What is Rubber and Plastic Extrusion?

Extrusion molding can be used to make pipes and tubing, tracks, hoses, and drinking straws. Clark Rubber and Plastic offers two versatile material options for extrusion molding. Learn more about rubber and plastic extrusion, which options are right for your project, and how to use extrusion services:

Extrusion Process

Extrusion molding is a manufacturing process where a material is softened or melted and then pushed through a mold. After it cools, the shaped material is cut to the desired length for the final product. This type of molding works well with high-volume production and for tube-shaped items like rods, siding, or weather stripping. Clark Rubber and Plastic provides plastic and rubber extrusion services with cutting-edge technology for high-quality results.  

Rubber Extrusion 

Rubber extrusion is when rubber material is used in the extrusion process and molded into the desired shape. This is often used for products like weather strips and gaskets. Unvulcanized rubber is loaded into the extruder and forced through the shaped die under high pressure. The rubber takes on the shape of the die and is then vulcanized to harden it and add durability. Different types of rubber are used depending on the product’s requirements. Clark Rubber and Plastic has a facility set up to use natural rubber, neoprene, nitrile, and other rubber materials. Rubber-extruded products can be recycled at the end of their useful life, reducing waste. 

Plastic Extrusion 

The plastic extrusion process takes melted plastic and pressurizes it through a die. The extruded shape is then cooled with cooling rolls or water baths to solidify the product. Plastic extrusion is a versatile, high-volume manufacturing process that is suitable for pipes, fencing, deck rails, or window frames. The raw materials for plastic extrusion are typically plastic pellets that are loaded into a hopper. Additional additives like fillers and coloring are then added before the material is moved forward, heated, and shaped. Clark Rubber and Plastic’s extrusion services can produce a range of shapes, sizes, thicknesses, and hardness to fit your needs. 

Differences Between Plastic and Rubber Extrusion 

Plastic and rubber extrusion have a similar process but have final results with different properties. Rubber extrusion creates more flexible products with elasticity, even after the product has been cooled in the final stage. Products from plastic extrusion are rigid and may become deformed if you try to stretch them. Plastic is extruded at a higher temperature than rubber. Products from plastic extrusion are found in the solar, construction, automotive, and medical industries. Rubber-extruded products are used in appliances and electrical work. 

Extrusion Services From Clark Rubber and Plastic 

Extrusion molding is a flexible production option that often saves time and costs because the final product doesn’t always require post-production finishing. The continuous process allows a large amount of parts to be created quickly without requiring the multiple-step drafting process of other molding options. Extrusion also has some sustainable properties since the discarded material can be reused, and the finished items are often recyclable. Clark Rubber and Plastic handles are capable of high and low production needs with our cutting-edge facility. Contact us today to learn how we can fulfill your needs.