Extrusion and calendering are the two primary methods used in producing plastic films. At Wiman, we use the extrusion processing because it gives us the ability to be much more precise so that you receive the exact product you need.
Extrusion is the act or process of extruding materials from a machine called an extruder. The process of extrusion, as it pertains to plastics, consists of feeding, heating, fusing and forcing a plastic compound through a tubular cylinder (barrel).
Generally, extrusion is used in producing the extra light and heavier gauge (thickness) film along with the profile type products. Some of the advantages in extrusion of plastic films are:
- Greater versatility in types of end product capabilities.
- Quick change over (less downtime) which will allow for more specialty and smaller scale runs.
- A better mixing cycle, which will obtain superior physical properties in both machine and transverse direction.
Our exacting extrusion process for our products ensures that our products have superior quality, greater uniformity, less material shrinkage, and are pinhole-free. Wiman’s processes can produce plastic film varying in thickness from .002 to 0.1875 inches. We also have the capability to produce profile-type products such as weltings and tapes. Additionally, we can laminate fabrics on to the plastic when it’s manufactured. The results? Better bonding, higher quality, and lower cost for you.