Plastic Extrusion Machines Key Terms

Learn the key terms of plastic extrusion machinery and equipment

By Jess Buskirk

In order to buy plastic extrusion machines that are right for your company, you need to know plastic extrusion machines key terms. These key terms include the names of commonly used plastics and types of plastic extrusion machines.

Learning these important key terms requires a basic understanding of chemistry and physics. Several resources are available to you, including simple explanations of the plastic extrusion process and scientific journal articles on how to achieve the best extruding results. When searching for information on plastic extrusion machines key terms, consider the following:

1. Know what is meant by thermoplastic and thermoset plastic materials.

2. Review attributes of a screw plastic extrusion machine.

3. Learn when to use ram plastic extrusion.

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.
Try: 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.
Try: 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.
Try: 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.
Try: 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.

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.