A Single Screw Extruder is a machine used to form a plastic product into the required shape. The machine heats the plastic raw material (e.g. PVC) to its melting point, after which it is pushed through a die that gives the material its shape. Single screw extruders are used to make plastic pipes used for trenchless construction projects.
Plastic extrusion is a common manufacturing process to make plastic products. PVC, PP and HDPE can all be extruded to make piping. Water pipes with various diameters and pressure ratings can be made with this technique. Plastic piping is popular for water supply because it does not corrode and it meets pressure specifications. Manufacturing plastic pipes through single screw extrusion is cost effective and quick. Older generation metal supply pipes corrode and are being replaced with newer generation plastic pipes in trenchless rehabilitation projects.