Features: Its products combine the high elasticity, aging resistance, and oil resistance of traditional cross‑linked elastomers with the ease of processing and versatility of conventional plastics. They can be manufactured via injection molding, extrusion, blow molding, and other processes, and post‑mold trim and scrap can be ground up and reused at a rate of 100%. This not only streamlines production but also reduces costs, making thermoplastic elastomers (TPE/TPR) an emerging alternative to traditional rubber. With energy efficiency, a comfortable tactile feel, and an attractive appearance, these materials lend products a creative edge. As such, they represent a new generation of human‑centric, high‑quality synthetic materials—and are recognized as globally standardized materials.

Thermoplastic Elastomer (TPE) Extrusion Molding Process

　　I. Pipe Forming Process

　　Pipes are one of the primary products of extrusion molding, with diameters ranging from a few millimeters to several hundred millimeters.

　　1. Process Flow

　　The pipe‑forming process varies slightly depending on the raw material, but the general sequence is as follows: plasticization and extrusion → die‑head shaping → vacuum sizing sleeve setting → water‑tank cooling and shaping → traction by the haul‑off unit → cut to length → inspection → packaging and storage.

　　2. Process Control Factors

　　Among these, molding temperature, screw speed, traction speed, and compressed air pressure are critical process control parameters.

　　II. Bar Forming Process

　　Bar stock generally refers to solid round bars, though square, rectangular, and triangular bars are also available; it is primarily used in the manufacture of machine components.

　　1. Process Flow

　　The extrusion process for plastic rods is as follows: plasticization and extrusion → die shaping → cooling and setting → stretching and traction → cut-to-length → inspection → storage of finished products.

　　2. Process Control Factors

　　Plastic extrusion rods must be extruded at a constant speed, ensuring that the axial force driving the rod forward and the radial frictional resistance between the rod and the inner surface of the sizing sleeve remain within an appropriate pressure equilibrium range.

　　III. Sheet (Panel) Forming Process

　　Plastic sheets and plates are classified according to whether they are single-layer or multi-layer, flat or corrugated, foamed or non‑foamed, and made of a single material or a composite.

　　1. Process Flow

　　The extrusion molding process for plastic sheet and film generally follows this sequence, with slight variations depending on the raw material: plasticization and extrusion → die shaping → three-roll calendering → surface smoothing → cooling and conveying → traction → cutting → inspection → packaging.

　　2. Process Control Factors

　　During extrusion, the die temperature is typically about 5 to 10°C higher than the barrel temperature. For a three-roll calender, the roller temperatures depend on the molding material, the sheet thickness, and the arrangement of the rollers. Sheet thickness is influenced by the die lip gap and the spacing between the three rolls. The die lip gap is generally equal to or slightly smaller than the desired sheet thickness; after extrusion from the die, the sheet expands and, through traction and calendering, attains the specified thickness.

　　IV. Blow-Molding Film-Forming Process

　　Plastic films can be produced by various methods, including calendering, blow molding, and direct extrusion.

　　1. Process Flow

　　The production process of blow‑molded films is closely related to the processing techniques, raw materials, and product types. Depending on the extrusion and draw‑down directions, the blow‑molding method can be classified into flat‑die top‑blowing, flat‑die bottom‑blowing, and flat‑die side‑blowing processes.

　　2. Process Control Factors

　　Extrusion temperature is a critical factor in controlling both the output and quality of the finished product.

　　V. Extrusion Molding Process Conditions

　　When determining the processing conditions for extruded products, numerous factors—such as the molding performance of raw and auxiliary materials, the forming characteristics of the processing equipment, and the design and manufacturing methods of the molding dies—must be taken into account, making the situation quite complex.

　　Thermoplastic elastomer extrusion molding equipment

　　1. Structural features of the extruder

　　2. Transmission System

　　The extruder’s drive system is the component that rotates the screw and consists primarily of an electric motor, bearings, and a reduction gear.

　　3. Feeding Device

　　The feeding device of an extruder typically employs a hopper.

　　4. Hopper

　　The barrel is a critical component of an extruder, where plastic undergoes plasticization and pressurization.

　　5. Screw rod

　　The screw is the “heart” of the extruder. As the screw rotates, the material in the barrel is conveyed forward, subjected to pressure buildup, and partially heated.

　　6. Die Head and Die Mold

　　The die head is the transition section between the barrel and the die, and its structural configuration depends on the extruder’s type and size, as well as the plastic grade, heating method, and the shape of the final product.