Tips for Designing Extruded Plastic Profiles

Engineers consider several factors to ensure plastic components both perform properly and are produced efficiently.

These include the application environment, assembly processes, aesthetic requirements, critical tolerances and more. Fully understanding these issues also can lead to opportunities for cost savings or product enhancements.

When our engineers are custom designing, we consider the following:

Material Selection
Wall Thickness
Corners
Sink Marks
Hollow Sections
Tolerances
Production Processes
Fit, Form and Function

During an initial assessment, the profile design, materials, tooling and processing needs are all evaluated. We pay special attention to how the part will be installed or joined with mating components. By weighing each of these variables, engineers can recommend the best package of solutions for your specific application and production timeframe.

Choosing Materials

If you choose the right plastic compound, it ensures that you will meet product performance demands at a cost benefit. Polymer blends can be developed to meet many needs, including operating temperatures, UV resistance, coloration or opacity, flame resistance, rigidity and more. Keep in mind, every material has benefits and limitations.

Typically, the best course of action is to identify a material that will provide a balance of the properties needed for a product.

For more information, submit a request to review the Plastic Design Guide or Contact our Engineers, so they can evaluate a solution for you today.

Designing Plastic Profiles

Review concepts that can be applied to effectively design extruded plastic profiles.

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