Plastics processing

What does plastic processing actually involve, and which methods are commonly used? This Lexicon section provides essential knowledge on injection molding, extrusion, thermoforming, and more. Perfect for buyers who want to better assess offers and communicate effectively with suppliers.

Additive manufacturing
The additive manufacturing term refers to all , in which material layer is applied to a three-dimensional component for layer. The forming method has its strengths, especially in highly complex structures, and enables the user to have a high degree of design freedom and functional optimization. To date, additive manufacturing has been used predominantly in prototype construction and in the production of small batch sizes. Meanwhile, however, the technology is increasingly moving into series production, as it enables the strong individualization of products and gives the user the opportunity to differentiate themselves on the market.
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Blow moulds
The blow molding is a process for producing hollow bodies from thermoplastics. In this case, a preform is subjected to internal pressure and thereby pressed against the contours of a blowing tool, whereby it assumes the desired shape. The blow molding is one of the special methods of injection molding and has gained great importance in the production of bottles, containers and other plastic hollow bodies in the plastics processing industry. The method is distinguished in particular by the fact that the manufactured parts have comparatively small wall thicknesses. As a result, the material expenditure is low and the costs are kept low.
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CNC milling
The CNC milling is one of the cutting and is based on the use of automated CNC machine tools that produce workpieces with high precision using modern control technology. Nowadays, milling with CNC machine tools is mainly used in the metalworking industry and enables the economical production of workpieces with the highest requirements for accuracy and complexity. CNC milling machines achieve spindle speeds of up to 10,000 revolutions per minute and, in special designs, even significantly higher values. This allows for considerable increases in productivity, especially in series production. However, CNC milling is not limited to metalworking, but is also used successfully in plastics and woodworking.
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Extrusion
The extrusion is a forming process which is mainly used for thermoplastics. The plastic is pressed through a shaping opening as a viscous mass under high pressure and high temperature. Extrusion is one of the most widely used processes in the plastics processing industry and, thanks to its wide range of advantages in terms of efficiency, has gained great importance in the production of plastic parts. An extruder is used for extrusion, which is also referred to as a screw press. In principle, a distinction is made between the single-screw extruder and the twin-screw extruder.
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Plastic injection molding
In the case of plastic injection molding, molten plastic is injected into the shaping cavity (cavity) of a tool, compressed under pressure, cross-linked or brought to cooling and then ejected as a molded part. The injection molding is the most used method for the highly automated production of workpieces from plastic by the processing of powder or granules. Complexly shaped workpieces can be produced in almost any size. The high accuracy and short cycle times predestine the method for economical series production.
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Laser engraving
The laser engraving is a method of surface treatment using a high-energy laser beam for marking, marking or decoration of objects. The contactless method is characterized by high automation, durability and flexibility. The laser marking scores through versatile applications and is therefore very popular across the industry. engravings can be applied to many different materials and prove to be particularly durable and durable. Typical application areas are, for example, the production of type plates or the numbering of individual parts in series production.
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Deep drawing
We are the most important manufacturing technology in sheet metal forming. It can be used both for large series and for small series. Deep drawing with different metallic materials is also possible. Sheets that can be used in deep drawing include construction steel, stainless steel and aluminum, but also copper, titanium and brass. Deep-drawing is also possible for plastics, the technology being used here thermoforming. Deep drawing with tools The most typical variant of deep drawing is deep drawing with rigid tools from . These tools consist of a die, a die and a sheet metal holder or Holder. The cut sheet is fixed by the sheet metal holder. During the deep-drawing process, the punch presses the sheet over the die radius and presses it into the die, also called a drawing ring. The edges of sheet metal and stamps are rounded to prevent the sheet metal from tearing during forming. The change in the initial form is stronger in deep drawing than in most other forming methods. The finished product takes a completely new shape and hardly remembers the original workpiece. With correct application and the corresponding requirements, deep drawing is an extremely efficient, fast and proven method which is suitable for producing large quantities of uniform products. Deep-drawn parts are manufactured especially for the automotive industry, but there is also a need for deep-drawn parts in the gastronomy, the sanitary sector and the aircraft construction industry.
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Water jet cutting
The water jet cutting is a separate , where water is used under high pressure to cut through various materials. The water jet cutting is regarded as a particularly environmentally friendly, economical and material-friendly separation process. Depending on the material to be separated, pure water or water with an abrasive addition is optionally used in water jet cutting. While pure water is suitable for cutting soft materials such as plastics, foams, films and paper, an abrasive water jet is required for separating steel, ceramics or glass. The water jet cutting has proven itself primarily in the cutting of composites and is applied across the industry due to its extensive advantages.
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Plastics processing

Additive manufacturing

Blow moulds

CNC milling

Extrusion

Plastic injection molding

Laser engraving

Deep drawing

Water jet cutting