A Practical Guide from Australia’s Engineered Plastic Experts
When designing a product that uses plastic profile extrusion, the material you choose plays a critical role in performance, durability, and cost. From soft, flexible seals to rigid structural components, each plastic type brings a different strength to the table.
But with dozens of options — like polycarbonate, PVC, ABS, or PEEK — how do you decide what’s best for your project?
Let’s walk through the key factors to consider when selecting materials for custom plastic extrusion, and why working with experienced plastic extrusion manufacturers (like All Polymer) makes all the difference.
1. Understand the Application First
Start with these questions:
Will the product be used outdoors or in high heat?
Does it need to be flexible or rigid?
Is transparency, color, or finish important?
Will it handle mechanical loads or repeated movement?
Your answers will narrow the list from over 20 plastics to a handful of suitable candidates.
2. Match Material Properties to Performance Needs
Here are some common extrusion materials used in engineered plastic extrusion, with typical use cases:
🔹 PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride)
Excellent for pvc extrusion profiles and pipe systems
UV-resistant, cost-effective, and flame-retardant
Ideal for building, electrical conduit, and signage frames
🔹 ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene)
Lightweight, rigid, and impact-resistant
Popular in retail display systems, trim, and automotive profiles
🔹 Polycarbonate
Transparent, tough, and heat-resistant
Great for LED diffuser profiles, guards, and glazing applications
🔹 PEEK (Polyetheretherketone)
A high-performance polymer for extreme conditions
Used in aerospace, medical, and high-heat industrial settings
Ideal for advanced peek extrusion needs
🔹 Polypropylene
Chemically resistant and lightweight
Perfect for tubing, chemical tanks, and outdoor components
3. Think About Aesthetics and Finish
Need a crystal-clear product? Go with polycarbonate extrusion or extruded acrylic. Want a matte surface, colored finish, or soft-touch feel? Materials like TPU, TPE, or coated ABS may be better choices.
At All Polymer, we help customers fine-tune the finish and feel during material selection — especially important for visible parts like diffuser LED strips or branded enclosures.
4. Don’t Forget Cost and Availability
A highly engineered plastic might sound great, but is it practical? Cost and supply chain stability are key factors — especially for ongoing production.
When you partner with local plastic extrusion manufacturers in Australia like All Polymer, you get expert help balancing performance and price — without waiting on overseas material imports.
5. Use a Trusted Manufacturer for Custom Guidance
Your choice of plastic extruder matters as much as your material. At All Polymer, we’ve helped companies across Australia select and test the best fit — whether they’re prototyping or producing at scale.
Our engineered plastic extrusion team will work with your drawings, environment, and functional needs to suggest the most suitable resin, finish, and profile shape.
Final Word
The success of your plastic extrusion products begins with smart material selection. From PVC pipe production lines to sleek custom plastic extrusions for lighting and consumer goods, choosing the right plastic makes all the difference in longevity and performance.
📍 Looking for plastic extrusion near me in Australia?
Let All Polymer guide you through material selection and bring your design to life with zero compromise.
👉 Contact us today for tailored help on your next extrusion project.