What is it?
Plastic extrusion is an industrial process that converts small plastic granules (pellets) into continuous products: tubes, profiles, sticks, strips, etc. It’s similar to using a “churro machine,” but with controlled temperatures, precise dimensions, and technical-grade materials.
From pellet to shape
The plastic enters the machine in pellet form, is heated until it melts, and is pushed by a screw toward a die (nozzle).
As it exits through the die, the plastic takes on its final shape and remains consistent along the entire length of the part. Then it only needs to be cooled and cut to the required length.
How an extrusion line works
A typical extrusion line includes several linked elements: a feed hopper, extruder, die, cooling system, haul-off, and cutting unit.
First, the plastic is melted and mixed; then it is shaped as it passes through the die. Next, it is cooled and calibrated to lock in the dimensions. Finally, a haul-off unit keeps the speed constant and a cutter divides the product into bars, sections, or rolls.
