Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) is among the most common types of synthetic plastic polymers. With over 40 million tons of this synthetic polymer generated daily, it has several applications—manufacturing cables, wires, and pipes; food and beverage packaging; pharmaceutical packaging; cosmetics; and more. A PVC extrusion machine pushes the PVC material through shaped dies to obtain a product of the desired shape and size. It also comprises a transmission system, a screw, and a barrel.

An overview of the mechanism
The process of PVC extrusion begins with drying or pre-drying PVC granules, or tiny PVC pellets, as required. It is only after this process that they can be used for extrusion. These granules are dropped into the machine’s hopper and through its feed throat. There is a rotating screw in the device, which pushes the PVC material ahead through a heated barrel. This exposure to heat causes the PVC granules to melt.
The melted plastic then enters a screen pack and a shaped die, which molds it into its final desired shape. Finally, the extruded product is extracted and cooled down.

Applications of PVC extrusion machines

• Wire and cable
  PVC wires and cables are often preferred because they are durable, easy to maintain, sustainable, and temperature-resistant. PVC extrusion machines are widely used to manufacture these cables and wires.
• Healthcare and pharmaceuticals
  PVC is among the most commonly used materials to manufacture clinical equipment, such as dialysis solutions, peristaltic pumps, masks, and blood bags. It is also used to package different pharmaceutical products and is popular for being scratch and crack-proof.
• Food and beverage
  When foods and beverages—particularly perishable ones—need to be stored and supplied, suppliers must take great care to preserve them. So, many companies in this industry use PVC packaging, which is sturdy, leak-proof, and resilient. PVC is commonly used to manufacture different packaging items, such as food-covering sheets, plastic bottles, and cartons. A variety of food and beverage products, including meats, confectioneries, and dairy products, are supplied in PVC packaging.
• Construction
  PVC is an integral part of construction and plumbing. Due to its exceptional weather resistance, durability, and effective thermal insulation properties, PVC is extensively utilized in various construction elements, such as window profiles, door frames, roofs, and deck railings.
• Automobile
  PVC is used to manufacture several essential vehicle components, such as door handles, tailgate panels, and bumpers. This material ensures longevity in harsh weather conditions and enhances the vehicles’ esthetic appeal.

Benefits
These machines are used for the efficient manufacturing of polyvinyl chloride. With a wide range of applications, PVC-extruded material offers several benefits for users.

• Cost efficiency
  Since PVC is light in weight, it can be transported and stored easily. Also, the final products manufactured using PVC machines are incredibly easy to install and maintain. These qualities contribute significantly to cost-effectiveness, improving efficiency for industries that rely on this technology.
• Durability
  One of the main reasons businesses opt for PVC extrusion machines is that PVC, the output, is sturdy and durable, regardless of weather conditions. The material is resistant to rusting, corrosion, and leakages.
• Malleability
  Since PVC is highly flexible, it can be easily molded into products of varying shapes and sizes. As a result, it perfectly fulfills the requirements of different industries. So, a PVC extrusion machine is a good long-term investment for almost all manufacturing businesses.
• Energy efficiency
  Businesses can conserve energy to a great extent by using PVC products like pipes, cables and wires, cartons, tubes, and bottles because they are resistant to corrosion and prevent leakage. So, investing in a PVC-extrusion machine can increase energy efficiency at any manufacturing unit.

Tips to buy a good-quality PVC extrusion machine

• Check the type of machine
  There are different types of extrusion machines for various purposes, including single-screw extruders and twin-screw extruders. For PVC resin materials, the twin-screw design is an ideal choice, as it entails less melting and plasticization times and reduced energy use.
• Consider finances
  The cost of a PVC extrusion machine ranges anywhere from $7,000 to $80,000 per set, depending on its size and type. So, before buying a PVC extrusion machine, one should consider their requirements, decide the ideal machine size, and be financially prepared for the expenditure.
• Check the dealer’s reputation and reliability
  When purchasing a machine, it is crucial to consider the dealer’s reputation. This includes checking for positive reviews online and verifying if other consumers are satisfied with the product. It is advisable to purchase PVC extrusion machines only from reputed and verified dealers to prevent money loss on fake machines.
• Compare prices and features
  Since there are multiple dealers offering PVC extrusion machines, it might be challenging to shortlist the ideal one. Here, the key is to compare the features of each machine against the price and make an informed decision.