Polymer Industries uses a ram extrusion process for the manufacture of its Polyslick® UHMW rod, tubing, and profiles. UHMW powder is gravity fed into a chamber and a hydraulic ram pushes the powder from this chamber into the die. The die is the shape of the desired plastic, a certain diameter rod, a certain OD and ID tube, or a profile shape. Heaters are employed on the outside of the die to heat the plastic and make it form into the shape of the die. The hydraulic ram moves back and forth continuously feeding the powder into the die. As the material comes out of the die, it travels the length of the conveyor after which it is cut to length. Ram extrusion does not shear the material that is being manufactured as does single screw extrusion which employs a rotating screw to move the material. It moves the material by hydraulically pushing it through the die which is the desired shape of the end product. UHMW-PE, which becomes gelatinous when it melts instead of molten, can only be extruded with this type or similar type process.

Diameters : Up to 10" diameter.

Lengths : Standard lengths are 120". Other lengths can be extruded upon request. Also Polymer Industries can cut any of its ram extruded products to any lengths desired by the customer. For example, if a customer desires 10" rod cut into 6" long pieces, this can be done with a cold saw that cuts large diameter rods to length.