Definitions

Extrusion:

A process in which material is pushed through a die of the desired cross-section

Crosshead (extrusion crosshead, die or head):

Refers to operating some sort of material or substance, often metal or wire, through a “crosshead” and extruding over a substrate. The metal material, for example, crosses with the melt flow at the head of the extrusion process, hence the name

Fixed Center Crosshead (self-centering):

Simple unit usually consisting of (3-4 components) with no adjustments needed, immediate precise start up.

Adjustable Crosshead:

Allows adjustment for centering and/or gum spacing if needed

Single Layer Crosshead:

Allows for single layer of compound to be extruded

Multi-Layer Crosshead (co-extrusion):

Allows for 2 or more layers of compounds to be extruded within single crosshead

Striping Crosshead:

Allows for 1 or more stripes to be applied to end product

Tip (plug, guide, extrusion tip):

Sits within the core tube to assist in guiding the core thru crosshead unit. Used in both tubing & pressure applications. Tips can be made with single hole to multi-hole construction, profiles, shapes, etc.

Die (extrusion die):

Sits within the crosshead and/or die holder. The internal orifice is usually shaped for the desired end product. Used in both tubing & pressure applications. Dies can be made with single hole to multi-hole construction, profiles, shapes, etc.

Flange (flange adapter):

Adapts crosshead from extruder barrel

Breaker Plate (mixing plate):

Help mix molten polymer as it exits the extruder and support a screen to keep foreign particles out of the die.

Clamp (extrusion clamp):

Provides a solid connection between the barrel flange and flange adapter

Heating Elements (heater bands):

Used for heating the crosshead, flange adapter and other components within the extrusion process to the desired temperature. Available in Mica, High Temp Mica, Cast Bronze, Mineral Insulated

Cartridge Heaters (pencil heaters):

Another method for heating the crosshead, flange adapter and other components within the extrusion process to the desired temperature. Are tube shaped, heating element that can be inserted into drilled holes, used for heating from the inside and can be custom manufactured to a specific watt density based on the requirements of the application.

Core Tube (Distributor, Flow Diverter):

An internal component of a crosshead that holds the extrusion tip, controls the flow of resin from the extruder, and uniformly distributes the resin to the die.

Co-Extrusion:

Is the process by which more than one material is simultaneously worked through a die, utilizing two or more extruders to manufacture a part through the same die to produce a single piece.

Crosshead Extrusion:

Is the process of running a core material through a 90-degree crosshead and extruding a coating over the core material.

Continuous Vulcanization (CV):

A continuous, in-line process whereby a wire has an extruded covering applied, is then passed through a tube containing such temperatures and pressures as are necessary to complete vulcanization.