8 Common Uses for Crosshead Extrusion Coating

Crosshead extrusion coating services are an important part of the manufacturing processes that involve metallic substrates (though it is possible to use with some types of fabrics or textiles) and is most often associated with cables and wiring.

Simply put, it is the process by which certain components are reinforced or encapsulated with some form of polymeric plastic (low density polyethylene is usually the plastic of choice).

An extrusion coating can be used for waterproofing, aesthetic enhancements, or for added protection or support for the inner materials, which means that this is an effective choice for a wide range of implementations.

Some of the most common uses for this process include:

Wires and cables – Whether for the telecommunications industry or household electrical use, this type of coating is critical for long-lasting, reliable and safe performance. These wires can be used in several different applications, such as:

• Fiber optics
• Power
• Medical
• Automotive
• Appliance
• Communication
• High-temperature
• Coaxial cable
• Flat/Ribbon wire

Pipes – It’s possible to coat pipes that range in size from the very small to the very large. It simply requires a large diameter crosshead. The variety of pipes that can be coated include:

• Industrial pipe
• Corrugated pipe
• Under-sea pipe

Bundles of small pipes – You can also bundle many small pipes for optical fibers and coat the entire conglomeration to provide the necessary protection and/or insulation.

Multilayer structures – Coating a multilayer structure can create a type of barrier layer between the substrate and the surface, such as those used for heating applications or water transportation.

Safe handling – A single-layer coating on the substrate can be applied simply to ensure that the installation of the wire or cable can be conducted as safely as possible.

Gaskets and seals – If you’re working with metal gaskets or seals, this process can provide a durable outer coating to make the final components more effective and efficient.

Commercial products – Nylon strappings or certain types of rope can by coated with a durable and flexible plastic to create a wide range of consumer products.

Chemical hoses and tubes – It’s possible to use this process to produce hoses and tubes that are much safer to use and can remain in service for a much longer time.

Getting the Finished Parts and Components You Need

When you work with Clark Rubber & Plastic, you can expect to receive the highest-quality results on these extruded parts. We use the latest techniques and machinery to meet your exact specifications and deliver your components on time.

We can work with a range of metals and plastics so that you have everything you need for your current projects, and we can provide simple or complex shapes and designs in a variety of different sizes.

At Clark Rubber & Plastic, we’ve been at this since the 70s, and our specialists know how to meet the demands of your industry.

Combine that with our 6 new extrusion lines (and more scheduled to be added in the future) and we have the experience, talent, and technology to provide the crosshead extrusion coating services you need.

When you begin your next project, be sure to speak to one of our customer service representatives to learn more about this important process, along with our other process like plastic injection molding, precision machining, and more.