Plastic trims are items that do not change the functionality of the structure or machine when added; rather, they enhance the aesthetics with lightweight plastic materials. They are extruded to make any shape depending on the design of the material to be trimmed. Plastic trims can hold, attach, and seal, which makes them suitable for many applications. Many types of plastics can be used for making trims depending on the application, PVC being the most common. Read More…
Preferred Plastics, Inc. open_in_new
Location: Plainwell, MI
Preferred Plastics is an ISO 9001:2000-certified custom plastic extruder, specializing in rigid, flexible & co-extruded products, including extruded tubing.
FABEXCO open_in_new
Location: Modesto, CA
Our profile extrusion capabilities are vast and adaptable to meet your specific needs. Whether you require rigid, flexible, dual, or tri-profile extrusions, we have the expertise and technology to deliver. We are dedicated to pushing the boundaries of what's possible in plastic extrusion, and we welcome the opportunity to tackle even the most challenging projects.
Plastic Extrusion Technologies open_in_new
Location: Middlefield, OH
At Plastic Extrusion Technologies, we specialize in the production of extruded plastics, catering to both large-scale manufacturing needs and smaller custom projects, all tailored to your precise specifications. We understand the importance of high-quality products, prompt delivery, and responsive service in today's fast-paced business landscape, and we are committed to meeting these expectations.
Absolute Custom Extrusions, Inc. open_in_new
Location: Milwaukee, WI
We have a long history of providing plastic extrusions. We will proudly serve you and we are committed to quality customer service. Our plastic extrusions are used in industries ranging from automotive to medical.
Pexco open_in_new
Location: Johns Creek, GA
As our name suggests, we are a leading custom extruder of plastic shrink tubing, flexible and rigid tubing, and profiles in standard or custom colors in a multitude of material options. We use state-of-the-art machinery for our extrusions and perform secondary operations on site, such as drilling, slotting, notching, etc. Pexco is ISO 9001 certified.
Northland Plastics, Inc. open_in_new
Location: Sheboygan, WI
At Northland Plastics, we are the experts in unique custom plastic extrusions. We specialize in single and dual durometer profile extrusions, vacuum calibration, automated inline fabrication, custom fabrication, and more. Custom colors and various additives are also available. As an ISO 9001:2015 company, we value product quality, timely delivery, competitive pricing, and excellent customer...
Petro Extrusion Technologies, Inc. open_in_new
Location: Middlesex, NJ
Petro specializes in plastic extrusions, offering our customers many capabilities, such as customized shapes & extruded tubing, along with tape application, coiling & angle cutting.
Polytec Plastics, Inc. open_in_new
Location: St. Charles, IL
We develop the most affordable and long lasting plastic extrusions. These extruded materials come in a variety of options and are Polytec Q-1 certified. We offer fast delivery and our customer service team is willing to design a perfect solution for your industry.
Keller Products open_in_new
Location: Manchester, NH
Since our founding more than 55 years ago, we at Keller have been the most innovative thinkers in the plastic profile extrusion industry. Our continued investment in new technology continues to pay off for our company and our customers; we are able to offer programs that eliminate tooling costs, we offer stocking and inventory programs and we can provide concept to tooling in less than five days.
GSH Industries, Inc. open_in_new
Location: Cleveland, OH
A plastic extrusion manufacturer of extruded plastic products, GSH Industries manufactures custom plastic extrusion profiles. We have continually expanded & attained our position as a preferred supplier of quality products & engineering ingenuity.
More Plastic Trim Manufacturers
Plastic trims are used in many industries; for example, the motor industry for door pockets, consoles, seats, dashboards, and door seals. Trim is also used for the exterior and interior fenders and the construction industry for door frame insulation, window insulation, outdoor/indoor siding, bumpers, and protection on sharp edges and corners.
In addition, plastic trim is used in the furniture, leisure, and marine sectors for various purposes. Manufacturers mainly use flexible vinyl and PVC trim for microwave ovens and stove seals doors. Edge trim, internal ornamental trim, fender flare trim, U trim, drip rail trim, lip trim, and J trim are popular varieties of plastic trim.
How Plastic Trims Are Made
The technique used in molding a plastic profile of trims is straightforward. First, a high-volume manufacturing process called plastic extrusion is used, where a polymer material is continually melted and molded while enriched with the desired additives. Additives help improve the plastic trims' chemical and physical properties to suit a certain application.
There are many additives for different functions; for example, additives to change appearance, increase strength, make plastics lighter, make plastics safer, make plastics more eco-friendly, and make better products. In manufacturing plastic trims, the extrusion method is used. This allows a continuous way of producing trims. Then, with the help of gravity, the feed, the plastic granules, is added to the hopper of the screw extrusion machine as the raw thermoplastic material.
The rotating power of the machine is provided by the induction motor coupled to the screw using the rotating shaft and bearings. The feed reaches the rotating screw and is conveyed through the heated burel. Three or more separate proportional integral derivative (PID) controllers are used to produce zones that continuously raise the heating temperature of the barrel. By so doing, the state of the plastic is changed from a solid state to a semi-solid state, which helps in better mixing the plastic raw materials and, in the process, removing the air bubbles.
The molten plastic is continually passed through a two-dimensional die after heating and is then supplied as several blocks. Typically, the temperature is higher than the melting point of the plastic selected for the PID controllers. Shear friction (shear heat) and compressive force will also produce additional heat, which can be added to the production process. The molten plastic is thoroughly mixed when it reaches the screw's end.
It is then forced through a screen pack supported by a breaker plate to sieve contaminants and remove the material's rotational memory. The molten plastic that has been purified is then forced through the die. The completed plastic trim receives the necessary profile and shape thanks to the die. Finally, the plastic trim is taken from the extruder and chilled.
Manufacturing Process
Using the extrusion method in the manufacturing process, several steps are followed:
Step 1: Plastic Extrusion and Molding
Using the screw conveyor method, the plastic feed is heated and compacted to the walls of the die, producing the desired shape and size.
Step 2: Cooling
Since the molded trim has a high temperature, the extruded plastic trim is cooled in a cooling solvent.
Step 3: Spool or Cut
The cooled trim is then cut into desired shapes and sizes.
Applications of Plastic Trims
Since they may be customized to fulfill different needs, plastic trims can be used in various situations. Applying plastic trim can help any product that needs a clean, refined finish.
Plastic trim is used in different industries, as seen below:
Automobile Industry
- Dashboard manufacturing
- Seats
- Making door pockets
- Making door panels
- Fender flares
- Truck bed cover
- Console
Construction Industry
- Gutters
- Seals for sliding doors and windows
- Ceiling boards
Advantages Of Plastic Trims
- Upgraded strength
- Improved aesthetics
- Lightweight
- They do not change the functionality of the machine
- Less dangerous when installing
- User-friendly
Disadvantages of Plastic Trim
- Plastics are not biodegradable
- Production of plastics produces a lot of toxic materials
- Plastic recycling is very expensive
- Plastics cause land and water pollution
Choosing the Right Plastic Trim Supplier
To ensure you have the most productive outcome when purchasing plastic trim from a plastic trim supplier, it is important to compare several companies using our directory of plastic trim suppliers. Each plastic trim supplier has a business profile page highlighting their areas of experience and capabilities, along with a contact form to directly communicate with the supplier for more information or request a quote. Review each plastic trim business website using our patented website previewer to quickly learn what each business specializes in. Then, use our simple RFQ form to contact multiple plastic trim companies with the same form.