SPE WORKSHOP: Extruded Profile Die Design and Processing

  Course

Extruded Profile Die Design and Processing

  October 14–16, 2025
  All workshop days are from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM EDT.
  Online

Extruded Profile Die Design and Processing

  Summary

Often considered a “black art,” profile extrusion is, in reality, a well-defined science—one that has long been closely held and rarely shared. This three-part workshop series demystifies the process, offering a clear path from intuition-based practice to proven, scientific understanding.

The first session focuses on profile die design, covering die materials, machining methods, types of profile dies, and key calculations such as drawdown ratio and land length. Advanced design challenges like sink marks and unbalanced profiles are explored through real-world case studies.

The second session dives into sizing and calibration, including techniques for pipe, tubing, and complex profiles. Attendees will learn about differential vacuum sizing and how to choose between dry and wet calibration methods for optimal results.

The final session tackles troubleshooting the profile extrusion line, taking a holistic look at the extrusion complex—from the extruder and tooling to pullers and ancillary equipment. The use of statistical process control (SPC) and data analysis is emphasized to drive consistent quality and performance.

Together, these workshops unlock critical design, material, and processing principles to elevate your expertise and improve production outcomes.

  Agenda

(Click each session to expand)
October 14, 2025
Duration: 2 Hour

  Outline

  1. Basic Die Design
    1. Types of Steels
    2. Machine of Wire EDM
    3. Types of Profile Dies
    4. Split or Solid
  2. Calculations
    1. Drawdown
    2. Drawdown Ratio
    3. Land Length & LLR
  3. Advanced Design Concepts
    1. “Sink Marks”
    2. Unbalanced Profiles
  4. Case Studies

  Resources

  • TBA

Go to Session 1 

    October 15, 2025
    Duration: 2 Hour

      Outline

    Basic Sizing

    1. Pipe & Tubing
    2. Differential Vacuum Sizing
    3. Profile Calibration Types
    4. Dry vs Wet

      Resources

    • TBA

    Go to Session 2 

    October 16, 2025
    Duration: 2 Hour

      Outline

    The Extrusion Complex

    1. The Extruder
      1. Pressure . Melt Temperature, Load
    2. Tooling
    3. Sizing
    4. Puller
    5. Ancillary Equipment
    6. Use of SPC & Statistics
    7. Case Studies
      • TBA

      Resources

    Go to Session 3 

     

    If you can't attend one or several sessions live, or if you want to review some concepts, the recordings will be available after each session.

      Registration Information

    SPE Premium Member$540
    SPE Members$600
    Nonmembers$800

     
    3 Sessions
     
    Level: Intermediate
     
    Total Hours: 6 Hours
     
    Streaming access on desktop and mobile browsers

      Instructor

    Daniel Cykana
    Owner
    Extrusion Solutions, LLC
      LinkedIn

    Daniel Cykana is a Senior Member of the SPE, and served both on the Extrusion BOD as well as on the Executive Committee. During his tenure in Extrusion, which spanned 60 contiguous years, he contributed numerous patents to Bemis Mfg. Company over 35 years where he was Director of Engineering. His early years with Northland Plastics Inc. formed his career. He says, ”I am only a compilation of all my mentors, teachers, and Great Associates in Plastics”!


      Questions? Contact:

    For questions, contact Iván D. López.


      Who Should Attend?

    Engineers, Die Designers, Engineerin Managers, techinicans, Processing  Personel , Sales Managers and anyone involved in Profile Extrusion.

      Why Should You Attend?

       Tired of inconsistent quality in your extruded profiles? Learn how die design fundamentals—like die type, steel selection, and Wire EDM machining—directly affect performance and precision.
    • Dealing with shape distortions or flow imbalances? Understand how to correct issues through proper drawdown calculations, land length design, and die flow optimization.
    • Having trouble achieving accurate sizing and calibration? Master techniques for sizing pipe, tubing, and complex profiles, including when to use dry or wet calibration methods.
    • Frustrated with unpredictable extrusion line performance? Discover how to troubleshoot key variables like melt temperature, pressure, tooling, and puller alignment—and how to use SPC for better control.
    • Running into the same production issues over and over? Explore real-world case studies that show how to identify root causes and apply effective solutions.

    📢 Solve these challenges and more—gain the tools, insights, and confidence to take your profile extrusion process to the next level!


    This educational program is provided as a service of SPE. The views and opinions expressed on this or any SPE educational program are those of the Speaker(s) and/or the persons appearing with the Speaker(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of the Society of Plastics Engineers, Inc. (SPE) or its officials, employees or designees. To comment or to present an opposing or supporting opinion, please contact us at info@4SPE.org.

    Refund Policy

    Full refund 30 days prior to the event start date. Please contact customerrelations@4spe.org for assistance with registration.

    Copyright & Permission to Use

    SPE may take photographs and audio/video recordings during the conference, pre-conference meetings and receptions that may include attendees within sessions, networking areas, exhibition areas, and other areas associated with the conference both inside and outside of the venue. By registering for this event, all attendees are providing permission for SPE to use this material at its discretion on SPE's websites, marketing materials, and publications. SPE retains ownership of copyright to all photographs and audio/video recording obtained at this event and attendees may request copies of any material in which they are included.

    Anti-Trust Statement

    1. No discussion among members, volunteers, or staff, which attempts to arrive at any agreement regarding prices, terms or conditions of sale, distribution, volume, territories, or customers;
    2. No activity or communication which might be construed as an attempt to prevent any person or business entity from gaining access to any market or customer for goods or services or any business entity from obtaining services or a supply of goods;
    3. No activity or communication which might be construed as an agreement to refrain from purchasing or using any materials, equipment, services or supplies of or from any supplier; or
    4. No other activity which violates anti-trust or applicable laws aimed at preventing unfair competition.
    spe2018logov4.png
    Welcome Guest!   Login