Plastic extrusion is the continuous process of shaping a fixed, cross-sectional profile by forcing raw materials in the form of plastic granules though a die. The granules are fed from a top mounted hopper into the barrel of the extruder and then heated and mixed. The melted granules are pushed into the die, which shapes the molten plastic into the desired shape. The compound is then pushed through the extrusion tool, passed through a series of forming gates and is cooled with chilled water.

Plastic profiles are extruded in continuous lengths which is achieved by pulling the finished product out of a die. This is pulled through an automated cutting system and then cut to a pre-determined length.

Extrusion is an economical manufacturing option as it is a highly efficient process and there is minimal material waste