ABSTRACT
Shape extrusion is when the process melt is directly extruded into a part with
specific dimensions, and either cut to a length or wound. The extrudate can be a simple rod, or complex shape, referred to as a ‘‘profile’’ (see Figure 1). As biopolymers have been introduced, process and equipment enhance-
ments have made extrusion more of a science. A better relationship has been
established between the variables of the process and the potential effects not only on size and shape, but on many physical properties as well. Much
of this science can be used when processing active biomedical ingredients
into shapes.
