Extrusion design options
 
(numbered diagram)

1. Hinges. Some materials tolerate repeated bending and can be used as hinges. In other cases, profiles can be co-extruded from hard thermoplastic and thermoelast, which gives optimal flexibility.
2. Seals. Profiles with integrated sealing strips can have major advantages in installation, such as in building and industry.
3. Coatings. In the form of thermal stamping, where the surface is subjected to pressure and/or a structure, or through the application of film with adhesives.
4. Decoration. Using a line pattern in the extrusion tool.
5. Screw pockets. They provide the profile with good attachment points, regardless of the length to which it's cut.
6. Sliding function. Some polymers have a very low friction co-efficient. These polymers can be used for durable products such as conveyor belts.
7. Joining keys. The profile can be designed for joining with other profiles, machine components, building components, etc., without the use of adhesives or extra parts.
8. Spring action. Can be achieved through the right choice of materials. Many plastics are de-stressed so the spring action decreases over time.
9. Friction. High friction can be achieved through co-extrusion with a rubber-like thermoelast. This is used in architraves, for example.
10. Marking. With a barcode, sorting declaration or company name, for example, applied with inkjet printing.
11. Encapsulation. Reinforcing wires, etc., can be inserted in the profile during extrusion. Soft sealing strips can be fitted with a cord, for instance, which prevents the strip from overstretching during installation.
12. Colouring. Most types of plastic can be coloured. When there are particularly demanding requirements for precise colours, pre-coloured granulate is used, or a percentage of coloured granulate is introduced during the extrusion process.
13. Snap-on. Can simplify fitting and replacing screws or bolts.
14. Grooves. For inserting sealing strips, for instance.
15. Fixing. Guides and fixings can be designed so the product only works within specific dimensional deviations. This enables extremely precise tolerance ranges.
16. Insulating cavities. In structures, to counteract  cold bridges such as door and window profiles.
17. Reinforcement. Ribs at exposed places can be a good alternative to increasing the material thickness.