{"id":4653,"date":"2026-03-03T09:28:40","date_gmt":"2026-03-03T09:28:40","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.cdautomation.com\/blog\/cd-automation-processi-di-estrusione\/"},"modified":"2026-03-17T13:35:32","modified_gmt":"2026-03-17T13:35:32","slug":"cd-automation-know-how-extrusion-processes","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.cdautomation.com\/blog\/en\/cd-automation-know-how-extrusion-processes\/","title":{"rendered":"CD Automation know-how at the service of extrusion processes"},"content":{"rendered":"

Optimizing the performance of plastic processing machines requires precise control of thermal processes. Among the key operations in this field is extrusion<\/strong>, a fundamental technology used in many industrial applications. These topics will also be at the center of discussions at PLAST 2026<\/a>, taking place from 9 to 12 June 2026 at Fiera Milano Rho (Italy)<\/strong>. Extrusion is a process that transforms a polymer, in the form of granules or powder, into a continuously shaped product through the combined action of pressure and heat.<\/p>\n

Extrusion: what is it?<\/h2>\n

The plastic extrusion process<\/strong><\/a> takes its name from the equipment used: the extruder<\/strong>, according to the operations and elements we will describe: from the feed hopper, the polymer enters a cylinder; here it is melted, homogenized, and pushed forward by a screw until it reaches the extruder head, which shapes it as desired. The product, exiting the machine, is cooled using water or air. Subsequently, the plastic is rolled or cut to the desired dimension.<\/p>\n

Extrusion: a thermal procedure<\/h2>\n

The material used in the extrusion process is thermoplastic. It becomes soft when heated and hardens during cooling.
\nBut how is the heat necessary for extrusion obtained? The heat is generated mainly by the friction produced by the screw, driven by a motor, as it rotates in the plastic mass, and only partially by the heaters present in the cylinder.<\/p>\n

Focus on the extruder cylinder<\/h2>\n

\"Plastic<\/p>\n

The cylinder used in extrusion is divided into several zones, each equipped with heating and cooling control systems, which ensure the temperature required for the process. These temperatures are not the same as the plastic inside the cylinder, although similar measurements are recorded along the head and die. Each zone is characterized by a specific thermal requirement<\/strong>. Special attention is required for the rear zone of the cylinder, near the hopper feed: it affects the feed rate and production speed.<\/p>\n

Extruders: single screw or twin screw?<\/h2>\n

Most extruders are single screw<\/strong>. The extension of this system is expressed by the length\/diameter ratio, where production levels are directly proportional to the screw length.<\/p>\n

\"screw<\/p>\n

The screw can be divided into three zones:<\/p>\n