Extrusion machines are used in various manufacturing sectors. They shape and form materials into specific cross-sectional profiles. That way, a wide array of products can be created. But how are these machines able to achieve that? And are there different types available?
This blog post takes you to the realm of extrusion machinery. It covers the essentials, types, and benefits of these machines. The key metrics for the extrusion machinery market and market growth drivers have also been covered. Continue reading!
Extrusion machinery is industrial machinery used for melting and shaping materials into a continuous profile. It achieves this by forcing the material through a die. This action shapes the material into the desired cross-section. The extrusion process, as we know, is more than a century old. Early extruders were used for the extrusion of elastic materials. Advances in materials led to the development of synthetic viscoelastic materials for extrusion. Today, extrusion is used in various industries. These include plastics, ceramics, food, and metals. The material fed into these machines can take the form of pellets, powder, or paste.
We’ve done an in-depth assessment of the rapidly growing extrusion machinery market. Our analysis reveals that the market for extrusion machinery stood at USD 8.52 billion in 2024. It is expected to account for a CAGR of 4.4% from 2025 to 2034.
Rising urbanization and high industrial production globally have created an increased need for products made from extrusion equipment. Increasing investments in manufacturing units in emerging economies are also contributing to the expansion of the extrusion machinery market.
There are four main steps involved in the extrusion process. Below, we’ve explained them in detail:
Adding Additives: This step involves mixing the base material with different additives. The additives can take the form of flame retardants or fillers. Lubricant types from the lubricants market may also be used as additives. The selection of the additive is done on the basis of the properties desired from the end product.
Material Melting: The second step involves feeding the material into the hopper and directing it through the feed throat to the barrel. The material makes its way into the annual space between the barrel and the screw. The turning of the screw drives the polymer forward. Here, it’s subjected to frictional forces. The barrel is gradually heated and its temperature is raised steadily. The progression of the material from the feed zone to the metering zone results in its homogenization and plasticization. This prepares the material for the next stage of the extrusion process.
Shaping: The rotating screws drive the molten material from the barrel to the end of the barrel. The screens here have dual functions. They eliminate contaminants and foreign bodies from the material. They also maintain a uniform pressure throughout the system. The increased temperature and malleability enabled by this process prepare the material for the next step, which is shaping. Here, the material is pushed through the die to give it the desired shape. The die’s shape dictates the extruded product’s ultimate form.
Cooling: After the material gets its desired shape, cooling is required. The cooling process can be achieved through the use of a water shower or cooling rollers. The cooling process is essential to ensure that the extruded material retains its desired shape. After cooling, the material may be subjected to additional processes such as cutting, flame treatment, and printing. Finally, an inspection will be conducted to ensure that the product meets the desired quality.
There are various types of extrusion machines available. Each of these machine types is designed to meet the unique needs of industries and applications. Some of the most common ones include:
Single-Screw Extruders: Single-screw extruders are the most widely used extruder types. They have a single screw for transporting and melting the material. Single-screw extruders are reliable and cost-effective. This makes them suitable for various applications.
Twin-Screw Extruders: There are two rotating screws present in these extruders. These extruders work in tandem for mixing, melting, and transporting the material. Twin-screw extruders are suitable for processing materials that are complex and challenging. They are also used for reactive extrusion and compounding processes.
Blown Film Extruders: Like various machines in the plastic extrusion machine market, these extruders are specifically suitable for plastic film production. A circular die is present in these extruders for the extrusion of the material into a thin and tubular film. The inflation and cooling of the film with air result in the development of products that are uniform and of high quality.
There are various benefits associated with making products using extrusion machinery. One of the key benefits is the ability of these machines to make large quantities of products efficiently. As the extrusion process is continuous, a steady output of materials is ensured. This reduces downtime and increases productivity.
Extrusion machinery is known for its versatility. Extruders can be configured for handling a wide range of materials. This flexibility enables manufacturers to adapt their production to meet changing consumer preferences and market demands.
It’s possible to have a high degree of control over the final product with extrusion machinery. The method also allows for product development with high precision. Careful adjustments to the temperature, pressure, and other factors allow operators to ensure that the required specifications are met by the extruded material.
The world of manufacturing landscape is continually changing. The extrusion machinery market is seeing increased automation for making processes more efficient and precise. Growing emphasis on sustainability has led to the adoption of materials that are sustainable and technologies that are highly energy-efficient. Ongoing innovations in polymer processing and precision manufacturing are expected to shape the growth trajectory of the market in the years to come.