Life in Polymers: Machining Plastics and Why Compression Molding Beats Out Extrusion

 

On the first episode of Life in Polymers, we’re breaking down the basics of machining plastics, and specifically the differences between extrusion and compression molding. Both are ways that plastics are machined, but it’s a different approach. To provide insight, we’re joined by Jody Walker, Western Region Business Development Manager, and Paul Hanson, Eastern Region Business Development Manager of Westlake Plastics.

Professionals in the industry know: there are many challenges with machining plastics, most of which is felt by machinists that work primarily on metals. Not only is education on machining plastics sparse, but the techniques don’t translate.

“Machinists have spent most of their time on training on metal work. Metal work doesn’t translate to plastics. They are different materials,” Hanson said.

However, the industry has seen a strong trend in replacing metal with plastic. It’s lighter weight, more cost effective, and for some industries, it’s even “stronger.”

“In industries where corrosion is an issue like the food processing industry, plastic actually works much better, as it can deal with water and other chemicals better than metal,” Walker said.

 Paul Hanson saysThis trend means there is demand for machined plastics. Extruding acetal plastic parts has been the traditional way to create them, but it isn’t always effective.

“When a sheet of plastic is extruded, there are internal stresses. When a strip is cut from the extruded sheet, the part will curl. That’s a real problem for fabricators. Much of the time when these parts are installed, they won’t lay flat and can fail inspection,” Hanson said.

Hanson and Walker argue that compression molding is an alternative that more machinists need to consider. Though the process used to have barriers of high pricing, compression molding has become an accessible option for manufacturing plastic parts. Not only that, on average, the process is more reliable than extrusion. There is much less stress, and cuts lay straight when made.

Listen to the podcast to learn more about Westlake’s own compression molded plastic, Pomalux, which Hanson and Walker say delivers a unique and superior product to machine.

For the latest news, videos, and podcasts in the AEC Industry, be sure to subscribe to our industry publication.

Follow us on social media for the latest updates in B2B!

Twitter – @AECMKSL
Facebook – facebook.com/marketscale
LinkedIn – linkedin.com/company/marketscale

Follow us on social media for the latest updates in B2B!

Image

Latest

DXpedition
Icom Powers 3Y0K : Ham Radio’s Most Ambitious DXpedition to Remote Bouvet Island Part 1
July 11, 2025

Bouvet Island sits at the edge of the world. It is frozen, uninhabited, and almost impossible to access. Fewer people have set foot there than in space. That level of remoteness is exactly what makes it so valuable to amateur radio operators. The island ranks tenth on ClubLog’s list of Most Wanted DXCC entities,…

Read More
entrepreneurial success
The Hidden Key to Entrepreneurial Success: Build Momentum Through Personal Branding and Authentic Networking
July 10, 2025

What if the biggest pivot of your career started with a conversation?  In this episode of Professional Quotient, host Jason Winningham welcomes Fanny Dunagan, CEO and Content Strategist of PathLynks, LLC. Fanny shares her journey from high-pressure consulting in Singapore to founding her own media and branding company — and why learning to network…

Read More
Q2 2025
RM Q2 2025 Wrap Up
July 9, 2025

Rogue Marketing continues to lead with intention in a space often driven by noise. Q2 2025 reflected a strategic focus on substance, where each initiative supported long-term brand growth. The team transformed internal recognition efforts into enduring brand assets and refined event strategies through immersive, results-driven experiences. Website launches during the quarter balanced visual…

Read More
amateur radios
Hamvention Spotlight: Emergency Preparedness Led PrepHam Paul to Amateur Radios and a Rising Voice in the Field
July 9, 2025

PrepHam Paul (K5VLP) celebrated his first visit to Dayton Hamvention by marking a major channel milestone. He hosted a giveaway of the  IC-2370B mobile radio from Icom to thank viewers for helping him reach 10,000 subscribers. His passion for emergency preparedness, rooted in his experience as an Eagle Scout and later studies in emergency management,…

Read More