SLS: Plastic Profile Manufacturer Invests in Extrusion, Toolmaking and Logistics

SLS Kunststoffverarbeitungs GmbH & Co. KG, a manufacturer of plastic profiles based in Dahn, Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany, plans to invest approximately EUR 1 million in production, toolmaking, secondary operations and logistics by the end of 2026. The investment programme aims to expand production capacity, improve operational efficiency and support quality assurance. The company supplies customers in the window and door industry, drywall construction, electrical engineering, caravan manufacturing and shading technology, among others.

Expansion of Co-extrusion and Post-co-extrusion
SLS plans to purchase an additional extruder for co-extrusion and post-co-extrusion applications. Co-extrusion involves combining two or more polymer melts within a common extrusion die, while post-co-extrusion allows an additional material to be applied by extrusion to a previously formed base profile.

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Co-extrusion enables the production of multilayer profiles with a core made from recycled polymer granulate and outer surface layers of virgin resin. Multi-material extrusion also makes it possible to combine rigid, dimensionally stable plastics with flexible materials in a single profile, for example to incorporate sealing lips or flexible hinge elements.

SLS currently operates 30 extrusion lines. Two new calibration tables are intended to increase capacity in the downstream profile sizing and cooling sections.

New Equipment for Toolmaking and Cleaning
Two new electrical discharge machining (EDM) systems are planned for the company's in-house toolmaking department. In addition, an ultrasonic cleaning system is expected to improve the cleaning and maintenance of extrusion tooling. The aim is to extend tool service life and increase process reliability in production.

Adjustments to Secondary Operations and Shipping Logistics
In addition to profile extrusion, SLS offers customer-specific secondary processing operations, including cutting to length, drilling, punching, milling and perforating. Further services include the assembly of ready-to-install kits as well as labelling and packaging.

The company plans to reorganise its logistics operations by repurposing outdoor areas. Among the planned measures is the direct loading of trucks using forklifts. This is intended to accelerate shipping processes and shorten delivery times for profiles that have undergone secondary processing.

Further Measures Planned for 2027
SLS has already approved plans to improve the energy efficiency of several extruders in 2027. The company is also evaluating potential savings from energy management and energy storage systems.

More information: www.sls-kunststoffprofile.de

Reference: Manfred Stiller, Freier Fachjournalist, Darmstadt

SLS Kunststoffverarbeitungs GmbH & Co. KG, Dahn, Germany

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