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The Extrusion Process<\/strong><\/p>\nThe Extrusion Process<\/strong><\/p>\n
Extrusion is a continuous process, in which plastic resin pellets are melted and pushed through a die in “meat-grinder” fashion. \u00a0\u00a0Strands are formed as resin exits the die.\u00a0 The hot matrix is then drawn over a mandrel and into a water bath to cool the netting.<\/p>\n
Types of Plastic Netting<\/strong><\/p>\n There are fundamentally two different kinds of extruded plastic netting differentiated by strand structure and the hole configuration formed by those strands: diamond netting<\/strong> and square netting<\/strong>.\u00a0 Each is created through unique processes that result in distinct product characteristics. \u00a0\u00a0Both types of products are produced in a wide range of configurations, ranging from fine “filtration-grade” netting that would resemble a woven product, to more course extrusion typical of plastic construction fence.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Diamond Netting<\/strong><\/p>\n Diamond netting<\/a> is produced with the strands in opposing directions overlaying each other. The joint structure of the product can be described as one strand over another strand. The overall thickness of the product is essentially twice the thickness of each strand, although there may be some melding of the strands at the joint. Strands in each direction are typically the produced uniformly, and the product looks the same from one side of the material as the other. This type of netting is marketed as “bi-planar”, as both sides are structurally the same, the strands forming a plane or channel along the net.<\/p>\n Square Netting<\/strong><\/p>\n The joint structure on square netting<\/a> is quite different with strands formed along the x and y plane, creating a square or rectangular hole pattern. The two strands that form the joint: the “machine direction” strand running the length of the roll and the “cross direction” strand running the width of the roll, are not stacked one over the other as in diamond netting. Generally, the machine direction strand is thicker than the cross direction strand. The overall thickness of the netting is mostly comprised of the machine direction strand thickness.\u00a0 One side of square netting is flat, the side drawn across the mandrel in the cooing tank.<\/p>\n Versatility<\/strong><\/p>\n Both types of plastic netting are initially extruded in tubular form. \u00a0It is most common for the tubular netting to be slit open longitudinally during the cooling process to create a flat roll of material. \u00a0\u00a0In some cases, however, the netting is kept in its tubular form. \u00a0One example is rigid plastic mesh tubes<\/a> for center cores or outer sleeves (cartridge filtration). \u00a0Tubular structures are also produced to be flexible<\/a> or stretchy, as is often seen on the outside of cartridge filters.<\/p>\n Plastic netting is a unique process that belies classification. \u00a0\u00a0Two important elements of this process are that it is continuous, and the product is produced in its final form as a net. \u00a0Although the extrusion process is very stable, when compared to other processes there is typically more variation in such product attributes as strand diameter and material thickness than with the weaving process or injection-molded process.<\/p>\n The range of products and applications for plastic netting are quite diverse. \u00a0To determine if extruded plastic netting might be suitable for your application requirements visit IndustrialNetting.com<\/a> or call a sales representative<\/a> for assistance.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" The Extrusion Process Extrusion is a continuous process, in which plastic resin pellets are melted and pushed through a die in “meat-grinder” fashion. \u00a0\u00a0Strands are formed as resin exits the die.\u00a0 The hot matrix is then drawn over a mandrel…<\/span><\/p>\n