Processing Introduction of Plastic
One of the most outstanding features of the plastics is the ease with which theycan be processed. In some cases semi-finished articles such as sheets or rods are produced and subsequent fabricated into shape using conventional methods such as welding or machining. In the majority of the cases, however, the finished article, which may be quite complex in shape, is produced in a single operation.The processing stages of heating, shaping and cooling may be continuous (e.g. production of pipe by extrusion), or a repeated cycle of events (e.g. production of telephone housing by injection moulding), but in most cases the processes may be automated and so are particularly suitable for mass production.
There is wide range of processing methods which may be used for plastics. In most cases the choice of method is based on the shape of the component and whether it is thermoplastic or thermosetting. There are two principal methods for processing plastics.
1. Extrusion Processing of Plastic
2. Injection molding Processing of Plastic
