Here at MKM Extrusions we offer a huge range of plastic profiles, which are sold in 75 metre packs, in two stock colours: white and black. We often get asked about the availability of other colours. Although it is possible to manufacture plastic extrusions in any colour, this would mean following a custom extrusion process which means there is a larger minimum order.
1. How many metres do you need?
The first consideration is how much you require of the finished product. Manufacturing plastic profiles other than our standard black and white would mean it’s a custom extrusion. This leads to economic considerations because machines need to be put up for just this specific job, which involves more costs such as energy and labour. Therefore we have a minimum meterage of 2000 metres for custom jobs to make it economically viable. This quantity may change depending on the size of the profile but is an average guideline. You would need to decide on whether to proceed with asking us to quote depending on how many metres you actually need.
2. What exact colour do you require?
Most people have an exact colour they require for their plastic extrusion. This information is usually given to us in the form of a RAL number. RAL is a colour matching system for plastics and other materials. Digital screens are not able to display the exact RAL colours, so to be sure of choosing the correct RAL colour it’s recommended to use a physical RAL colour fan.
If you don’t know the Ral number you may prefer us to colour match to an existing product. If you post us a small piece of your product we can arrange for it to be colour matched by our masterbatch supplier.
Masterbatch is a concentrated mixture of pigments and/or additives which are blended together to make small granules in a specific colour. The masterbatch is then combined with our PVC to result in a plastic profile in your chosen colour.
3. What exact profile do you require?
In order for us to quote for a colour plastic extrusion, we need to know the profile you require. It may be one of our own profiles which are listed on our online shop. Or it may be your own design, in which case we would need either a drawing or a physical piece of the profile.
4. Confirming your specified colour for custom extrusion
This stage may take a bit of time, and exactly how long depends on if we hold the specific masterbatch ourselves or if we need to purchase it from our masterbatch supplier. Also time needs to be allowed if we have to send the small piece of your product to our masterbatch supplier for matching. Sometimes we get the costings back from our supplier quickly, but it can take longer if they need to formulate the colour. They would then send us a couple of colour plaques.
When we receive the colour plaques, we would send one to the customer to check it is suitable. When approved we would proceed to the quotation stage.
5. Quoting for your for custom extrusion in a specific colour
When you have approved that the colour is suitable, specified the profile and the minimum meterage has been agreed, we will then be able to create a quote.
The quote will include costings for the product in your chosen colour and also the lead time. The lead time will vary according to how busy with orders we are at that time, as well as the availability of the masterbatch. On average the lead time is 4-6 weeks from receipt of payment but this is clarified at the quotation stage.
If you have an enquiry about manufacturing a plastic profile in a specific colour please get in touch. Remember to let us know the RAL colour, required profile and quantity. We will then review your enquiry and get back to you either asking for more information or supplying you with a quote.