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Know that thermoplastics are processed in extruder machines

Plastics that melt in high temperatures are categorized as thermoplastics. These types of plastics are a popular choice for plastic extrusion machinery because they are easier to mold than other plastics. Because the chemical property of thermoplastics doesn't change during the molding process, they can be repeatedly heated and remolded.

I recommend: To learn more about thermoplastic materials and engineering, visit The A to Z of Materials. Although not exhaustive, the website provides a glossary of basic thermoplastic properties and applications. For an easy-to-understand explanation of what sets thermoplastics apart from other plastics, visit The Polymer Science Learning Center.

Become familiar with thermoset plastics processed in a plastic extrusion machine

Thermoset plastics, as opposed to thermoplastics, can be molded and heated only once. Thermoset plastics are more difficult to mold because they retain their shape and strength when heated; however, they are ideal for extruding large, permanent pieces.

I recommend: Read more about thermoset plastics at ThomasNet. To learn how thermoset plastics are made in comparison to other plastics, including thermoplastics, visit Machine Design.

Recognize the characteristics of screw plastic extrusion machines

Screw extruding machines are commonly used when extruding thermoplastics. Extrusion screws are divided into five zones. The first zone feeds the material into the extruder; the second zone melts the material; the third zone pressurizes the material so it's uniformly pressured; the fourth zone decompresses the material; and the fifth zone mixes the material.

I recommend: Read a research study conducted on screw extrusion machines' melt temperatures at The SAO/NASA Astrophysics Data System. Find an article reviewing the twin-extruder process at the Institute of Physics.

Review information on ram plastic extrusion equipment

Ram plastic extruder machines are typically used when screw extruders can't process the material. In ram extrusion, the plastic, which is in powder form, is gravity fed into the machine's chamber. From the chamber, the plastic is forced into the die by a hydraulic ram.

I recommend: Learn more about ram extrusion at Extruded Profile. The website offers a simple explanation of the process as well as photographs and diagrams. To read a scientific article on ram extrusion of re-enforced thermoplastics, visit Wiley InterScience.

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Co-extrusion refers to using two or more plastic extruding machines to simultaneously extrude materials with different attributes. For example, a plastic pipe with soft, spongy interior.

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Use manufacturer directories to do initial research on plastic extrusion machines

Find a plastic extrusion machine built to suit the needs of your business through manufacturer directories. Manufacturer directories are required tools for first-time buyers. They offer brief company profiles which includes information about how long the company has existed, what kind of clients they serve and what lines of products they sell.

I recommend: Check out more than 50 company profiles at Jobwerx. Click and compare up to 4 manufacturers at a time with Tradekey. Fill out their inquiry form to contact manufacturers directly.

Consider refurbished plastic extrusion equipment for your business

Plastic extruding machines at their cheapest are typically used or refurbished. If you're going with refurbished equipment, make sure to get in writing what kind of support you'll require. Directories of refurbished equipment are great for finding the products best suited for your business, but often come with no recourse if the deal turns sour.

I recommend: Contact a wide variety of refurbished plastic extrusion machine sellers through Plastemart.com. PerryVidex, a trusted machinery provider for more than 75 years, also offers refurbished machines from a wide range of manufacturers.

Buy industrial plastic extrusion machines when your business expands or needs an upgrade

If you're willing to fork over the big bucks, a new extrusion machine might be right for you. Large-scale operations looking for an upgrade, or businesses that have mass-produced plastic parts or plastic products before, are familiar with small or used plastic extrusion equipment. Find companies who sell new equipment online if you want to upgrade.

I recommend: Overseas companies like Shang Ta Chai Industrial Co., Ltd., and RuiAn LianXing Plastic Machinery Co., Ltd, both boast a beautiful line of extrusion machinery with excellent customer service. For machines made and sold in the U.S., contact Complete Plastic Systems.

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  If you plan to purchase plastic extrusion machines from an offshore company, don't forget to factor in the cost of shipping such heavy equipment. Also make sure the manufacturer makes provisions for protecting your equipment during shipment.

Guide to Plastic Extrusion Machines Education and Training

Use plastic extrusion machines more efficiently with proper training

By Denise Brown

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Find out what you need to do to get a job operating extrusion machines

Many vocational schools and community colleges offer machinist classes that can give you or your employees the training needed to run plastic extrusion machines. Some courses also cover computer-operated CNC machines that make plastic extrusion machines education and training even more valuable.

I recommend: You can find basic information about the skills needed to run CNC extruding machines at iSeek Solutions. The United States Bureau of Labor Statistics offers job-training information on its website as well. They list a general range of income for someone with plastic extrusion machine training.

Take plastic extrusion equipment training classes

If you offer these classes to your employees, you should take the classes as well so you can be familiar with your operations. The more you and your employees know about extruding machines, the more efficiently you can operate them.

I recommend: Paulson Training Program offers a number of classes to help you train your employees to use plastic extrusion machines. You can sign up for a free three-day trial. Dukane offers a number of workshops for plastic extruder machines. The classes can be set up at your facility, or you and your staff can get Dukane’s plastic extrusion machines education and training online. Dukane also offers the option of customizing the training to meet your specific needs.

Make use of plastic extrusion machines education and training offered by manufacturers

Keep current with plastic extruder machines by taking refresher courses offered by plastic extrusion equipment manufacturers. Even if you don't upgrade your equipment, you can find more effective ways to use the machinery.

I recommend: Davis Standard offers training for all its plastic extrusion equipment. Let your employees who use the plastic extruding machines in your shop take the training classes offered by A. Routsis Associates. These classes teach the basics of extrusion machinery, as well as how to troubleshoot any problems you might have with your plastic extrusion machinery.

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  If you can afford to train only one person from your business on plastic extrusion machines, make sure that person is likely to remain in your employ for a long period of time. That employee should also show a willingness to learn the machines, but also should have the ability to come back to the shop to teach his co-workers what he has learned.