Plastics Extrusion and Inert Gas Use: Exploring nexAir’s Gas Applications for Manufacturing Stability

Over the last century, plastic has infiltrated our lives so rapidly that it’s hard to imagine a life without it. It isn’t just a convenient wrapping for food at the supermarket. Plastic has helped us create more robust medical devices, craft aerospace safety gear, build sports equipment, and so much more. It can be found lining the walls of our buildings, the inside of our smartphones, and the hood of our cars.

But what if we told you none of this would be possible without one invisible ally — industrial gas. This crucial and much-underappreciated ingredient fuels a range of manufacturing processes that make plastic so useful. In this guide, we take a closer look at one such process — plastics extrusion — and explore how inert gases contribute to product quality, consistency, and manufacturing stability. We’ll also highlight how more than 80 years of nexAir KnowHow helps the industry Forge Forward.

How Inert Gases Influence Plastics Extrusion

For plastic to be useful, it must be molded into the desired shape. This is the general outlined goal of plastics extrusion, a high-volume manufacturing process that involves melting raw plastic down into custom components. The final product can be anything from pipes and tubes to window frames, wire insulation, and so much more.

To create this, manufacturers use what’s known as an extruder. This device takes plastic granules on one end and transfers them into a pressure maintained barrel, where the plastic is slowly rotated and melted. The molten mixture is then sent to a “die” where it is shaped. Finally, the plastic is cooled rapidly until it’s ready for use.

Along the way, manufacturers rely on inert gases — most notably nitrogen — for multiple purposes: 

• To prevent oxidation and moisture build up from causing defects
• To ensure the polymer being molded maintains its strength and integrity
• To displace moisture within the extrusion barrel 

An inert gas like carbon dioxide can also be used for internal cooling during the extrusion process. This helps reduce deformation, as it eliminates moisture and residue. In the process, it ensures a better quality product.

But beyond these examples, the plastics industry also makes use of other non-inert gases, such as:

• Anhydrous ammonia: Used in the polymerization of styrene, as well as to manufacture many types of plastics. 
• Acetylene: Used to produce variants of plastic, such as PVC and PVDF. These products are then used in the fabrication of various commercial products.

Essentially, our gas supplies are used at almost every stage of plastic manufacture and molding. Without a steady stream of industrial gas, facilities would struggle with processes related to extrusions, injection molding, and more. 

How nexAir Supports Industries Across the Southeast

But at the end of the day, it isn’t just about the quality of our supplies. For over 80 years, nexAir has established itself as an ally for industries looking to innovate new processes and achieve more efficiency. Our cylinders, micro-bulk systems, and on-site systems ensure every plant can Forge Forward with an uninterrupted supply of critical inert gases. Moreover, each of our products — whether nitrogen, acetylene, or anhydrous ammonia — always comes with a certification proving its reliability. They’re safer, more cost-effective, and get the job done. 

For more information on how you can benefit, visit the nexAir Now store today!

References:

• https://www.nexair.com/learning-center/gas-applications-in-the-plastics-industry/
• https://www.nexair.com/learning-center/navigating-complex-industries-a-deep-dive-into-nexairs-industrial-gas-applications/
• https://www.nexair.com/industry/plastics/
• https://www.nexair.com/learning-center/acetylene-and-industry-uses/
• https://www.nexair.com/learning-center/specialized-solutions-how-nexair-tailors-industrial-gases-to-unique-applications/
• https://www.atlascopco.com/en-ca/compressors/air-compressor-blog/nitrogen-in-plastics-manufacturing
• https://meritusgas.com/industries/plastics-and-rubber/
• https://www.linde-gas.nl/shop/en/nl-ig/extrusie#
• https://www.fictiv.com/articles/plastic-extrusion-explained