types of plastic manufacturing processes
Injection Mold. The most common and recognizable plastic manufacturing process is injection molding. This process uses thermoplastics and is responsible for many of the consumer products we enjoy today. During the process, the thermoplastic is super-heated and injected into a ceramic mold. The plastic is pressed into the mold and held until cool.
Plastics extrusion. Cross-section of a plastic extruder to show the screw. Plastics extrusion is a high-volume manufacturing process in which raw plastic is melted and formed into a continuous profile. Extrusion produces items such as pipe/tubing, weatherstripping, fencing, deck railings, window frames, plastic films and sheeting, thermoplastic coatings, and wire insulation. This process starts by feeding plastic material (pellets, granules, flakes or powders) from a hopper into the barrel of the extruder.