When designing an extruded plastic component, the shape is only half the story. Selecting the right material is equally critical—because even the best profile won’t perform if the plastic can’t handle the environment it’s used in.
At Paul Murphy Plastics, we specialize in matching materials to application requirements. With a broad portfolio of thermoplastics and over 60 years of experience, we help engineers and buyers navigate the often-overwhelming selection process to find the ideal resin for strength, flexibility, chemical resistance, and more.
Here’s what you should consider when choosing the best plastic for your extrusion—and how our expertise makes the process easier, faster, and more reliable.
Key Factors in Material Selection
- Mechanical Performance
Do you need a rigid profile or something with flexibility? Will the part undergo repeated stress or impact? Different polymers offer varying levels of tensile strength, stiffness, and toughness.
- PVC offers excellent rigidity for structural profiles.
- Polyethylene provides good impact resistance and
flexibility. - Nylon excels in strength and wear resistance, ideal for
industrial parts.
- Environmental Conditions
Exposure to sunlight, moisture, chemicals, or temperature extremes can break down plastics over time. It’s essential to select a material that can withstand your product’s real-world conditions.
- UV-stabilized PVC or acrylics are ideal for outdoor use.
- Polypropylene and polyethylene resist moisture and many
chemicals. - Polycarbonate performs well in both hot and cold
environments.
- Aesthetic and Finish Requirements
Color matching, gloss levels, and surface finish play a big role in customer-facing products. We offer a wide range of custom colors and can work with specific visual or tactile finish requirements.
Want your profile to match a brand color? We provide in-house color matching services using precise spectrophotometric equipment.
- Compliance and Certifications
Some applications—such as medical, food-grade, or electrical—require plastics that meet regulatory or industry-specific standards.
- FDA-compliant plastics for food processing.
- UL-rated materials for electrical insulation.
- Medical-grade compounds for healthcare use.
Let us help ensure your material selection meets the necessary certifications while also delivering the required performance.
The Paul Murphy Plastics Advantage
At Paul Murphy Plastics, we don’t just extrude plastic—we engineer reliable solutions. Our decades of experience, combined with deep knowledge of polymer behavior, allow us to optimize your extrusion for strength, function, and cost.
When you partner with us, you gain:
- Access to a wide material library
- Expert consultation for application-specific needs
- Custom compounding for unique formulations
- In-house R&D and prototyping capabilities
Whether you’re launching a new product or improving an existing design, our team ensures your plastic extrusion starts with the right foundation—your material.
Let’s Get It Right the First Time
Choosing the right material is the first step toward a successful extrusion—and a successful product. At Paul Murphy Plastics, we guide you through every decision to ensure your component performs as intended and stands the test of time.
Reach out today to talk to our team about your extrusion project and how we can help bring your design to life with the perfect plastic.
