Key Differences Between Profile And Sheet Extrusion

Both profile extrusion and sheet extrusion are widely used processes in the plastics industry, but they have different uses and different properties. The following are the main differences between profile extrusion and sheet extrusion:

I. Product form and application

• Profile extrusion:

• Shape: Produce continuous lengths of complex cross-sectional shapes (profiles), such as pipes, tubes, ducts, and custom profiles.

• Application: Used to produce products such as window frames, door seals, automotive panels, pipes, ducts, weather stripping, and various custom plastic profiles.

• Sheet extrusion:

• Shape: Produce flat sheets or films with uniform thickness.

• Application: Used to produce packaging materials (trays, lids), automotive interior panels, building materials (wall panels), consumer goods (stationery), etc.

2. Matrix design

• Profile extrusion:

• Mold design is used to produce specific cross-sectional shapes.

• The die can be complex to allow for complex contours with varying dimensions.

• Sheet Extrusion:

• The die is typically a flat die that forms a continuous flat sheet.

• The die lip can be adjusted to control the thickness of the sheet.

3. Cooling method

• Profile extrusion:

• When cooling, a water bath or air cooling system is often used to solidify the extruded profile.

• Complex profiles may require special cooling equipment to maintain dimensional accuracy.

• Sheet extrusion:

• Cooling usually involves passing the extruded sheet through a series of cooling rollers (calender rollers) or a water bath.

• Cooling rollers help maintain uniform thickness and surface finish.

4. Traction mechanism

• Profile extrusion:
  Pullers or track pullers are used to maintain tension on the extruded profile to ensure consistent speed and dimensional accuracy.

• Sheet extrusion:
  Pulling rollers maintain tension on the moving sheet to ensure constant speed and uniform thickness over the entire length.

###5. Material usage

Profile extrusion
Usually use materials such as PVC, PE, PP and ABS, which are suitable for making rigid and flexible profiles.

Sheet Extrusion
Uses similar thermoplastic materials, but custom applications require flat sheet films such as PS, PET, PC.

###6. Post-processing

Profile Extrusion
Depending on the requirements of the final product, additional steps such as cutting, drilling and punching may be included.

Sheet Extrusion Sheets can be cut to specific lengths and shapes, laminated, printed and thermoformed to obtain the final product.

Overview

While both profile and sheet extrusion processes convert thermoplastic raw materials into useful products, they have different uses, characterized by distinct differences in product form, application, die design, cooling method, stretching mechanism, material consumption and post-processing requirements. Understanding these important differences will help manufacturers select the right process to meet their needs. Efficient and effective in meeting specific production requirements.