Manufacturers and customers alike are always looking for ways to improve part longevity. Plastic extrusion is already an effective way to create products that can last. But there are key extrusion services aside from the standard production cycle that further extend a product’s longevity.

Learn from Port Erie Plastics about five key plastic extrusion services that impact part longevity.

Material Selection

One of the most effective ways to impact part longevity is by properly selecting materials. While product application drives the decision-making process, there are materials suitable for most products that will enhance their shelf life.

If applicable, consider using polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polycarbonate, or blending polymers. These materials improve part longevity due to their resistance to corrosion and chemicals.

Multi-Layer Design and Co-Extrusion

Along with material selection, design is an equally important factor in improving part and component longevity. Accounting for the required characteristics of the part and manufacturing it efficiently can both be enhanced with upfront design considerations. If extra durability or longevity is required, the right design can help ensure those characteristics are reflected in the final product.

Additionally, consider using co-extrusion services. Co-extrusion, a specific style of extrusion services, layers multiple materials together to create one profile. This blending of materials creates a strong product that will last longer than if only one material were used.

Utilize Secondary Operations on Extrusion Services

Secondary operations performed on parts manufactured by extrusion services are another key way to improve longevity. Secondary services are more than just decorative measures. Surface treatments and protective coatings can shield components from harmful agents like UV-rays, chemicals, and microbials.

Port Erie Plastics offers numerous secondary operations that can follow extrusion services, including ultrasonic welding, fabrication, heat stake, and hot stamping. These operations will not only enhance parts, but improve longevity as well.

Precision Matters

In any manufacturing effort, precision matters. That holds true in extrusion services as well, particularly in engineering the dies that give the plastic its shape.

Properly engineered dies lead to strong and thicker walls, a denser product, and a more accurate shape. All of these characteristics will enhance part longevity.

Consider Additives or Fillers in Extrusion Materials

While using properly aligned materials during extrusion can impact the part’s service life, as an extra measure, consider using additives or fillers as well. This could range from fibers such as carbon or glass to performance enhancers that increase mechanical strength, stiffness, heat resistance, and more.

Trust Port Erie Plastics for Your Extrusion Services

Port Erie Plastics has been an industry leader for over seven decades in the plastics solutions space — including extrusion services. As the needs and demands of our customers continue to grow, so do our capabilities.

Quality is at the core of everything we do in our state-of-the-art facility. With modern machinery and quality checks throughout our manufacturing process, we are able to provide customers with peace of mind for their project.

Our plastic extrusion services are backed by the high-quality standards you should expect. We have multiple extruder machines for enhanced capabilities, along with up to 80 feet of cooling tanks.

Ready to improve your products with extrusion services? Contact us today to learn more about the difference we can make with your next project.