Temperature Control in Extrusion

temperature control in extrusion processes

Many common materials like metals, ceramics, plastics, food stuff and concrete can be extruded to form specific shapes or profiles. In the extrusion process, the desired material is usually heated to make it pliable and is then forced through a die orifice that has the desired cross-sectional shape. Temperature control units like the ones Delta T Systems manufactures can be used to heat and/or cool either the material itself prior to being fed through the die, or the die that is used to shape the material. In many applications, extruded materials pass through downstream process cooling equipment that consists of a trough which is kept at constant temperature by temperature control units (TCUs). The TCUs monitor and regulate process temperature relative to a specified set point.

Commonly Extruded Products

  • Aluminum railings
  • Medical tubing
  • Electrical wire coating
  • Railroad tracks
  • Drinking straws
  • Stainless steel piping
  • Cosmetics
  • Cookie dough

Extrusion is often preferred over other manufacturing processes because of its ability to create very complex cross-sections and smooth surface finishes with materials that are normally brittle at ambient temperatures.

Examples of extruded products in the food industry include cereals, pastas, candies such as licorice, french fries. Other industries that commonly use extruded materials include home construction, automotive, electrical, point of sale and medical industries.