Plastic Extrusion

Why Vacuum is Critical in Plastic Processing

Plastic is one of the most versatile materials in the modern world. It’s used in everything from packaging and piping to automotive and medical components. One of the most crucial processes in plastic manufacturing is extrusion—a method where molten plastic is shaped into continuous profiles like tubes, sheets, or pipes.

Vacuum pumps play a vital role in plastic extrusion, ensuring a cleaner, stronger, and more uniform product. Whether you’re producing polyethylene pipes, custom profiles, or corrugated conduits, vacuum ensures accuracy and consistency throughout the process.

Key Stages in Plastic Extrusion That Use Vacuum

✅ Degassing and Decontamination

Vacuum removes moisture, solvents, and trapped gases from the plastic melt during extrusion, eliminating bubbles, porosity, and defects. This improves the mechanical strength and clarity of the final product.

✅ Cooling and Solidification

Vacuum-assisted cooling ensures proper shape retention and dimensional accuracy—especially for thin-walled or precision-extruded plastics.

✅ Sizing and Calibration

Vacuum sizing tanks maintain stable pressure to achieve precise dimensions and smoother surface finishes, essential for quality control in plastic pipe production.

Benefits of Using Vacuum Pumps in Plastic Manufacturing

• 🚫 No additives required – removes air, humidity, and solvents naturally
• 🛠️ Improved product strength – degassed plastics have better mechanical integrity
• 🎯 Superior shape uniformity – more accurate and stable extrusion profiles
• ♻️ Less material waste – optimized processing leads to higher throughput and efficiency
• 🔇 Lower noise and emissions – ideal for modern production environments

Vacuum in Corrugated Pipe Production

Corrugated plastic pipes are produced through a specialized extrusion process using vacuum molds that form the pipe’s ridges and grooves. A vacuum pressure between 100–200 mbar helps shape and cool the pipes in real-time, delivering precise, durable results.

These pipes are widely used in:

• Electrical and telecom cable protection
• Automotive fluid systems
• Industrial drainage and HVAC
• Medical and flexible tubing applications

Their flexibility, strength, and versatility make them indispensable across sectors.

Atlas Copco Vacuum Solutions for Plastic Extrusion & Pipe Manufacturing

GHS VSD⁺ – Centralized Vacuum for High-Demand Operations

For large-scale extrusion or corrugated pipe production, our recommended solution is the GHS VSD⁺ oil-injected rotary screw vacuum pump. Built to handle variable loads, this pump delivers:

• ⚙️ High-efficiency performance with energy savings up to 50%
• 🌐 Smart monitoring via HEX@TM controller
• 🧩 Compact design and plug-and-play setup
• 📉 Low operational and maintenance costs
• 💡 Industry 4.0 compatibility for centralized systems

Ideal for centralized installations, the GHS VSD⁺ provides stable pressure and reliable operation even in the most demanding applications.

DZS VSD⁺ A Series – Dry Claw Pump for Smaller Installations

For smaller or decentralized operations, the DZS VSD⁺ A series offers:

• Oil-free performance
• Easy access for maintenance
• Lower lifecycle costs
• Robust design for dirty and humid environments

DWS + Booster and Liquid Ring Solutions

Depending on your production scale and material properties, we also offer:

• DWS dry screw vacuum pumps with booster combos for high-capacity requirements
• Intelligent liquid ring vacuum pumps for water or solvent-heavy processes

Each system is engineered for maximum uptime, reduced emissions, and minimal downtime.

Your Reliable Partner in Plastic Manufacturing Efficiency

Whether you’re running a high-capacity extrusion plant or a smaller fabrication unit, Victorian Utility Solutions offers end-to-end vacuum solutions backed by Atlas Copco’s trusted engineering and our expert local support.

Contact us today to discuss your vacuum needs for plastic extrusion, pipe manufacturing, or other polymer processing applications.