Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) Extrusion
Rigid UPVC, Flexible PVC, and dual-durometer co-extrusion. Engineered profiles for construction, automotive sealing, and industrial applications.
Compare Tooling Costs ↓The Backbone of Profile Extrusion
Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) is the most widely used polymer in plastic profile extrusion. Its unique chemistry allows it to be compounded into an incredibly broad range of hardnesses—from rock-hard structural beams to soft, rubbery weather seals.
Rigid UPVC (Unplasticized PVC): The standard for construction. By omitting plasticizers, UPVC delivers high tensile strength, excellent chemical resistance, and superior weathering capabilities. It is the material of choice for window frames, cable trunking, and protective cladding.
Flexible PVC: By compounding the resin with plasticizers, the material becomes pliable and elastic. Flexible PVC is extruded into gaskets, tubing, edge trims, and automotive weatherstripping.
Co-Extrusion: Fusing Rigid & Flexible PVC
Our South African extrusion lines specialize in dual-durometer co-extrusion. This process involves feeding both Rigid UPVC and Flexible PVC through a single extrusion die simultaneously. The two materials fuse together at the molecular level as they exit the die.
The result is a single continuous profile that features a rigid spine (for structural mounting or snap-fitting) and flexible lips (for sealing against water, air, or dust). This eliminates the need for secondary assembly operations, drastically reducing labor costs and failure points.
| Property | Rigid UPVC | Flexible PVC |
|---|---|---|
| Shore Hardness | Shore D 80+ | Shore A 50 - 90 |
| Tensile Strength | 40 - 55 MPa | 10 - 25 MPa |
| Flexibility | Rigid, Structural | Highly Elastic |
| Primary Use | Frames, Trims, Spines | Gaskets, Seals, Lips |
Managing Die Swell in PVC Extrusion
One of the core engineering challenges with PVC is managing die swell. As the pressurized molten PVC exits the extrusion die, the polymer chains relax and expand. Our toolmakers design extrusion dies with precise negative compensation to ensure the final cooled profile meets DIN 16941 tolerance standards.
Recycling & ESG Compliance
PVC is highly recyclable. Through our industrial plastic recycling program, we can capture post-industrial PVC waste, regrind it, and re-extrude it. For clients with strict ESG targets, we offer "Core/Cap" co-extrusion: using 100% recycled PVC for the hidden inner core of the profile, while capping the visible exterior with a thin layer of virgin, UV-stabilized PVC. This slashes material costs while maintaining a flawless Class-A finish.
Landed Cost Arbitrage Calculator
Compare standard US/UK manufacturing against our quality-assured South African facility.