Manufacturing and characteristics of plastic profiles

Plastic profiles are manufactured by extruding thermoplastic materials. Depending on the materials used, they differ mainly in their properties and versatility compared to metal profiles. They are used for their lightness, strength, flexibility, and ability to adopt sometimes complex and customised shapes. Here is an overview of the different types of plastic profiles and their characteristics.

At ABI Profils, we study more than 280 projects per year and are able to meet your needs.

We have the necessary resources and skills in R&D to design and develop the tools required for the manufacturing of your technical plastic profiles. From the design phase to prototyping and series production, the ABI teams will support you.

At ABI Profils, we offer more than technical plastic profiles; we offer functionalities: display, protection, insulation…

At the same time, we are proud to offer our range of edge-to-edge joining profiles: the IProfils. The IProfils are intended for the edge-to-edge joining of glass partitions (preferably polished glass). Made of the most advanced materials, the IProfils range offers optimised quality and ease of assembly. In partnership with one of the European leaders in adhesives (TESA), the ACX Plus solution offered on the fastening mode will meet all the functional and aesthetic constraints related to the addition and joining of walls without a transom.

WHAT PLASTICS ARE USED?

The manufacture of plastic profiles relies mainly on the use of thermoplastics. These are heat-mouldable materials that solidify upon cooling. The properties of these materials vary greatly depending on the type of plastic used. We will find the following properties, for example: resistance, flexibility, transparency, colour, resistance to chemicals, UV and temperatures.

We mainly use the following thermoplastics: PVC, HDPE, PP, GFPP, LDPE, PMMA, SEBS, PC, PA, GFPA, ABS, PS, and PETG. Each material has its specific advantages. The choice of plastic material will depend on the technical requirements of your project. For example, PVC is prized for its rigidity and weather resistance. PE, on the other hand, is preferred for its flexibility and durability.

Extrusion dies allow for the production of simple or more complex shapes, as well as the combination of multiple plastics or colours in a single profile through co-/tri- and post-extrusion. This flexibility then allows us to meet the needs specific to each application.

Let’s take a look at the different application areas specific to plastic profiles.

Industrial applications of plastic extrusion profiles

Plastic extrusion profiles are present in many industrial sectors. Here are the main industrial applications of plastic profiles for which ABI Profils provides suitable solutions.

CONSTRUCTION AND BUILDING

In the construction and building sector, plastic profiles are used in several applications. Here are some examples: borders, coverings, seals, ventilation systems… These profiles have excellent thermal and acoustic insulation properties, resistance to elements, UV, and impacts. They are easy to install, maintain, and recycle.

Our main plastic profiles are:

• Facade strips: For an aesthetic finish to facades.
• Sealing profiles: To ensure perfect sealing of structures.
• Fluid transport tubes: For plumbing and heating systems.
• Signage products: For better visibility and safety on construction sites.

AUTOMOTIVE INDUSTRY

In the automotive industry, plastic profiles help reduce the weight of vehicles. They improve performance, safety, comfort, and design. They are used, for example, in:

• Seals
• Air ducts
• Sunroof supports
• Cable guides
• AdBlue containers
• Trim profiles
• Airbag support profiles

We are particularly experts in the manufacturing of:

• Trim profiles: For improved interior and exterior design.
• Bi-component textile profiles: For better durability and aesthetics.
• Fluid transport tubes: For efficient fluid management in the vehicle.
• Safety reinforcement profiles: To enhance the safety of automotive structures.

The most important properties in this sector are their resistance to heat, abrasion, corrosion, and vibrations. These profiles, therefore, allow for better durability and reliability of automotive components. ABI Profils offers customised solutions to meet the strict requirements of the automotive sector.

FOOD AND PACKAGING

In the food sector, plastic profiles are used in the production of packaging. These packaging solutions protect food products. Their preservation, transport, and storage are then facilitated. The hygiene and food safety standards are also very strict.

You will find the following plastic profiles:

• Food packaging tubes: For prolonged preservation of food products.
• Electronic component packaging tubes: For the proper protection of components.
• Various consumables: To meet various packaging needs.

DYNAMIC STORAGE

In the field of dynamic storage, plastic profiles allow for better organisation and protection of warehouses.

Our plastic profiles for dynamic storage include:

• Guide rails: These rails ensure the smooth circulation of goods.
• Structural profiles and tubes: Designed for robust storage systems.
• Protection profiles and tubes: To protect stored goods from shocks and damage.
• ESD profiles and tubes: Relevant for managing electrostatic charges. These profiles protect sensitive equipment.

PARAMEDICAL

The paramedical sector requires plastic solutions that meet safety, hygiene, and durability needs. Our plastic solutions meet the highly regulated requirements of this field.

Our plastic profiles for the paramedical sector are:

• Support and reinforcement profiles: For robust and reliable medical equipment.
• Medical application tubes: Ensuring hygienic use in various medical applications.
• Trim profiles and tubes: For aesthetic and practical solutions in the medical field.

POS (POINT OF SALE ADVERTISING)

In the POS sector, plastic profiles allow for the creation of product displays that attract attention. Transparency, resistance, and ease of installation are three essential properties to consider when manufacturing these profiles. They allow for the proper showcasing of products in stores.

Our plastic profiles for POS include:

• Label holders
• Poster clips
• Presentation split tubes

These profiles allow for clear visual communication in stores.

SPORTS AND LEISURE

Robustness and durability: these are the two important properties required for this sector. Plastic profiles must withstand outdoor conditions (weather, snow, UV, and impacts).

Our plastic profiles for sports and leisure are particularly used for:

• Pools
• Toys
• Community products
• Snow stakes / Ski resort marking

AERONAUTICS

Finally, the aeronautics sector requires high-performance materials that can withstand extreme conditions while being lightweight and reliable. Our plastic profiles are designed to meet these strict requirements (resistance to extreme temperatures, lightness, and durability).

Our plastic profiles for aeronautics include:

• Sealing sleeves: For protecting aeronautical components from moisture and contaminants.
• Bi-component coextrusion
• Harness reinforcements: For proper cable management and protection against vibrations and shocks.
• Trim and decorative profiles

In Conclusion

Plastic profiles, manufactured by extrusion or co-/tri-/post-extrusion of thermoplastics, are present in many sectors. Especially the construction, automotive, POS, packaging, paramedical, sports & leisure, dynamic storage, and aeronautics sectors. This is mainly due to their diverse properties depending on the specific needs of each sector. ABI Profils is committed to providing tailored solutions to meet your needs with impeccable quality control.

AND HOW TO CONTACT US ?

At ABI Profils, every project is unique. That is why it is important for us to meet you in an initial exchange, either in person or remotely, to define the best solutions to your problem. Our guideline: creating optimal solutions for your standard and specific plastic profiles. We have been experts in the field for over 40 years.

Our team is at your disposal for advice. Under the direction of Lionel CHANTEGRAILLE, CEO of ABI Profils, there is a whole network of collaborators ready to respond quickly to your needs. Do not hesitate to leave us a message directly via the contact form or call us at 0033 4 71 61 29 99.

ABI PROFILS: Expertise at the service of your innovation!