---
title: Plastic Extrusion Materials
description: A guide through some of the most common types of compound used in extrusion. Each have unique properties making them perfect for different use-cases.
---

# Plastic Extrusion Materials

[ Thalia Kalozoes ](https://www.bwcprofiles.co.uk/extrusion-academy/author/thalia-kalozoes)

There are various plastic extrusion materials you can choose from when it comes to your plastic extrusion order, with different materials playing a role in manufacturing a wide range of products, from pipes and sheets to complex profiles.

Understanding the properties and applications is essential for optimising performance, sustainability, and cost-effectiveness in the extrusion process which is why we've put together a handy guide to the various plastic extrusion materials you can choose from.

 

![Plastic Extrusion Coming Out of Water Bath-1](https://www.bwcprofiles.co.uk/hs-fs/hubfs/Plastic/Plastic%20Extrusion%20Coming%20Out%20of%20Water%20Bath-1.png?width=1920&height=674&name=Plastic%20Extrusion%20Coming%20Out%20of%20Water%20Bath-1.png)

 

PVC - Polyvinyl Chloride

Benefits

- Available in both rigid and flexible profiles
- Ideal for most weather conditions
- One of the most affordable materials
- Inherently clear, making colouring easy
- Highly machinable 

Draw Backs

- Weakens at higher temperatures
- Some variations of the material can be difficult to colour
- Mixed chemical resistance, depending on the use-case

Use cases

- Drainpipes
- Water hoses
- Wire insulation
- Windows & Doors

 

ABS - Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene

Benefits

- High impact strength
- Aesthetically pleasing with a glossy finish
- Relatively strong
- Highly machinable

Draw Backs

- Lower durability in poor weather conditions, although this can be improved with UV stabilisers 
- Mixed chemical resistance, depending on the use-case

Use cases

- Drainpipes
- Car production
- Household electronics
- Radiators

 

HIPS & MIPS - High / Medium Impact Polystyrene

Benefits

- High impact strength
- Weathering and finish performance can be high after treating

Draw Backs

- Low light resistance, although this can be improved with UV stabilisers 
- High impact strength comes at the expense of tensile strength, as well as finish
- Generally poor chemical resistance

Use cases

- Toys
- Household appliances
- Product packing

 

HDPE - High-Density Polyethylene 

Benefits

- High heat distortion temperature (HDT)
- High chemical resistance
- Good rigidity and hardness
- Inherently white, making colouring easy

Draw Backs

- Low impact strength
- Medium-light resistance, although this can be improved with UV stabilisers 
- Difficult to machine
- Surface complicated adhesion

Use cases

- Storage boxes
- Fuel containers
- Bins

 

PP - Polypropylene 

Benefits

- Very lightweight, whilst retaining strength
- Recyclable
- Versatile rigidity/ flexibility* 
- Can have high rigidity*

Draw Backs

- Not well suited to painting
- Can have low impact resistance*
- Can have low long-term durability*

*** depending on material choice**

Use cases

- Plumbing
- Kitchen appliances
- Car bodies
- Storage boxes

 

TPE - Thermoplastic Elastomer

Benefits

- Extremely flexible
- High impact strength
- Generally good chemical resistance
- Recyclable

Draw Backs

- Heat distortion is an issue, although this can be improved with fillers
- Colouring can only be applied after treatment

Use cases

- Automotive

Colours

We also offer a large range of colours as standard. Where a specific colour is required but cannot be satisfied with our stock compound we can arrange the supply of a colour match sample for your approval direct from the compound manufacturers. Alternatively, we can offer a masterbatch colour match and we also have the ability to co-extrude and “skin” profiles. 

For more information on our dedicated plastic extrusion facility and our expert service, please [contact us](https://www.bwcprofiles.co.uk/contact). 

[Plastic](https://www.bwcprofiles.co.uk/extrusion-academy/topic/plastic) [Academy](https://www.bwcprofiles.co.uk/extrusion-academy/topic/academy)

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