Custom Plastic Extrusion at Lerner Molded Plastics

During the plastic extrusion process, raw thermoplastic material, typically in the form of pellets, is melted and formed into a continuous profile. The extrusion process uses a rotating screw to push the melted raw material down a heated barrel that has been set to a specific temperature. The plastic then flows through a screen to remove any contaminants before passing through a die and taking on its final shape.

Many shapes and types of items are produced through this process, including pipes, tubing, sheeting, or custom-designed profiles. The extruded product can be used as-is or later fabricated into a more complex assembly by undergoing secondary processing techniques, such as punching, forming, and bending.

The Benefits of Custom Plastic Extrusion

Plastic extrusion is a high-volume manufacturing process that is used in a wide range of industries. Its cost-efficiency allows companies of all sizes to take advantage of the benefits this production process offers. These benefits include:

• Low cost. Plastic extrusion is very low cost compared to other molding processes. This process allows waste to be reused rather than discarded, which lowers both material and disposal costs. Additionally, plastic extrusion machines operate continuously, providing 24-hour production capabilities that result in a more efficient, cost-effective process. Plastic extrusion tooling is typically significantly cheaper than tooling for other plastic manufacturing methods.
• Flexibility and versatility. As long as the component’s cross-section remains the same, extrusion molding is capable of producing parts of many shapes, providing significant design flexibility. The extrusion process also allows for the manufacturing of parts that combine differing plastic attributes, such as soft and hard surfaces. With just a minor alteration, extrusion molding can go from producing complex shapes to plastic sheets.
• Post-extrusion alterations. After plastic leaves the extruder, it remains hot and can be further manipulated. This allows manufacturers to alter the shape of extruded plastic using rollers, shoes, or dies to meet the specific needs of many applications.

Plastic Extrusion Applications

Since plastic extrusion is a highly versatile process, it provides adaptable solutions for applications throughout many industries. Extruded plastics are used throughout industrial and commercial applications, with some of the most common being tubing, rods, and specialty profiles.

Applications for extruded plastic tubing, rods, and specialty profiles include:

Our Custom Plastic Extrusion Capabilities

Lerner Molded Plastics has been providing high-quality precision extrusion services for over 25 years. Specializing in single, co, and tri-extruded plastic tubes, pipes, and profiles, our capabilities include extrusions up to 12’’ in circumscribing diameter. Our plastic extrusions can be cut to any length, and we offer various materials and features to meet the requirements of flame-retardant or food-grade applications.

We have decades of experience delivering custom components that meet the demands of many industries, including OEM, automotive, and consumer products. As a UL-certified molder, Lerner Molded Plastics operates an ISO-certified facility that accommodates production volumes from prototype to high-volume runs. We also offer a wide range of secondary services, including in-line or post-molded secondary assembly, hot stamping, painting, barcoding, tooling, and more.

To get started on your custom plastic extrusion solution, or to learn more about our other capabilities, request a quote or contact us today.