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Polymer Companies

Common Production Processes of Polymer Companies

Polymer Companies make use of various processes to manufacture their goods. Though companies are varied forms of processes that involve different temperature and pressure values, all the processes are relatively the same.

Here are some of the most common production processes used by polymer companies:

1. Use of additives
Additives are very common in polymer companies. This is because additives make it possible to create various types of products from one initial product. Additives are combined with the initial product in order to alter or even improve its basic physical, chemical and even mechanical properties.
Additives can also be used in order to incorporate a protective shield into the product. Additives make it possible for plastics to withstand varying degrees of temperature. These can also be added to change the product’s initial color and improve its appearance.

2. Use of plasticizers
Plasticizers increase the product’s workability or flexibility. This is commonly found in film wraps and plastic tubes used in the food industry.

3. Extrusion
This is the method where polymer companies place plastic pellets into a heated chamber called the extruder. The plastic is then melted because of the mechanical feature and temperature inside the extruder. At the end of this process, the plastic will be forced out of a small opening into the shape of the intended finished product. The extruded plastic is then cooled by either air or water to keep its shape. The materials that commonly undergo this process include plastic bags and plastic films.

4. Injection Molding
Polymer companies also use injection molding wherein the plastic is heated and formed into a fluid state. The fluid plastic is then forced into a closed and cooled mold in order to take the intended shape. Once cooled, the mold will open to eject the finished product. Some of the products made with this process include yogurt containers, butter tubs or any other plastic fittings and closures.

5. Blow Molding
This is a process used by polymer companies along with the injection and extrusion molding. The overall goal of this process is to form a uniform melt for a finished look. Blow molding is usually done during the cooling process to form the desired cross section of the product. This process is commonly used in products with hollow shapes. Without this process, polymer companies will need to produce two separate products and join the molded parts together with an adhesive. So, blowing is necessary in order to avoid the use of adhesive chemicals. Some of the common products made with the blow molding process include milk bottles, commercial drums and other soft drink bottles.

6. Rotational Molding
This is used by using a machine that can rotate on two axes at the same time. Plastic pellets are melted and placed into a mold. This mold is then mounted to the machine and rotated in order to get an even coating of the plastic. Examples of products that use this process include kayaks and other large toys.

If you need more information about polymer companies, contact PolyVisions Inc.

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