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Plastic
Processing Methods:
There
are a variety of different processing methods used to convert resins
into finished products. Some include:
Blow
molding - Blow molding is a process used
in conjunction with extrusion. The die forms a molten tube of
thermoplastic material. Using compressed air, the tube is then blown
to conform to the interior of a chilled mold which clamps around the
tube. Overall, the goal is to produce a uniform melt, form it into a
tube with the desired cross section and blow it into the exact shape
of the product. This process is intended for use in manufacturing
hollow plastic products and its principal advantage is its ability
to produce hollow shapes without having to join two or more
separately molded parts. This method is used to make items such as
commercial drums, panels, ducts, pallets, bottles, containers of
different shapes and sizes, toys, road markers, gas tanks, drainage
tile couplers, furniture, tables, child safety seats, double walled
cases, and much more.
Are
you ready for more in depth information and training? Please let us
know and we will get more detailed information to you.
Extrusion
- This continuous process is used for the production of
semi-finished goods such as films, sheet profiles, tubs and pipes.
They are termed "semi-finished" because they must be
further processed before they become useful articles. Plastic
material is first loaded into a hopper and then fed into a long
heated chamber through which it is moved by the action of a
continuously revolving screw. At the end of the heated chamber, the
molten plastic is forced out through a small opening called a die
that is cast in the shape of the finished product. As the plastic
extrusion comes from the die, it is fed onto a conveyor belt where
it is cooled by blowers or by immersion in water. The operation's
principle is the same as that of a meat mincer but with added
heaters in the wall of the extruder. Examples of products include
lawn edging, pipe, film and window trim. Are
you ready for more in depth information and training? Please
let us know and we will get more detailed information to you.
Injection
molding - Since this process can produce
moldings of high quality and with great accuracy, it is very
widespread. It is predominately used for thermoplastics but smaller
amounts of thermosets and elastomers are also processed this way. In
injection molding, plastic material is also put into a hopper, which
feeds into a heating chamber. A plunger pushes the plastic through
the heating chamber where the material is then softened into a fluid
state. At the end of this chamber, the resin is forced into a closed
mold. Once the plastic cools to a solid state, the mold opens and
the finished product is ejected (click here
to learn how to size injection molders). This process is used to make such
items as butter tubs, yogurt containers, closures, fittings and
razors.
Are
you ready for more in depth information and training? Please let us
know and we will get more detailed information to you.
Rotational
Molding - This process is relatively
simple in concept since heat is used to melt and fuse a plastic
resin inside a closed mold without using pressure. Rotational
molding consists of a mold mounted on a machine capable of rotating
on two axes simultaneously. Solid or liquid resin is then placed
within the mold and heat is then applied. Rotation distributes the
plastic into a uniform coating on the inside of the mold until the
plastic part cools and sets. This process is used to make hollow
configurations. Common rotationally molded products include shipping
drums, storage tanks and some consumer furniture and toys.
Please visit www.polivinil.com
to learn even more.
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