What Is Plastic Compounding?
While plastics continue to be one of the most used materials in homes and businesses daily, their methods of use constantly change. This is especially true also in the way we produce and engineer plastics. The experts at Plastic Service Center see plastics as a way to continue combining existing plastic with new natural resources. One of these plastic manufacturing methods is called “plastic compounding.”
Compounding is a processing of plastics that changes the existing characteristics of engineered thermoplastics. From changing thermal components to the overall aesthetic and dimensions of plastics, compounding melts down a blend of plastic to solidify into a new product.
In order to get a better idea of the way plastic compounding works, take a look at the brief details below about how this process helps forge new, innovative paths for plastics manufacturing.
How Does Plastic Compounding Actually Work?
Thermoplastic compounding makes the use of plastic polymers easier and more efficient. The process of compounding will essentially cause the natural materials within the plastic to behave differently, especially when combined with other materials. While in a compounding extrusion machine, the plastic is heated, melted, and propelled forward into the barrel. Here, the additives that change the characteristics of the plastics are added along the length of the barrel to mix and alter the polymer base. When the plastics are melted through and combined with the additives, it is then time to use the new plastic resins to make end products.
What Is Meant by Additives?
Additives are used to enhance thermoplastic polymers and their properties, including color, flexibility, heat and cold resistance, ultraviolet resistance, impact durability, electrical conductivity, and other valuable characteristics. Additives might be specific, as well, including utilizing pigments, glass fibers, lubricants, flame retardants, elastomers, fillers, and other polymers for the extrusion process. Plastic Service Center can perform plastic compounding with any applicable base polymer, including nylon, carbonate, polycarbonate, polyethylene, and more.
Experience Only Expertise with Plastic Service Center
From the start of the product design to what environmental stressors are required to test the durability of the product in inclement weather, the team at Plastic Service Center works with you to satisfy your specific needs and make well-informed decisions based off many years of industry experience. Our technical polymer experts will discuss your requirements and assist you with a thorough evaluation of your polymer compounds and materials. Additional polymer processing services include plastic recycling, custom coloring and color matches, and material development for only the best end products you need.
Trust Plastic Service Centers for Thermoplastic Resin, Glass Fiber, and Carbon Fiber Products
Plastic Service Centers offers you selection and availability from our 4,000,000+ pounds of inventory.
We stock a complete line to buy plastic resins in bulk, including thermoplastic resins, automotive approved polymers, carbon fiber, commodity polymers, including prime, generic, wide-specification, custom compounds, and other various engineered resins and new plastics. Our solid relationships with manufacturers and worldwide logistics partners give you reliable access to all the new plastic resin products you need, when and where you need it. We also have special pricing on some resins including surplus resins.
Located in Clinton Township, Michigan, Plastic Service Centers has distribution centers throughout the U.S. to help us serve our clients quickly and conveniently. We work closely with our customers to ensure high quality and competitive prices for every single order. You can either buy plastic resins, plexiglass, acrylics, bulk plastic, and more.
Trust us to be your carbon fiber or new plastic resin distributors, and we will work hard to exceed your expectations. Give us a call at (586) 307-3900 if you have questions or would like to request a quote on our contact form.