.
(Q) What industries are served by extruded tubes?
(A) Most of tubing is consumed by the medical industry, but others include
automotive, electrical, chemical, communications, and other industries.
(Q) What are the typical products of plastic extrusion?
(A) The plastic extrusion process is basically a high volume process which
is used for producing a wide variety of plastic components. Some of these
products are wires, seals, custom made profiles, heat sinks, rods,
construction and building material, gaskets, cross sections, sheets, pipes,
tubes, laundry tubs, hose pipes, thin films, etc.
Aluminium
(Q) How can the right aluminum alloy for extruded profiles be
ascertained?
(A) It's quite possible that several types of alloys and tempers are
suitable for the part. Selection is generally made on the ground of
structural or fabrication requirements. It's a good enough idea to look for
the most economical range of alloys among the various types which may be
suitable for your specific application. However to arrive at the best alloy,
consultation with the extruder is the best solution.
(Q) Why should we use aluminium in place of steel?
(A) Aluminium is a perfect lightweight alternative, that weighs
approximately one-third as compared to steel. Aluminium will not oxidise as
vigorously as steel, making it the preferred choice for salt water type
environments.
(Q) What is Powder Coating?
(A) Powder coating is basically an electrostatic process where electrically
charged paint particles in the powder form are sprayed onto the surface of
pre-treated extruded aluminium profiles. After application the aluminium is
baked in an oven for achieving highly durable, painted (powder coated)
finish.
(Q) Which finish is more preferred for durability - Anodising or
Powder Coating?
(A) Anodising offers a more durable surface finish as the process typically
involves controlled oxidisation of the own surface of aluminium that results
in a much harder finish.
(Q) Why is length of extrusion such an important factor in
determining the price?
(A) The extrusion process is designed in a manner to be a typical
combination of heat, pressure and die that forms the extruded shape from an
aluminum billet. The extruder's aim is to increase recovery from the billet
by scrap reduction thus obtaining the optimum amount of quality extruded
profiles from each cycle. Therefore, there is a great potential for economy
when extrusions are procured in their known end-use lengths, or length
multiples, as the best ways and means to cut back on the scrap generated in
an extrusion process.
Rubber
(Q) What are the different rubber material available for rubber
extrusion?
(A) The following types of rubber are quite popular for use in extrusion,
EPDM, SBR, NBR, CR (neoprene), Silicone, natural rubber etc.
(Q) What is silicone rubber?
(A)Silicone rubber is very unique type of synthetic elastomer which is a
popular medium for use in extruded profiles. They are made from a
cross-linked polymer reinforced with silica. Its characteristics include a
perfect balance of chemical and mechanical properties required in most
demanding applications.
(Q) What are the custom configurations in which extruded rubber
profiles may be available?
(A)Some of the custom configurations included spliced rings (hollow and
solid), 4-corner PSA-backed spliced "picture frame" gaskets,
custom fabricated extruded rubber gaskets, cut-to-length products, bulk
cords with or without backing of PSA (coiled or spooled).
(Q) What are the advantages offered by EPDM profile?
(A)EPDM profiles excellent ozone and flex cracking resistance.
(Q) What is the use of Glass cords in reinforcing rubber profiles?
(A) Rubber impregnate the glass cord has the capacity to prevent stretching
of extruded rubber profiles. They effectively reduce wastage during the
manufacturing process. It ensures better sealing in automotive and building
usages. Glass Cord is also used to reinforce the rubber cable and hose.
(Q) What are the industries where rubber extrusion is used?
(A) Extruded rubber profiles are applied in a wide variety of industries,
that includes the electronics, aerospace, automotive, lighting, appliance,
construction and medical.
