Custom Plastic Extrusion: Rail Straps, Sign Hangers, and More

In the world of retail, manufacturing, and logistics, plastic components often serve as the hidden backbone of product displays and storage systems. From rail straps that keep items secure to sign hangers that help direct customer attention, many of these essential parts are made through custom plastic extrusion. 

This versatile process offers unmatched flexibility in design and function, making it a preferred method for producing specialized parts in high volumes with consistent quality. Let’s take a closer look at some of the components this process specializes in.

What Is Custom Plastic Extrusion?

Plastic extrusion is a manufacturing process that involves forcing molten plastic through a shaped die to create continuous lengths of material with a uniform cross-section. Custom extrusion takes this one step further—working closely with customers to design unique profiles, integrate multiple materials, and meet specific performance or aesthetic requirements.

This level of customization is particularly valuable for industries that rely on specialized fittings, fasteners, or display components.

Rail Straps: Durability Meets Precision

Rail straps are commonly used in retail shelving, warehouse systems, and product packaging. Their main function is to hold products in place along a rail or track system, ensuring safety and organization. Custom-extruded rail straps can be designed for various levels of rigidity or flexibility depending on the weight and shape of the items they’re meant to support. 

Materials like flexible PVC or thermoplastic elastomers (TPEs) are often used to create a strong, durable strap that maintains elasticity over time. Through the extrusion process, rail straps can be manufactured with built-in hooks, channels, or locking features that integrate seamlessly with display systems, eliminating the need for additional fasteners or assembly steps.

Sign Hangers: Visibility with Style

Sign hangers are essential for point-of-purchase displays, aisle markers, and promotional signage. They need to be both functional and visually unobtrusive. Custom plastic extrusion allows for the creation of sleek, low-profile hangers that match a brand’s aesthetic while offering reliable grip and mounting performance.

Depending on the application, sign hangers can be extruded in transparent, colored, or textured materials. Co-extrusion can also be used to combine rigid and flexible plastics in a single component—for example, a rigid spine for support and a soft grip edge to hold signage securely.

Beyond the Basics: Endless Possibilities

Custom plastic extrusion isn’t limited to just rail straps and sign hangers. It’s also ideal for:

• Channel guides for sliding displays or shelving units
• Edge trims to protect or finish surfaces
• Protective covers for wires or LED lighting
• Track and clip systems for modular product displays

Because each part is made to specification, manufacturers can adjust dimensions, material properties, and finishes to meet exact requirements. This level of detail can be crucial in applications where fit, function, and aesthetics must work in harmony.

Custom Extrusion with Inplex

Looking for quality custom extrusion products and services? Inplex is one of the leading custom extrusion services in the US and has almost 60 years of experience. We pride ourselves on our ability to put the right talent and technology in place to perform the best possible job for our clients.

We own a 42,000 sq. ft. facility in Naperville, Illinois, that is temperature-controlled and features an environmentally friendly closed-loop water cooling system. If you have specific needs or questions, don’t hesitate to contact us!