Extrusion is a process used to make products by forcing materials through a die or orifice to form a shape, or to use an extruder to produce semi-finished or finished products. Due to the importance of thermoplastic products in the extrusion process, this article focuses on the extrusion of thermoplastic products. There is no doubt that thermoplastics are the largest type of extruded plastic materials, with almost 65% of plastics passing through the extruder. Since the single-screw machine is the most popular type of extruder, it is very popular because the single-screw barrel is relatively cheap, simple, and easy to provide continuous output.
In thermoplastic extrusion, the material is first softened by heating in order to be shaped. This process is performed by an extruder or extruder. This thermal softening has different names, such as "thermal softening", "plasticizing" or "plasticizing". Most extruders are single-screw machines. The screw is the power that pushes the material to and through the mold. The shape is given by a die and/or by post-extrusion molding, and then the product is shaped by cooling while maintaining its shape. The equipment used to perform this process is called post-extrusion equipment, and the entire system is called an extrusion line.
In most cases, the single-screw barrel is used in combination with the extruder to increase the moisture and heat absorption of the process mash, reduce mechanical power requirements and increase productivity. The regulator usually operates at atmospheric pressure and provides a method in which water or steam or both are uniformly added to the process mash. In addition, additives such as vitamins, spices, colorings, and even meat pulp can be added. The conditioner provides the necessary residence time for the mash to absorb the required heat and moisture before entering the extruder barrel.