The main components of an extruder machine include a hopper, barrel, screw drive and screw drive motor. ... The final component necessary for plastic extrusion is the die. The die serves as the mold for the plastic—in plastic extrusion, dies allow for even flow of the molten plastic.

Plastic extrusion works by melting, processing and re-melting a type of plastic referred to as thermoplastic resins. The resins generally come in a bead or pellet form which allows them to be used in the extrusion machinery. The beads come in a variety of grades and this allows them to be purchased in the grade required for a specific use.

Although extrusion machinery may seem complicated, it is in fact a fairly simple process. The auger is the main part of the machinery and it turns at the hand of the gearbox. The gearbox runs off of the machines motor. It’s enclosed in a tightly sealed and heated barrel that helps to cause friction.