Plastic is used by businesses such as the appliance, automotive, consumer, and solar industries. You can also find plastic products in military and defense applications. Plastic extrusion companies offer standard products as well as custom designs like branded packaging materials. Here’s an overview of six industries that use extruded plastic services:
Solar Industry
Many products used in the solar industry come from the plastic extrusion process. Extruded plastics are durable and lightweight, making them ideal for use in solar modules. Products include clamp insert assembly, fast clamp inserts, frameless clip assembly, and cable trays. Cable inserts, electrical coverings, encapsulations, and custom installation profiles are also made of extruded plastic. The components help to block rain, dust, and other external elements from reaching the delicate boards and wires.
Automotive Industry
Automotive parts, such as plastic trims, seals, fluid transfer tubing, and weather stripping, are made with injection moldings. The extrusion process also produces bumper reinforcements, interior panels, and motor housing. Other extruded plastic components used in the auto industry include electrical connectors, enclosures, and wire housing. Plastic offers a lightweight alternative to metal components and has better thermal efficiency. The material is also weather-resistant, making it ideal for exterior components like handles and mirror enclosures.
Consumer Products
High-quality extruded plastic components can enhance the design, durability, and profitability of various consumer products. Custom extruded plastic components are put to work in high-end phones, electronics, computer peripherals, and digital media storage devices. Plastic parts are also used in kitchenware, household products, and packaging materials. The versatility of extruded plastic allows manufacturers to produce quality packaging materials with varying weights, sizes, thicknesses, finishes, and barrier properties. Businesses can also order custom solutions that enhance branding, visual appeal, product safety, and shelf life.
Appliance Industry
Consumer appliance components like washing machine assemblies and inlet hoses can be made from plastic injection molding. Refrigerators, freezers, ovens, water dispensers, gardening tools, and other home appliances and equipment also feature plastic parts. Plastic helps form trims, grommets, sealing and vibration control systems, tubing, and other components. The material is preferred because it can withstand extreme temperature variations and regular use. Using plastic also results in lightweight, energy-efficient consumer appliances.
Military and Defense
Extruded plastic components find use in various military and defense equipment. Military airplanes, tanks, and other aerospace applications feature parts made using plastic injection molding. Submarines, ships, sonar buoys, and other marine vessel applications also rely on extruded plastic components like fenders, decking, and dock edging. The tanks feature automotive plastics for various components like tubes, seals, gaskets, brushings, liners, O-rings, chocks, and housing. Engine compartments also feature plastic insulation components.
Military and defense plastic components are more resilient against sand, mud, dust, salt water, and temperature fluctuations. Plastic is also lightweight, making it appropriate for armaments and munitions. Since military conditions can be extreme, the components undergo testing against strict industry standards and specifications. Plastic manufacturers use high-quality plastic and rubber materials to produce components that offer the durability required for daily use.
Water Management
Extruded plastics partially make up water management gutters and pipes that direct rainwater away from recreational vehicles and buildings. Sealants on RV slide-outs are made using extruded plastic and help to prevent air, water, and external components from entering the vehicle. Plastic is lightweight, so it won’t weigh down the installation area. The material is also resilient against harsh outdoor elements and temperatures.
Order Quality Plastic Extrusion Products Today
Extruded plastic components come in different shapes, sizes, and specifications based on their applications. You can work with an experienced manufacturer to produce custom extrusions that meet your needs. Contact a plastic extrusion company today to find out more about what you can achieve with this manufacturing process.