Monolayer (A)

This simplest form of extrusion isn't actually multilayer at all. It is often used with low cost or utility jobs when surface quality isn't the primary desired characteristic, and the use of regrind materials is required.

Monolayer can also be used when the product requirements or engineering specification demand a single resin for the entire product. This configuration may require a compromise between the surface quality and the ability to use regrind material back into future orders.

Coextruded (AB)

Most products we produce use some form of coextrusion to take advantage of using multiple resins and/or grades of material for the following reasons:

Balancing surface requirements with impact capabilities. In this case, we use a thin layer of material designed for colorability and surface quality on top, with a thicker layer of material designed for impact on the bottom.

Increasing cost-effectiveness while retaining surface quality. In this case, we use a thin layer of virgin material designed for colorability and surface quality on top, while using less expensive customer or Allen-owned regrind material in the thicker layer on the bottom.

Maximize gloss with an acrylic top layer. A thin layer of acrylic on top of your substrate will dramatically increase the aesthetic value of your product. This is often used in combination with a metallic color in the substrate.

Coextruded (ABA)

While most applications have a single visible surface, some finished parts are highly visible on both sides. When a virgin material-only monolayer product is cost-prohibitive, ABA coextrusion can provide a thin layer or virgin on the top and bottom of your product, while providing an opportunity to use a lower-grade or regrind material in the substrate.

Adding Korad^® Films

Decorative Korad^® Films are a thin layer of material with a printed pattern on it that can provide a variety of aesthetics to your product. Common printed patterns give the look of wood grain, marble or even "camouflage."

Opaque Korad^® Films are a film layer of material designed to provide excellent color and weathering characteristics. Available in high or low gloss formulations.

Korad^® Transparent Films are a thin layer of material designed to provide additional gloss when the material properties for the sheet you require are either low-gloss or lack the desired level of gloss.

All Korad^® films add strength and varying degrees of weatherability to the overall composite sheet.

Adding Protective Masking

When a aesthetic surface quality is your primary focus, it makes sense to protect that surface from the time it leaves our extruder to the time you form your part. The masking we use will protect against most scratches and abrasions caused by handling, shipping or production staging.

Masking films are intended to be removed before thermoforming and as a result are not gauranteed to work through the actual forming process. However, we have several partners who discovered they could successfully form parts before they remove the masking after appropriate testing and adjustment of their production controls.

Combining Korad^® Film and Protective Masking

Korad^® Film and Protective Masking can be used in conjunction to have the benefits of both in the same product.