Though there are many manufacturing processes to produce plastic lumber products, Bedford Technology is proud to offer three very uniquely distinct plastic board manufacturing techniques: Molded (Hard Tool), Continuous Extrusion (CE) and Multi Stage Extrusion (Multi-X). We will start this series of blog postings with what Bedford Technology refers to as Continuous Extrusion (CE) plastic lumber manufacturing to produce 100% recycled plastic boards in our SelectForce and FiberForce product line.
Continuous plastic extrusion is a single stage extrusion process where the molten HDPE recycled plastic material, along with additives (UV stabilizers, colorant, strengtheners, etc.) blended in, are forced through a die. The die forms the molten HDPE recycled plastic to a net shape as it comes out of the extruder. Downstream equipment then supports and refines the shape of the HDPE recycled plastic extrudate during cooling. Single stage continuous plastic extrusion involves a single extruder machine producing a single extruded cross section shape. The output can be in a single or multi cavity plastic lumber part traveling along a horizontal line set-up. (See image below for diagram)
Some of the many advantages to producing 100% recycled plastic lumber (SelectForce and FiberForce) in a continuous plastic extrusion process include: economical cost for high volume production runs, long length capabilities, consistent end-cut appearance, smooth consistent surface quality, more complex profiles, machinability and color consistency throughout profile. Continuous extruded recycled HDPE plastic lumber is a great alternative to aluminum extrusion, wood profiles, lumber profiles and other plastic extrusion products, where long lasting outdoor durability and low maintenance color consistency is desired.
Bedford Technology’s plastic lumber serves as a replacement to traditional parts made from injection molding, rotational molding, vacuum forming, aluminum extrusion, lumber profiles and wood profiles. Bedford Technology can also design a custom plastic lumber product to suit your specific application, so contact us today at (800)-721-9037 and talk with one of our knowledgeable sales representatives. Visit us online at www.plasticboards.com, “Like” us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/bedfordtechnology or follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/plasticboards.
