What is Plastic Extrusion and What is it Used for?

When it comes to sourcing plastic components tailored to your specific needs, finding a reliable plastic extrusion company is crucial. If you are unfamiliar with the extrusion process, it is essential to grasp the fundamentals and determine the type of extrusion required. From there, you can go about choosing the perfect plastic extrusion company to meet your specific needs.

Below is more information about plastic extrusion, including what it is, what it’s used for, tips for selecting a suitable local company, and why E&C is the preferred choice for your plastic extrusion needs.

About Plastic Extrusion

Plastic extrusion is a manufacturing technique that transforms raw plastic materials into continuous pieces through a process of melting and shaping. This method enables the production of a wide range of items, including piping, tubing, weather stripping, fencing, and deck railings.

The field of extrusion encompasses various sub-types, each catering to specific requirements. To better understand your needs and what extrusion type best meets them, consider the following forms of extrusion:

Profile Extrusion: This type of extrusion creates shaped products with diverse forms, excluding film or sheet production.

Co-Extrusion: Co-extrusion is a technique that produces a product with two different textures by extruding one material and filling it with another simultaneously. The result of this process is a single product that combines both of the materials that were used.

Tube Extrusion: Tube extrusion involves pushing the extruded polymer through a round die and a vacuum calibrator/water tank to form tubes. These tubes can be cut to specific lengths or coiled on our machines, as per your requirements.

At E&C, we offer an extensive selection of stock tubing tools. Should you need a different size than what we have, we can easily modify an existing size to suit your needs at no additional cost.

Sheet Extrusion: Sheet extrusion is the process used to produce plastic sheets and films. The films and sheets can then be cut to exact sizes.

How Do I Find a Provider of Custom Plastic Extrusion Near Me?

Now that you have a better understanding of plastic extrusion, it's time to explore how you can find a reliable local company that specializes in custom plastic extrusion. Consider the following steps:

Start with an Online Search

Begin by conducting a simple online search using key phrases like "custom plastic extrusion company near me" or "local plastic extrusion services." This will generate a list of potential companies in your area.

To further narrow down your options, add specific location keywords such as "custom plastic extrusion company in Chicago" or "plastic extrusion companies in IL." Being specific will help to narrow your searches to local businesses.

Check Online Reviews

Once you have compiled a shortlist of companies, delve into their online reviews and ratings. Past and current customers' feedback on product quality, customer service, turnaround times, and overall satisfaction will provide valuable insights into the company's operations.

Platforms like Google, Facebook, and Yelp are excellent resources for reviewing customer experiences. If a company has a mixed rating, read both positive and negative reviews to gain a comprehensive understanding of their strengths and weaknesses.

Compare Services and Pricing

Every company has their own niche and specializes in different types of extrusion. Make sure that the company you are considering can fulfill your specific requirements.

Additionally, carefully examine their pricing structures. While cost should not be the sole determining factor, it is important to ensure that you receive value for your money.

Verify Certifications and Industry Standards

Check if the company adheres to industry standards and possesses relevant certifications. These indicators demonstrate their commitment to quality control and professionalism, ensuring the production of high-quality products.

Visit the Company

If possible, arrange a visit to the company's manufacturing facility. This will provide a firsthand view of their work ethic, quality control measures, and operations. It also offers an opportunity to assess their customer service and responsiveness.

Evaluate Customer Service

Excellent customer service is a hallmark of an outstanding company. Assess whether the company is responsive to your inquiries, is willing to provide custom solutions, and maintains clear lines of communication.

Choose E&C for Your Plastic Extrusion Needs

Finding the perfect custom plastic extrusion company may seem challenging at first, but by following the aforementioned tips, you can identify the ideal provider. However, to simplify your search, consider E&C as your go-to destination for the best plastic extrusion services in Illinois.