Extrusion moulding

Extrusion moulding is a manufacturing process used to make pipes, hoses, drinking straws, curtain tracks, rods, and fibres.

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The machine used to extrude materials is very similar to an injection moulding machine. A motor turns a screw which feeds granules of plastic through a heater. The granules melt into a liquid which is forced through a die, forming a long 'tube like' shape. The shape of the die determines the shape of the tube. The extrusion is then cooled and forms a solid shape. The tube may be printed upon, and cut at equal intervals. The pieces may be rolled for storage or packed together. Shapes that can result from extrusion include T-sections, U-sections, square sections, I-sections, L-sections and circular sections.

One of the most famous products of extrusion moulding is the fiber optic.

See also

• Extrusion