ARKPLAS offers a wide range of standard, extruded plastic tubing. Manufactured in-house, each extrusion is carefully monitored with inline laser measurement systems to ensure correct ovality, ID/OD, and length. Our product is delivered through closed-loop material systems and shipped in bulk on cardboard spools with special packaging available on a per-quotation basis.
« ServicesThe first step involves selecting the appropriate plastic resin for the desired end product. Common materials include polyethylene, polypropylene, PVC, ABS, and many others. The plastic material is typically in the form of small pellets, granules, or powder.
The plastic material is fed into an extruder, a machine that consists of a rotating screw inside a heated barrel. The heat generated by the barrel and the mechanical action of the screw work together to melt the plastic material and convert it into a viscous, molten state.
To ensure a consistent material composition and temperature, the molten plastic may be mixed and homogenized by the rotating screw. Additives, colorants, and other components can also be incorporated at this stage to achieve the desired properties in the final product.
In some cases, a filtration system is used to remove any impurities or contaminants from the molten plastic to maintain product quality.
The molten plastic is forced through a specially designed die, which is a metal tool with a specific cross-sectional shape. The die acts as a mold, defining the shape and dimensions of the final product. The extrusion process can be used to create various profiles, such as tubes, pipes, sheets, rods, and more.
As the plastic exits the die, it is still in a semi-molten state. It needs to be rapidly cooled to solidify into the desired shape. This is typically achieved using a combination of air, water, or other cooling methods, depending on the specific application.
Once the plastic has cooled and solidified, it may pass through sizing and cutting equipment to trim the extruded product to the desired length and ensure it meets dimensional tolerances.
Depending on the intended use, the extruded plastic product may undergo additional processes such as printing, embossing, or further assembly.
Quality control measures, including visual inspection, may be implemented to ensure that the final product meets the required specifications and standards.
The finished extruded plastic products can be coiled onto spools, cut into specific lengths, or packaged in various ways for shipping and distribution.
Extrusion can be used with various materials, including thermoplastics (e.g., PVC, HDPE), thermosetting plastics, rubber, aluminum, and even food products like pasta and cereals.
After the material exits the die, it is cooled and solidified to maintain its shape and dimensions.
The extruded product is often cut into specific lengths, which can vary depending on the application.
Inspection and quality control measures are essential to ensure the product meets specified tolerances and standards.
Extrusion manufacturing is used in various industries, including construction, automotive, packaging, and more. Common products include pipes, tubing, profiles, sheeting, and gaskets.
Extrusion can be environmentally friendly when using recyclable materials and optimizing production processes.
The cost of extrusion manufacturing depends on factors such as material choice, die design, cross-sectional complexity, production volume, and equipment setup.
Extrusion is adaptable to different product profiles and can be used for both high-volume production and prototyping.
For inquires about custom products, materials, or other services and capabilities, contact our team of experts.
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