This equipment transforms reclaimed plastic materials into usable products by melting and forcing the molten polymer through a shaped die. A common example is the creation of plastic lumber from discarded milk jugs and plastic bags. The process involves feeding shredded plastic into a heated barrel where it melts and becomes homogenized. A rotating screw then pushes the molten material through a die, forming the desired shape. Subsequently, the extruded plastic is cooled and solidified, ready for cutting or further processing.
Repurposing discarded plastics through this method offers significant environmental advantages by diverting waste from landfills and reducing the demand for virgin plastic production. It also contributes to a circular economy, giving new life to materials that would otherwise be discarded. Historically, the development of this technology has enabled wider adoption of recycled plastics in various industries, including construction, packaging, and automotive, fostering sustainability efforts and resource conservation.
