In the field of ground protection, there are many different solutions, but not all of them are the same. Two common manufacturing processes – compression moulding and extrusion – result in products that differ fundamentally in their properties and applications. While both methods can be used to produce plastic plates from recycled material, they offer very different advantages and disadvantages that need to be considered. Below, we take a closer look at these differences and explain why pressed road plates represent the higher-quality choice.
Pressed plastics are formed under high pressure and at high temperatures. Our plastic plates are made from PE-HMW (high molecular weight polyethylene) or PE-UHMW (ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene). This process creates a low-stress and stable material structure. The result is plates that are extremely dimensionally stable, break-resistant and durable. They retain their shape even under high loads and other external influences, providing a reliable solution for ground protection.
Extruded plastics, on the other hand, are forced through a die to create a continuous profile. At LuxTek, we use extruded PE-HD (high-density polyethylene) for this purpose. This process results in a material that is more flexible. Extruded plastic plates are therefore more flexible, but also more susceptible to deformation and have a lower load capacity.
Because of these different material properties, we offer our pressed plastic plates as road plates and our extruded plastic plates as ground protection mats. Below, we explain the specific applications of both types of plate in more detail.
The choice between pressed and extruded plastic plates depends heavily on the specific requirements and operating conditions. Both types of plate provide solutions for ground protection, but their ideal applications differ significantly.
Pressed road plates are characterised by their exceptional load capacity and dimensional stability, making them the ideal choice for demanding conditions and higher loads. They are particularly suitable for:
Extruded ground protection mats are softer and more flexible. These properties make them less suitable for extreme loads, but they are more than sufficient for specific applications such as:
In this video, we clearly demonstrate the difference between the two manufacturing processes: pressed PE-HMW/PE-UHMW (left road plate) and extruded PE-HD/PE-LD (right road plate).
Test setup: The test rig was set up based on the measurement results from the MPM Zwick and precise displacement control. The bending load is tested in accordance with DIN EN ISO 178 up to 500 N (approx. 50 kg) in order to determine the deflection.
Result: The video clearly illustrates the significantly higher flexural strength and better recovery behaviour of the pressed materials, resulting in less ground settlement and reduced soil compaction.
Most well-known suppliers on the market offer their road plates in extruded quality. At LuxTek, however, we distinguish between road plates and ground protection mats: all products classified as road plates by LuxTek are made from pressed PE-HMW or PE-UHMW. Our ground protection mats, on the other hand, are extruded from PE-LD or PE-HD.
Pressed and extruded plastic plates differ in price due to the different manufacturing processes. Pressed plastic plates are more expensive because the production process is more complex and results in products with higher flexural strength.
Pressed road plates generally have a longer service life due to their more robust structure and higher flexural strength. They are particularly resistant to heavy loads and are suitable for long-term use, even under demanding conditions. Extruded road plates typically have a shorter service life than pressed plates, as the manufacturing process results in lower flexural strength and overall resistance.
Yes, road plates can break, but the risk depends heavily on the type of plate and the load applied. Pressed road plates made from PE-HMW or PE-UHMW are particularly resistant and offer high flexural strength, which minimises the risk of breakage under normal use. Extruded plates, especially those made from PE-LD or PE-HD, have lower strength and may be more likely to break if overloaded or used incorrectly. With proper handling and use within their specified load limits, however, the risk of breakage remains low.
The optimal choice of road plate depends on various factors, such as the ground conditions, temperature conditions and the specific application. Different ground conditions require different types of plate – soft ground calls for more stable road plates, while ground protection mats may be sufficient on firmer surfaces. Temperature differences also play a role, as not all plates are suitable for extreme conditions.
Our sales team will be happy to advise you on selecting the right road plate and can provide the suitable product for every application.
