This section provides an overview for plastics processors as well as their applications and principles. Also, please take a look at the list of 3 plastics processor companies and their company rankings. Here are the top-ranked plastics processor companies as of November, 2024: 1.Shini USA, 2.3M, 3.Safety Speed Manufacturing.
Table of Contents
Categories Related to Plastics Processors
Plastics are essential materials in our daily lives, and comprise various types of resins. For instance, polyethylene (PE) is used in plastic bags, ABS resin in the housing of home appliances like TVs and refrigerators, and polystyrene (PS) in Styrofoam.
A plastics processor transforms these resins into products with the desired performance and shape. The processing conditions vary depending on the type of processor and the intended result. Key processing methods include injection molding, extrusion molding, vacuum molding, and plastic cutting. Other methods are punching, optical molding, blow molding, and vacuum casting.
As mentioned, plastics processors use a variety of methods, with processing conditions selected based on the plastic's hardness, melting point, flowability, and other properties, as well as the final product's shape and physical properties.
Processors can be broadly classified into cutting and molding types. Cutting is used for small-lot, high-variety production, while molding is more suited for mass production.
When heated, plastics become fluid and can be poured into molds. A 3D printer, for example, reads 3D data and discharges heated, fluid resin to create modeled objects.
In cutting processors, hardened plastics are shaped using lathes or saws. Suitable for small-lot, multi-variety production, this method processes each piece individually and is ideal for complex shapes and a wide range of resins, including super engineering plastics.
Molding involves heating plastics and injecting them into molds, then cooling to solidify. This method is efficient for mass production. It’s used for various plastics, including polyethylene, polyamide, polystyrene, and polycarbonate. Molding processes are further divided into injection, extrusion, and vacuum molding, selected based on the plastic type and desired product quality.
Machining centers, controlled by numerical units, are used for complex, high-precision tasks. They can automatically change tools, performing operations like milling and drilling. These machines are suitable for small materials and 3D processing. The process involves creating CAM data from drawings, setting tools, and machining the material, often using devices like vices for stability.
Different machines are used based on processing requirements. Cutting involves machines like lathes and mills, while molding integrates pressurizers and molds. Initial costs for molding are high due to mold fabrication, but it’s suitable for mass production. Press machines are also used in plastics processing for tasks like drilling and bending.
*Including some distributors, etc.
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3M Company was founded in 1902 and is headquartered in St. Paul, Minnesota. 3M provides diversified technology services globally. 3M operates through four segments: Safety and Industrial, Transportation and Electronics, Health Care, and Consumer. The Safety and Industrial segment offerings include industrial abrasives, masking, and natural and color-coated mineral granules for shingles. The Transportation and Electronics segment offerings include ceramic solutions, light management films, and electronics assembly solutions. The Healthcare segment offerings include wound care, dentistry and orthodontia solutions, and filtration and purification systems. The Consumer segment offerings include consumer bandages, picture hanging, and stationery products.
Shini USA, a division of Budzar Industries, is a manufacturer of plastic processing machinery, headquartered in Willoughby, Ohio. The company offers a wide range of products including granulators, industrial chillers, desiccant dryers, and more. Its machinery is utilized in injection molding, blow molding, compound mixing, extrusion, thermoforming, and blown film. These products are designed to help with plastic processing in various industries such as printing, rubber, pharmaceutical, chemical, and beverage industries.
Safety Speed Manufacturing Co., Inc., founded in 1958 and based in Ham Lake, Minnesota, manufactures professional panel processing machinery. The company designs and creates a range of vertical panel saws, panel routers, screw pocket machines, edge banders, wide belt sanders, sign-cutting machines and more. Buyers may check out Safety Speed Manufacturing blogs for any new product, machine reviews, or woodworking tips. Since its foundation, the company has sold more than 70,000 machines globally.
Ranking as of November 2024
Derivation MethodRank | Company | Click Share |
---|---|---|
1 | Shini USA |
50.0%
|
2 | 3M |
33.3%
|
3 | Safety Speed Manufacturing |
16.7%
|
Derivation Method
The ranking is calculated based on the click share within the plastics processor page as of November 2024. Click share is defined as the total number of clicks for all companies during the period divided by the number of clicks for each company.Number of Employees
Newly Established Company
Company with a History
*Including some distributors, etc.
*Including some distributors, etc.
Country | Number of Companies | Share (%) |
---|---|---|
United States of America | 3 | 100.0% |