Polymer Processing

Question 1

What is the step by step of plastic extrusion?

Answer 1

Granules of plastic or plastic powder are fed into a hopper

A motor turns the archimedes screw

This screw turns, melting the plastic granules

This moltenplastic moves towards the end of the screw where it is forced through a die

As plastic leaves the die it is cooled.

The extruded product is then cut to the required length

Question 2

What materials are plastic extruded?

Answer 2

Wood-plastic

Nylon

Polyproplylene

Polyethene

ABS

Ceramics

Question 3

What are the advantages of Plastic Extrusion?

Answer 3

Not suitable for one-off production

Fast simplistic process

Only requires simple dies, 2D

Little waste, closed loop system

The best way to make products with the same profile.

Question 4

What are the disadvantages of Plastic Extrusion?

Answer 4

Products require further processes such as trimming or drilling.

Cant make complex shapes

Succeptible to die swell

The fast heating and coolong causes expansion

Question 5

Examples of Plastic Extruded products?

Answer 5

Examples of Plastic Extruded

Plastic pipes

Gutters

Straws

Rods

Bags