Choosing the correct material for a flexible plastic extrusion can make or break the performance of your product. Whether your profile needs to withstand harsh environments, meet FDA standards, or deliver long-term flexibility, the right thermoplastic is key. At NW Rubber Extruders (NWRE), we help engineers and buyers make confident decisions by offering deep expertise in both materials and application requirements.
Understanding the Material Options
Here are the most commonly used materials in flexible plastic extrusions—and where they shine:
Flexible PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride)
- Cost-effective and durable
- Good resistance to sunlight, chemicals, and abrasion
- Ideal for indoor/outdoor weatherstripping and bumpers
HMW PVC (High Molecular Weight)
- Enhanced UV and cold temperature resistance
- Superior tear strength and dynamic flex properties
- Best suited for demanding outdoor applications
TPV (Thermoplastic Vulcanizates)
- Excellent resistance to heat, weathering, and abrasion
- Often used in automotive and industrial sealing applications
- Feels and performs similar to rubber, but with thermoplastic benefits
SEBS (Styrene-Ethylene-Butylene-Styrene)
- Highly flexible with excellent low-temperature performance
- Resistant to water, acids, and bases
- Great for seals in cold-storage or corrosive environments
How to Choose the Right Material
Selecting the best material involves balancing cost, performance, and compliance. Here are five key factors to consider:
- Environmental Exposure
Will the profile be exposed to UV, ozone, moisture, or extreme temperatures? - Mechanical Requirements
What levels of flexibility, tear strength, or compression set resistance are needed? - Chemical Resistance
Will it be exposed to oils, solvents, acids, or cleaning agents? - Regulatory Compliance
Do you need FDA, UL 94, or SAE J-2558 compliance? - Production Considerations
Do you need short-run flexibility, dual-durometer co-extrusions, or secondary services?
NWRE’s Custom Solutions
Every application is different—which is why NWRE provides more than off-the-shelf materials. We consult with our customers to engineer profiles that meet both technical and regulatory requirements. With in-house tooling and rapid prototyping, we reduce your time to market without sacrificing quality.
Partner with NWRE for Your Next Project
From single-material extrusions to complex multi-durometer designs, NWRE delivers the knowledge, materials, and service to help your products perform reliably.
Need help selecting the right material? Contact NW Rubber Extruders today to speak with a specialist and request a sample or quote.