Plastic extrusions take raw plastic materials and create a brand-new item, but the regular extrusion process deals with only one type of plastic at a time. If you use two thermoplastic materials and extrude them through a single die, it is called co-extrusion, and a tri-extrusion means that you’re working with three different materials.
When you use three materials, it can be a complex project, but with the right company, the job is always done right. One of the reasons why it is complicated is because each of the three materials has differing properties.
Why the Process Is Important
The best custom plastic extrusion companies offer both tri- and co-extrusion processes, which allows for a lot of variety in the final product. This variety means that when it comes to colors, finishes, and rigidity, you can enjoy quite a few unique products in the end.
Some of the items that can be manufactured using two or three different plastics include tubes in multiple colors, flexible hinges that are placed on rigid parts, and even point-of-purchase (POP) components such as the windows that come in several colors and flexible gripping fingers.
What Can They Do for You?
Extrusion companies utilizing the co- or tri-extrusion process will get to know you a little better so they can become familiar with your business goals, which means that it’s easier for them to customize the process so you get just what you need in the end. They work with all types of plastics including butyrate, polyurethane, and thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), among others.
