Plastics have become firmly established in construction, furniture manufacturing, and the lighting industry. Many of the components used in these sectors are produced through a process known as plastic profile extrusion – a technology that allows for the shaping of components with any cross-section, length, and properties. While the shape of the profile is very important, it is the choice of the right material that largely determines its durability, functionality, and appearance.
In this article, we take a closer look at the most commonly used materials at HLT and their impact on the final parameters of profiles. We explain how material selection affects resistance to weather conditions, flexibility, impact resistance, and product aesthetics, as well as why extrusion is a key process in their production.
Why does material selection matter in profile extrusion?
Extrusion Extrusion is a key process in the production of plastic profiles, allowing for the creation of components with any shape and properties. The choice of the right material affects the durability, aesthetics, and functionality of the profile. Each material has its unique characteristics that determine its application. At HLT, we primarily focus on producing profiles from the following materials:
- ABS – impact-resistant, ideal for technical applications, offering high precision and dimensional stability in the extrusion process,
- PC (polycarbonate) – exceptionally strong, impact-resistant, and high-temperature resistant, making it an excellent material for the extrusion of lighting profiles.
PC – durability and transparency in modern LED profiles
PC (polycarbonate) is one of the most durable plastics used in the production of lighting profiles. In the extrusion process, it stands out for its excellent impact resistance and dimensional stability, making it an ideal material for applications requiring high mechanical strength. Polycarbonate is also characterized by excellent light transmission, similar to glass, which makes it commonly used in diffusers for LED profiles that need to evenly distribute light without loss of intensity.
Thanks to its resistance to changing weather conditions, PC is suitable for both indoor and outdoor installations, where it is exposed to UV radiation, moisture, and temperature fluctuations. It is precisely in the extrusion process that polycarbonate retains its key properties, ensuring the durability and aesthetic appearance of profiles.
ABS – impact resistance and precision in technical LED solutions
ABS (acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene) is a plastic known for its exceptional mechanical strength, high impact resistance, abrasion resistance, and dimensional stability. Compared to PC, ABS is stiffer and less transparent, but it offers better scratch resistance and mechanical damage resistance, making it an ideal choice for structural components.
An example is Trend MINI 15×15 – a plastic profile with a milky diffuser, perfect for decorative and functional lighting. It is available in various versions, e.g., with a foot switch, making it an ideal solution for more advanced lighting systems. Thanks to extrusion, it is possible to create precise, durable shapes that meet even the most demanding quality standards.
Available at HLT the brightest opal available on the market, ABS in natural color
Summary
Choosing the right material has a direct impact on the durability and functionality of a plastic profile. When selecting materials for profiles used in construction or lighting, it is important to consider international standards, such as ISO 178 – flexural strength of plastics.
PC and ABS are the two most commonly used materials in the production of HLT lighting profiles – each offering unique properties that are worth considering when designing linear lighting systems.
Polycarbonate (PC) is ideal for diffusers and LED covers, where high light transmission, impact resistance, and dimensional stability are crucial, even in harsh outdoor conditions. In contrast, ABS is perfect for structural components that must withstand intensive use and dynamic loads.
Extrusion is a process that allows for the production of precise shapes, high-quality surfaces, and exceptional profile durability. In HLT we focus on quality and precision, offering a wide range of profiles adapted to various applications – from architectural systems to technical solutions. If you need a profile with specific strength, aesthetic appeal, or functionality, we are happy to help you choose the right material.