Plastic Trim: Extrusion Methods, Application, Types and Benefits
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Introduction
This article will take an in-depth look at plastic trim.
The article will bring more detail on topics such as:
Principle of Plastic Trim
Types of Plastic in Plastic Trim
Types of Plastic Extrusion Methods
Types of Plastic Trim
Applications and Benefits of Plastic Trim
And Much More...
Chapter 1: Understanding the Fundamental Concepts of Plastic Trim
In this chapter, we will delve into the foundational aspects of plastic trim, encompassing its manufacturing methodologies.
Defining Plastic Trim
Plastic trim items are fabricated through a process known as extrusion, resulting in continuous profiles that can be manufactured in varying lengths. These trims are extremely adaptable due to their ability to bond, secure, and provide sealing. A variety of materials, including HDPE, LDPE, butyrate, PVC, acrylic, and vinyl, are employed in producing these extrusions and trims for multiple industries. Among them, PVC is the most commonly utilized material for manufacturing plastic trim.
Plastic trim is widely used in the construction sector, serving purposes such as window insulation, indoor and outdoor siding, door frame sealing, and protective bumpers for sharp corners and edges. In the appliance industry, trims made of flexible vinyl and PVC are used for sealing microwave and stove doors. The automotive sector also incorporates plastic trim for both exterior and interior fenders. Additionally, it sees use in furniture, recreational, and marine industries. Notable examples include edge trim, decorative in-house trim, fender flare trim, U trim, drip rail trim, lip trim, and J trim.
The Production Process of Plastic Trim
Plastic profile molding is distinct from injection molding as it generates two-dimensional shapes rather than three-dimensional products. The process of creating plastic profiles is straightforward and cost-effective. The technique involved is plastic extrusion, where polymer material is continuously melted and shaped, adjusting properties as needed with additives.
Initially, raw thermoplastic material is fed into an extrusion barrel through a top-loaded hopper. The polymer granules are gravity-fed into the hopper, falling onto a rotating screw driven by an electric motor in the feed throat. The design of the screw varies depending on the material and design of the final product.
Next, the rotating screw advances the plastic into a heated barrel. As it moves forward, the screw's channel or thread becomes progressively narrow, compressing the material. The barrel is equipped with multiple Proportional Integral Derivative (PID) controllers, each managing different temperatures to regulate consistent heat.
Depending on intended applications, certain additives such as colorants, UV stabilizers, or other compounds may be introduced to enhance the properties of the plastic trim.
When the plastic is thoroughly heated, it continually passes through a specially designed die opening to form blocks. The heat required to melt the plastic exceeds that set by the controllers, with the additional warmth generated by compressive forces and shear friction. Upon reaching the end of the screw, the molten plastic is thoroughly mixed and filtered through a screen pack secured by a breaker plate to remove impurities and eradicate rotational memory. The pure, molten plastic is then extruded through the die to achieve the desired trim profile. After leaving the extruder, the plastic trim is cooled and collected. The cooling method is determined by the design and shape of the trim.
In summary, extrusion is a production technique where material is drawn through a die to create a continuous profile with a consistent cross-section. In extrusion molding, plastic passes through a die, with the die's shape determining the cross-sectional profile of the final trim product.
Steps in the Manufacturing Process
The manufacturing process can be outlined as follows:
Plastic extrusion � Plastic is heated and driven through a heated chamber using a screw mechanism.
Molding � The plastic is pushed through a die, forming the final shape.
Cooling � The extruded plastic trim is brought to its final form through cooling.
Spool or Cut � The continuous trim is either cut to size or spooled.
Relative to other industrial machinery, extrusion machines are more economical, being less complex and not requiring exceptionally high precision, unlike CNC or injection molding. The dies used in extrusion are also less expensive, with tooling costs a fraction of those associated with injection molding. As with injection molding, extrusion molding is a continuous operation, which contributes to the low cost of extruding plastic trim.
The extrusion process typically creates objects with consistent profiles, such as I-sections, T-sections, U-sections, L-sections, and round or square cross-sections.
When assessing the extrusion process, consider elements like lead time (in weeks), cycle time (in seconds or continuously), setup costs, cost per unit, and its suitability for medium to high-volume production (fewer than 1000 parts).
Chapter 2: What are the Leading Plastic Trim Producing Machines?
In the United States and Canada, a diverse selection of plastic trim producing machines is available for manufacturers seeking efficient, high-quality, and cost-effective production of plastic trim components. As demand grows for advanced plastic extrusion, custom plastic molding, and precision-cut plastic edge trims, choosing the right machinery becomes essential for competitiveness across the automotive, construction, retail display, and consumer goods sectors. The latest plastic processing machines drive productivity, reduce production waste, enhance sustainability, and uphold rigorous quality standards—boosting profitability and meeting industry compliance. Below, we spotlight top-performing plastic trim production equipment trusted by industry leaders for delivering consistent results in both small-batch and high-volume manufacturing environments.
Model: Arburg Allrounder
Manufacturer: Arburg
The Arburg Allrounder series is renowned in the plastic injection molding industry for its adaptability, cutting-edge technology, and precision engineering. These injection molding machines support various plastic resins and thermoplastic materials, providing the versatility required to mold a wide array of plastic trim components such as decorative strips, weatherstripping, and protective edging. Key features of the Allrounder include advanced process monitoring, programmable automation, and high repeatability for tight tolerance parts. The Allrounder’s exceptional energy efficiency, rapid changeover capabilities, and user-friendly interface make it a preferred choice for manufacturers focused on cost efficiency and process optimization in the plastics sector.
Model: KraussMaffei GX Series
Manufacturer: KraussMaffei
The KraussMaffei GX series injection molding machines are highly esteemed for their innovative dual-platen technology, providing both strength and flexibility for complex plastic trim manufacturing. Engineered for superior process control, these machines are ideal for high-precision trim parts, including automotive trims, appliance edge trims, and custom profile extrusions. Notable features include advanced servo-driven hydraulic systems, robust clamping units, and superior mold protection. The GX series supports Industry 4.0 connectivity, enabling real-time production monitoring and remote diagnostics—critical for manufacturers seeking seamless integration and high throughput in plastic trim fabrication facilities.
Model: Sumitomo (SHI) Demag IntElect Series
Manufacturer: Sumitomo (SHI) Demag
The Sumitomo (SHI) Demag IntElect series stands out for its energy efficiency and industry-leading precision in electric injection molding. Powered by advanced servo motors and intelligent control systems, these all-electric machines achieve competitive cycle times and significant energy savings compared to traditional hydraulic models. The IntElect series is optimally designed for intricate plastic trim profiles, such as narrow channels, delicate edging, and lightweight decorative strips, where dimensional accuracy and surface finish are top priorities. Manufacturers appreciate the quiet operation, low maintenance requirements, and environmental sustainability of this machine line in their plastic trim manufacturing processes.
Model: Husky HyPET Series
Manufacturer: Husky Injection Molding Systems
The Husky HyPET series is a proven industry leader for high-speed production of plastic bottles, caps, closures, and a broad range of plastic trim components. Operating with state-of-the-art hot runner technology, these machines offer unmatched cycle consistency, process repeatability, and rapid mold changeovers—vital for manufacturers producing a wide variety of plastic trims in short lead times. The HyPET series is also engineered for cleanroom compatibility and enhanced material efficiency, benefiting industries with stringent hygiene or material waste standards. Whether producing custom plastic trim shapes or standardized profiles, Husky’s HyPET machines deliver outstanding reliability and performance in demanding manufacturing environments.
Model: Milacron Maxima Series
Manufacturer: Milacron
The Milacron Maxima series features large-tonnage, two-platen injection molding machines expertly designed for the production of oversized or heavy-duty plastic trim components used in commercial, industrial, and infrastructure applications. Praised for rugged construction, precise shot control, and advanced hydraulic systems, Maxima machines ensure sustained quality and repeatability, even in prolonged production runs. The Maxima lineup facilitates the manufacturing of complex profiles, thick-wall trims, and heavy-gauge edge protectors—meeting the needs of both custom manufacturers and large-scale OEMs (original equipment manufacturers) in the plastics industry.
When selecting the optimal plastic trim manufacturing equipment, consider key criteria such as intended trim design (profile complexity and size), material type (PVC, ABS, polycarbonate, etc.), required cycle time, energy efficiency, and comprehensive automation compatibility. Evaluating these factors ensures you align your investment with your production goals—enhancing efficiency, reducing downtime, and maintaining high-quality standards for plastic edge trims, profiles, and custom extrusions. For personalized guidance on choosing the best injection molding machine or extrusion equipment, connect with an experienced plastic machinery distributor or consult with a technical advisor specializing in high-precision plastic trim solutions.
Want to learn more about optimizing your plastic trim production process or explore custom machine options? Contact our expert team for a free consultation or explore our Plastic Trim Machine Buying Guide for in-depth comparisons and industry insights.
Chapter 3: What are the types of plastic and the methods used for plastic extrusion?
This chapter explores the wide variety of plastics utilized in the manufacture of plastic trim and provides an in-depth overview of the different plastic extrusion methods used across various industries such as automotive, construction, electronics, furniture, and packaging.
Types of Plastic in Plastic Trim
Plastics are engineered into thousands of base formulations, chemistries, and additives—each offering its own unique set of mechanical, electrical, and aesthetic characteristics. Selecting the right polymer is critical for product performance, durability, environmental resistance, and cost-effectiveness. To simplify material selection for specific plastic trim components, plastics are generally divided into two main categories: thermosets and thermoplastics.
Thermoplastics
Thermoplastics are the most prevalent polymers in plastic trim extrusion. These versatile materials can be repeatedly melted and solidified without significant molecular degradation, which is a key distinguishing characteristic from thermosetting plastics. Their recyclability and easy formability make thermoplastics highly desirable for manufacturers concerned with sustainability and flexible production workflows.
Thermoplastics are commonly available as pellets, granules, or sheets that are heated and shaped into custom profiles by processes such as extrusion, injection molding, and blow molding. Because no permanent chemical cross-linking occurs, thermoplastics can be melted, reshaped, and recycled—making the manufacturing process efficient and environmentally friendly. Recycling and reusing thermoplastic waste is feasible and often encouraged in modern production environments to reduce costs and environmental impact.
Some of the most common and widely used types of thermoplastics include the following:
Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC)
PVC, or polyvinyl chloride, is an exceptionally versatile and widely used synthetic plastic polymer. Its formulation can be adapted to produce either rigid or flexible forms, making PVC ideal for a broad range of plastic trim applications, including edge trims, corner guards, cable management, and window and door profiles. PVC is favored for its impact resistance, UV stability, weather resistance, and flame retardant properties, which are critical for automotive, construction, and industrial use.
Polypropylene (PP)
Polypropylene (PP) is a lightweight, flexible thermoplastic with excellent chemical and fatigue resistance. PP stands out for its ability to maintain its shape after torsion, bending, or impact, making it suitable for living hinges, flexible packaging, caps, and automotive trims. Its resistance to acids, bases, and organic solvents, combined with a low-density, low cost, and easy processability, make polypropylene a staple plastic for industrial trim and consumer product components.
Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET)
PET is a widely used, high-strength plastic admired for its outstanding clarity, dimensional stability, and excellent barrier properties against gases and moisture. Popular in food and beverage packaging, it is also used for branded trim products where visual appeal and recyclability are a priority. PET’s ability to withstand repeated stress and its wide processing window makes it a popular option for extruded film, molded parts, and industrial textile trim applications.
Low Density Polyethylene (LDPE)
LDPE, or low-density polyethylene, is a soft, lightweight thermoplastic made from petroleum. Characterized by its high ductility, flexibility, and low tensile strength, LDPE is widely utilized for products such as trim, weather seals, protective liners, food packaging, plastic bags, computer components, and floor tiles. Its smooth, non-abrasive surface makes it easy to clean, while its chemical resistance lends durability in demanding environments.
Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS)
ABS—acrylonitrile butadiene styrene—is a high-impact, rigid plastic used extensively in both industrial and consumer products, particularly as a glass alternative in applications where safety, robustness, and color customization are key. ABS works well for automotive trim, protective edges, enclosures, building materials, and children’s toys due to its excellent machinability and compatibility with additive manufacturing (3D printing). Its exceptional surface finish makes it ideal for visually prominent or decorative trim profiles.
Styrene Acrylonitrile (SAN)
SAN, or styrene acrylonitrile, is a rigid, transparent copolymer that offers excellent clarity, gloss, and chemical resistance, making it useful for branded packaging, household products, laboratory equipment, and trim seals requiring good thermal insulation. Although it has been largely replaced by more advanced polymers such as ABS, SAN still finds use in specialty trim, containers, and advertising signage, valued for its smooth surface, printability, and longevity, especially in high-hygiene or food-contact environments.
Polystyrene
Polystyrene is a naturally transparent, lightweight plastic known for its shock-absorbing and insulating properties. It is easy to process and can be extruded or molded into custom shapes, colors, or sizes, which makes it popular for display trim, protective packaging, building insulation, and retail presentation pieces. Like other thermoplastics, polystyrene is available as both a rigid and a foam material, supporting a vast range of trim design requirements.
Other Engineering Thermoplastics
In addition to these main types, specialty and engineering-grade thermoplastics such as polycarbonate (PC), nylon (PA), and acetal (POM) are often chosen for plastic trim that demands higher strength, impact resistance, electrical insulation, or precision. These high-performance polymers excel in sectors such as aerospace, automotive, and electronics.
Thermosets
While thermoplastics dominate plastic trim, thermosetting plastics like epoxy resin and phenolic are used for applications requiring superior heat resistance, dimensional stability, and electrical insulation. Once cured, thermosets cannot be remelted or reformed, limiting their recyclability but making them indispensable for critical electrical trim, structural components, and high-heat environments.
Plastic Extrusion Methods
The method of extrusion depends on the material form and final product geometry. Modern plastic extrusion techniques allow manufacturers to produce highly customized plastic trims with features such as variable flexibility, color, texture, and thickness for applications in window and door seals, cable protection, automotive cladding, medical tubing, and more. Key extrusion techniques include:
Tubing Extrusion
Tubing extrusion specifically produces hollow plastic parts such as pipes, tubes, hoses, and ducts. During the plastic extrusion process, the polymer melt passes through a die to create the tube shape. Positive air pressure is introduced to form the hollow center, and the extrudate is rapidly cooled—usually with water. This method enables the manufacture of both mono-lumen and multi-lumen tubes used in applications ranging from medical devices (catheters, IV tubing) and irrigation tubing to drinking straws and conduit.
Advanced tubing extrusion can utilize multiple pins in the die to produce complex profiles with multiple holes (lumens). Adjusting air pressure and die tooling enables manufacturers to tightly control wall thickness, diameter, and the position of each lumen, fulfilling specific requirements in electronics, laboratory, and fluid transfer applications.
Blown Film Extrusion
Blown film extrusion is the primary process for manufacturing thin plastic films, bags, and flexible packaging materials. In this continuous extrusion method, melted plastic is extruded through an annular die, and compressed air is used to inflate the film into a bubble, which is then cooled, flattened, and wound. This technique produces uniform films ideal for packaging, agricultural covers, construction wraps, garbage bags, and shrink wrap products. Layered or co-extruded blown film enhances barrier properties, mechanical strength, or visual appeal.
The flexibility of blown film extrusion enables manufacturers to create films with custom colors, textures, antimicrobial or anti-static agents, UV inhibitors, and tailored thicknesses to meet strict food safety or performance standards.
Sheet Film Extrusion
Sheet film extrusion is used to produce plastic sheets or thick films too robust for blowing. In this process, the molten polymer is steadily forced through a flat die and then calendared between cooling rollers to control thickness, flatness, and surface finish. Sheet extrusion is essential for creating products such as signage, thermoformed trays, construction panels, refrigerator liners, and laminated surfaces. Specialized rolls—smooth, embossed, or textured—offer various functional and aesthetic finishes, including anti-slip, decorative, or UV-protective coatings.
Modern sheet extrusion lines can incorporate in-line lamination, surface treatment, or post-extrusion cutting to supply turnkey solutions for display, automotive, or industrial applications that require specific properties like scratch resistance, color uniformity, or energy reflection.
Over Jacket Extrusion
Over jacket extrusion is the preferred method for applying protective polymer coatings (jackets) onto wires, cables, or high-performance fiber bundles. By drawing the core material through a die and surrounding it with molten plastic, manufacturers achieve a durable, insulating, and flexible jacket. Pressure tooling is used if adhesive bonding is required for electrical or data cables. Jacketing materials are selected for optimal abrasion resistance, flame retardance, temperature stability, and chemical resistance to ensure reliable cable or fiber optic protection in harsh industrial, automotive, or aerospace environments.
The choice of jacket polymer and extrusion parameters is dictated by the application's mechanical demands, environmental exposure, and regulatory compliance (such as RoHS or UL standards).
Considerations When Choosing a Plastic Trim Material
When evaluating the optimal plastic resin and extrusion process for trim products, decision-makers and design engineers should consider several key factors to align with end-use requirements, compliance, and lifecycle expectations:
Form
Are the intended parts characterized by complex geometries, intricate internal features, or tight dimensional tolerances? The level of design complexity may influence available manufacturing methods and dictate the need for advanced tooling, secondary operations, or significant DFM (Design for Manufacturability) optimization.
Cost/Volume
What is the projected production volume—prototype, low, medium, or high? High-volume processes such as continuous extrusion require upfront investment in custom dies and tooling but yield significant per-part savings through automation and rapid cycles. For shorter runs or custom work, extrusion and molding methods with lower setup costs are preferable, even if per-unit cost remains constant or only slightly decreases with scale. Accurately forecasting demand and understanding tooling cost amortization are essential for optimizing total project costs.
Lead Time
How quickly must the plastic trim products be delivered? Lead time considerations include raw material procurement, tooling fabrication, quality approval, and production cycle times. Some rapid extrusion and 3D printing methods deliver initial parts within days, while large-scale production—especially requiring custom or complex tooling—may extend setup times to several weeks or months.
Material Properties
What specific mechanical, thermal, chemical, and aesthetic properties must the plastic trim outperform? Evaluate factors such as UV resistance, impact strength, temperature tolerance, surface finish, compliance with industry regulations, ease of processing, and long-term aging performance. Balancing production cost with product lifespan and environmental impact helps ensure a successful and sustainable trim design.
Regulatory and Environmental Compliance
Many end-use applications—such as food packaging, medical devices, building construction, and automotive interiors—require trim materials to comply with international standards for toxicity, flame retardance, recyclability, or emissions. Ensuring selected polymers meet RoHS, FDA, REACH, UL, or other regulatory standards is crucial for market acceptance, safety, and longevity.
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Chapter 4: What are the different types of plastic trim?
Plastic extrusion can produce various types of plastic trim with precise tolerances by simply altering the die through which the plastic melt is processed. The construction sector frequently employs plastic trim, while appliance manufacturers use vinyl and flexible PVC trim for sealing stove and refrigerator doors. In the automotive industry, profiled trim is utilized for both exterior and interior fenders. As previously mentioned, types of plastic trim include edge trim, J trim, decorative trim, brush guard trim, fender flare trim, drip trim, and lip rail trim.
J Trim
Plastic J trim, sometimes referred to as siding channels, features unevenly molded extrusions where one end is slightly shorter than the other, creating a "J" shape in the side profile. This trim is available in a variety of abrasion-resistant materials, including PVC, metal, vinyl, and more.
Plastic J trim products are ideal for managing cables and wires as they provide a neat and finished edge. Similar to U trim, this design is also suitable for decorative frames and can be effectively used as cap molding secured with clear tape or white foam adhesive. Additionally, plastic J trim is commonly employed in retail merchandising, directories, and signage, accommodating materials like acrylic, poster board, and others.
Edge Trim
Edge trim is designed to cover rough and sharp edges on machines and equipment, enhancing safety and ease of handling. It protects both the underlying material and any attached components, such as cables, while also adding a touch of aesthetic appeal. Made from a range of flexible plastics and polymers, edge trim often includes a metal core to enhance its ability to securely grip and clamp onto edges.
Edge trim is used to cover edges on materials such as metal sheets, wood, and ceramics. Common applications include vehicle seats, tables, windows, ceilings, PC cabinets, shelving, machine guards, and various types of furniture.
Decorative Trim
Decorative trim, often used as the finishing touch in a room’s architecture, enhances the transition between the ceiling and walls. Crown molding, also known as cornice molding, often features intricate designs, though there are many variations available. Other forms of decorative trim include chair rails, casings, picture frame molding, dentil molding, and egg-and-dart patterns.
Trim Seal
Trim seal covers the space between two coupling surfaces to offer insulation and impermeable sealing for freezers, refrigerator doors, vehicle tailgates and compartments, passenger doors, big and insulated vessels, and other appliances. Hence, a trim seal works as a gasket.
A trim seal may feature co-extruded polymer layers coated with vinyl and rubber to guard against noise, rattling, and corrosion. Often, a metal core is included to enhance the seal's grip on the edges. When selecting trim seals, important factors to consider include service temperatures, environmental conditions (such as moisture and vibration exposure), grip strength, and size.
Fender Flare Trim
A fender flare trim extends the fender to offer additional coverage for large or offset wheels and tires. This extension helps ensure that SUVs or trucks comply with Vehicle Equipment Regulations, reducing the risk of fines for violations.
Co-Extruded Plastic Edge Trim
Often, a single thermoplastic may not meet the performance requirements for a given application. Co-extruded plastic edge trim combines the properties of two different thermoplastics into one component, leveraging the advantages of both materials to enhance overall performance.
Co-extrusions can integrate a variety of materials, including combinations of flexible and rigid substances, different colors, thin cap stocks over thicker substrates, and many other configurations.
Lip Rail Trim
Lip trim is commonly utilized as a decorative feature in cupboard construction but is versatile enough to serve various other purposes.
Chapter 5: What are the applications and benefits of plastic trim?
This chapter will explore the various applications and advantages of plastic trim.
Applications of Plastic Trim
Plastic trim offers a wide range of applications due to its versatility. It is particularly beneficial for any product that requires a clean, safe, and polished finish.
Plastic trim helps reduce damage and distortion while providing flexibility, making it ideal for architectural uses such as wall and ceiling trim. It is also suitable for baseboard molding and doorway edging.
Additionally, plastic trim enhances durability by protecting industrial machinery from damage, safeguarding against sharp edges, and serving as flexible bumpers. This durability makes plastic trim a valuable choice for automotive applications, where it shields both vehicles and their occupants from harm.
Additional applications of plastic trim are outlined below:
Windows
Plastic rain gutter
Truck bed cover
Running boards
Car and other automotive door edges
Truck, van, or car edge trim
Fender flares
Other sharp, risky edges
Plastic trim products offer an efficient and cost-effective way to finalize a product.
Benefits of Plastic Trim
Plastic trim products offer a cost-effective and efficient solution for finishing the edges of various components. While they are widely used in the automotive and transportation industries, they are also valuable across many other applications.
Plastic trim molding enhances the visual appeal of machinery components. When well-maintained, molding and trim can distinguish a finished product from a work in progress. Additionally, plastic trim is a budget-friendly option for fabricators aiming to improve the aesthetics of their designs without overspending.
Plastic trim profiles are constructed from durable materials to ensure reliability. They are designed for easy installation, requiring no specialized skills or tools. With a focus on quick setup and secure attachment, plastic trim molding is available in a variety of materials, profiles, colors, foamed profiles, finishes, and shapes.
Advantages of Plastic Trim Extrusion
There are various reasons why plastic extrusion is an economical, efficient, and practical way to produce plastic trim products.
The extrusion process makes continuous forms in varying lengths quickly and efficiently.
Products may be made in high volumes with low wastage.
Complicated shapes can be made with varying textures, thicknesses, colors, etc.
An extensive scope of sizes and shapes is possible with the complex machinery.
Various extras enhance the products� attributes, fire resistance, durability, and lower friction or static.
Plastic extrusion tools are normally significantly cheaper than tools for other plastic manufacturing methods.
Co-extrusion is beneficial when two or more pieces of machinery are utilized to feed one die head and where many layers of materials are needed for the product.
Co-extrusion may also be used to add a top layer to enhance the plastic products� appearance while keeping costs low with a cheaper plastic material at the trim's center.
Drawbacks of Plastic Trim Extrusion
The properties and microstructure of the plastic trim products manufactured by the extrusion molding process are uneven. The flow during extrusion is uneven, which results in uneven tissue attributes between the top layer and the center, tail, and head of the extruded product.
The operating circumstances of extrusion die are harsh, which greatly affects the durability and service life of a die.
There is low production efficiency. Save for continuous plastic extrusion, most extrusion methods can’t achieve uninterrupted production. Usually, the plastic extrusion speed is very low compared to the rolling speed. The geometric wastage loss of plastic trim extrusion production is big, and the yield is small.
Only simple forms of trim products can be produced.
The plastic trim produced using plastic extrusion are only extruded to a total thickness of 0.60 inches (15.2 mm).
Plastic extrusion produces a wide range of trim products, but it is still limited. For instance, this method cannot be used to make highly sophisticated trim parts. Additionally, only one kind of cross-section is possible at a time.
High initial costs are incurred in setting up extrusion machines. Therefore, this investment might weigh on a budget right at the beginning.
Plastic Trim vs. Wood Trim
Historically, fabricators relied on wood and wood products to create trim, with terms like casings and trim referring to the linear lumber elements used to finish the edges and corners of homes. However, wood trim faced challenges in damp environments due to its organic nature, which led to rot. This issue prompted the construction industry to seek a material that would be entirely resistant to rotting and water damage, leading to the development of cellular PVC.
Plastic trim molding, particularly for PVC pipes, was once limited to plumbing applications. Today, however, PVC has gained widespread popularity for various uses.
The primary differences between PVC and wood trim are chemical in nature. Wood tends to swell when exposed to moisture, while PVC expands with heat.
PVC trim responds to temperature changes by shrinking in the winter and expanding in the summer. Unlike wood trim, PVC trim does not warp due to environmental factors, making it a superior choice.
Conclusion
Edge trim, internal ornamental trim, fender flare trim, U trim, drip rail trim, J trim, and lip trim are popular varieties of plastic trim available on the market. Plastic trim is widely used in the construction industry for various purposes, including bumpers and guards for sharp edges and corners, interior and outdoor siding, door frame insulation, and window insulation and trim. While the automotive industry uses custom trim for the outside and interior fenders, appliance makers employ elastic vinyl and PVC trim for microwave oven doors and refrigerator sealants. Additionally, plastic trim is used in the maritime, recreational, and furniture industries for many purposes.
For manufacturers, plastic edge trim solutions offer an affordable, effective alternative to finish the edges of many components. Although they are used most frequently in the industrial automotive and transportation sectors, they are useful in a variety of other applications as well. Plastic trim profiles are created from sturdy materials to ensure dependability. Additionally, they are highly safe and easy to install; in most cases, they don't require special knowledge or equipment. Fast installation and secure holding are priorities in the design of plastic trimmings.
Regarding various manufacturing methods utilizing plastics, extrusion is among the highest in demand. To start the plastic extrusion procedure, thermoplastic flakes or pellets are put into a hopper placed on top of a closed extruding channel. Gravity puts the raw plastic material into the extruding channel. Running down the channel length is a screw conveyor that moves the raw plastic straight towards the other end, heating and shearing the plastic using friction. Electric heaters inside the extruding channel frequently aid the screw conveyor in plasticizing, or melting, the plastic flakes so that the plastic melts before it comes out of the end of the channel. Manufacturers from several industries rely on advanced extrusion machines. With the proper plastic extrusion machinery, there is no better way to manufacture superior quality plastic trim products. As with all machines, an extrusion machine has benefits and drawbacks, but plastic extrusion is a versatile production process.
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