Co-extrusion and mono-extrusion are two different processes used in the production of vinyl. Each has very distinct differences and you should be aware of which method the manufacturer uses prior to purchasing a vinyl fence. See the descriptions below as to which vinyl production method is better and which you should avoid.
Mono-Extrusion
Mono-extrusion is the original way a vinyl fence and even vinyl siding is made. With Mono-extrusion a U.V. protector is injected into the entire vinyl mixture, having 100% saturation throughout. Now most vinyl companies use co-extrusion, where the vinyl fence products are extruded into 2 layers - a capstock (the outer layer with the U.V. protectant) and a substrate (the inner layer). Using co-extrusion gives the vinyl fence profile ONLY 20% coverage of U.V. protection, which is a thin outer layer called the capstock. Basically think of a mono-extruded vinyl as being one solid piece of molded vinyl with all the ingredients mixed together and formed.
Co-Extrusion
The co-extruded vinyl fence profile is made out of two layers: an outer layer (called the capstock) containing the U.V. inhibitors and an inside layer (called the substrate) with reduced ultraviolet protection but increased impact resistance material. These two streams are chemically attached to each other under great pressure and temperature forming one continuous stream, that cannot be separated. Co-extrusion is initially quite expensive because it requires specialty equipment, tooling, training and is overall a more complicated manufacturing process; but it significantly lowers material costs. You may see that the inside layer is a different color than the outer layer, this is because many manufacturers make the inside layer out of reground material (rework) to make the vinyl product even more cost effective. This does not affect the vinyl product's durability or performance as long as there are not using recycled materials. When it is all said and done, although the manufacturer's initial investment for equipment is more expensive, overall a co-extruded vinyl fence product is slightly more affordable without sacrificing quality. Bufftech vinyl developed this state-of-the-art co-extrusion process, which has now become the industry-leading-standard and a majority of vinyl fence manufacturers co-extrude. These companies are reputable and back their products with lifetime warranties, meeting ASTM vinyl fence standards. The competing manufacturer's that mono-extrude warn that since co-extrusion can result in different color layers, a scratch on a co-extruded vinyl fence will reveal the substrate color - like a scratch on a car revealing the undercoat color. However, quality co-extruders like Bufftech address this concern and make the outside layer thick enough to prevent scratches from penetrating through to the substrate layer.
Mono-Extrusion
Mono-extrusion is the original way a vinyl fence and even vinyl siding is made. With Mono-extrusion a U.V. protector is injected into the entire vinyl mixture, having 100% saturation throughout. Now most vinyl companies use co-extrusion, where the vinyl fence products are extruded into 2 layers - a capstock (the outer layer with the U.V. protectant) and a substrate (the inner layer). Using co-extrusion gives the vinyl fence profile ONLY 20% coverage of U.V. protection, which is a thin outer layer called the capstock. Basically think of a mono-extruded vinyl as being one solid piece of molded vinyl with all the ingredients mixed together and formed.
Co-Extrusion
The co-extruded vinyl fence profile is made out of two layers: an outer layer (called the capstock) containing the U.V. inhibitors and an inside layer (called the substrate) with reduced ultraviolet protection but increased impact resistance material. These two streams are chemically attached to each other under great pressure and temperature forming one continuous stream, that cannot be separated. Co-extrusion is initially quite expensive because it requires specialty equipment, tooling, training and is overall a more complicated manufacturing process; but it significantly lowers material costs. You may see that the inside layer is a different color than the outer layer, this is because many manufacturers make the inside layer out of reground material (rework) to make the vinyl product even more cost effective. This does not affect the vinyl product's durability or performance as long as there are not using recycled materials. When it is all said and done, although the manufacturer's initial investment for equipment is more expensive, overall a co-extruded vinyl fence product is slightly more affordable without sacrificing quality. Bufftech vinyl developed this state-of-the-art co-extrusion process, which has now become the industry-leading-standard and a majority of vinyl fence manufacturers co-extrude. These companies are reputable and back their products with lifetime warranties, meeting ASTM vinyl fence standards. The competing manufacturer's that mono-extrude warn that since co-extrusion can result in different color layers, a scratch on a co-extruded vinyl fence will reveal the substrate color - like a scratch on a car revealing the undercoat color. However, quality co-extruders like Bufftech address this concern and make the outside layer thick enough to prevent scratches from penetrating through to the substrate layer.
Thanks for the information. I've been thinking about getting some vinyl fencing in my home in Riverside, CA. I think vinyl fencing looks really nice.
ReplyDeleteI have a white vinyl fence and I think it looks lovely. I like how it improves the look of my home. I agree they they are very cost effective, they also keep my children and dogs away from the road and safe.
ReplyDeleteAmber | http://www.elrodfence.com/faq.nxg