For more than 40 years, Jifram Extrusions has been a trusted partner to commercial window manufacturers, fabricators, and architectural façade designers. As one of the industry’s most experienced plastic extrusion companies, Jifram specializes in engineering custom profile solutions that enhance the performance, durability, and aesthetics of modern commercial window and glass curtain wall systems.

From glazing channels to frost barriers, L channel and J trim, or specialized thermal breaks, Jifram’s work supports some of the most complex architectural designs in commercial construction. Backed by decades of innovation and a state-of-the-art plastic extruder facility, Jifram helps building professionals realize their creative intent while meeting stringent structural and environmental requirements.

Why Custom Profiles Matter in Modern Curtain Wall Design

Glass curtain walls differ from traditional building envelopes because they stand independently of structural exterior walls. These systems must support their own weight, withstand intense weather conditions, and maintain long-term performance across decades of exposure. That’s why material choice is so critical.

Lightweight, resilient, and versatile extruded plastic profiles offer benefits that are difficult to match with metal or composite alternatives. By working with a skilled team of plastic extruders, architects can integrate functional and aesthetic components that improve installation efficiency, energy performance, and overall façade stability.

This is especially important in curtain wall assemblies where components such as:

• plastic U channel
• plastic C channel
• H channel
• sliding channel
• L-channel
• J trim

play vital roles in securing glass, reducing drafts, preventing condensation, and maintaining thermal integrity.

Engineering Plastic Extrusions That Withstand the Elements

A curtain wall must endure relentless sun, wind, rain, snow, and temperature fluctuations. Jifram’s custom profile extrusions are specifically engineered to perform in these harsh conditions. The materials used—including specialized PVC blends for PVC extrusion applications—are selected for strength, dimensional stability, and resistance to UV exposure, moisture, and chemicals.

These advantages make extrusion plastic components far more durable than many traditional materials used in older façade assemblies. Whether supporting tall commercial buildings, modern retail storefronts, or complex multi-pane systems, Jifram’s profiles maintain their form and function over time.

Commonly produced profiles for this industry include:

• Glazing channels that hold glass securely and cushion movement
• Thermal breaks / barriers that reduce heat transfer between exterior and interior
• Frost barriers that prevent condensation and ice buildup
• Corner mullions that add stability and alignment to window groupings

Each custom profile is CNC-cut, precision-extruded, and quality-tested, ensuring it meets the structural and aesthetic needs of the intended system.

What Is an Extrusion? A Quick Explanation for Architects & Specifiers

Architects unfamiliar with plastic processes often ask: what is an extrusion?

Extrusion is a manufacturing method in which raw plastic is melted and pushed through a die to create a continuous shape—such as a channel, trim, seal, or spacer. This process allows for consistent geometry, tight tolerances, and repeatable performance.

Because plastic can be formulated for rigidity, flexibility, weathering resistance, or insulation, it is one of the most adaptable materials available for curtain wall accessories.

This flexibility enables Jifram to manufacture:

• Decorative and structural profiles
• Metallic-colored trims that match aluminum framing
• Insulating shapes for energy-efficient designs
• Lightweight protective channels that enhance installation

Every custom profile begins with an architect’s drawing, CAD file, or even a rough sketch. The Jifram team then collaborates with designers—from concept through production—to bring architectural visions to life.

Why Leading Curtain Wall Manufacturers Choose Jifram

Commercial window and curtain wall manufacturers rely on Jifram for more than just material—they depend on the company’s engineering support, reliable supply chain, and long-standing extrusion expertise.

The benefits include:

• Consistent quality from an experienced U.S.-based manufacturer
• Flexible production for large runs, short runs, and prototyping
• Custom dies tailored to meet complex architectural requirements
• Collaborative engineering that reduces cost and improves performance
• Material versatility, from PVC to custom blends designed for thermal control

By combining engineering precision with deep industry knowledge, Jifram ensures that every custom profile performs as intended within modern commercial window and curtain wall designs.

Final Thoughts

The demands of today’s architectural façades require durable, precisely engineered components that can withstand decades of environmental exposure. Jifram’s custom profile plastic extrusions bring strength, precision, and design flexibility to commercial window and curtain wall systems—empowering architects and manufacturers to build safer, more energy-efficient, and visually striking structures.

If you need tailored glazing channels, thermal barriers, or structural plastic profiles for your curtain wall designs, Jifram’s team of dedicated plastic extruders is ready to help bring your project to life.

In today’s fast-paced industrial environment, ensuring the safe handling of high-value components like busbars and raceways is critical. By leveraging plastic extrusions from Jifram alongside engineered storage and transport solutions from Plymouth Industries, you can dramatically reduce damage, downtime, and cost. This article explores how to protect your electrical conductors using precision plastic channels and the right material-handling systems.

Why plastic is the smart choice for busbar insulation

Busbars are metallic conductors used to distribute power across multiple circuits—often copper or aluminum—and typically carry large amounts of current. Because plastic does not conduct electricity, it’s an ideal material for protecting wiring and busbar assemblies. At Jifram, our expertise in custom plastic extrusions enables profiles that offer outstanding insulating properties, corrosion resistance, and durability.

Whether you need protective plastic tubing, channels, raceways for cable management, or busbar insulators, our team works with you to design the right solution. From PVC extrusion to co- and tri-extruded systems, we tailor every profile to your environment and handling requirements.

The role of plastic trim, channels, and extruded plastic profiles

In many installations, protection isn’t just about insulation—it’s also about organization, routing, and guarding. That’s where plastic trim, channels, and extruded plastic profiles come in. Jifram offers C-channels, J-channels, U-channels, L-channels, and more, all engineered for durability and adaptability.

When you ask “what is extrusion?” and “who are the plastic extrusion manufacturers I can trust?”, consider this: extrusion is the process of forcing heated thermoplastic material through a die to create continuous profiles. Jifram’s in-house no-cost tooling, short-run flexibility, and full customization capabilities make us one of the most trusted plastic extrusions suppliers in the industry.

Safe storage, movement, and transport of busbars & raceways

Insulating and organizing busbars and raceways is only half the job—you also need a dependable way to move and store them safely within your facility or between sites. That’s where collaboration between Jifram and Plymouth Industries adds value.

Plymouth Industries, Inc. is a leading metal fabricator specializing in returnable (collapsible) steel custom shipping racks and returnable dunnage designed to minimize damage and maximize handling efficiency.For facilities needing modular, space-saving storage, Plymouth Industries, Inc. is a leading custom metal rack fabricator specializing in portable warehouse stack racks that improve floor utilization and keep insulated assemblies organized.

Welcome to the next generation of warehouse storage with the MaxStax Portable Stack Racks, proudly engineered and manufactured by Plymouth Industries. These racks are built for flexibility, allowing you to stage, store, and move insulated busbar assemblies safely and efficiently.

When assemblies need to stay mobile during production or testing, Plymouth Industries, Inc. is a leading material handling and industrial automation fabricator specializing in custom design and manufacturing of work in progress (WIP) carts that simplify in-plant movement while protecting components.

And for bulk or heavier applications, heavy-duty steel pallets by Plymouth Industries provide exceptional load-bearing strength and durability for transporting or staging insulated materials.

How to combine the two: A practical workflow

1. Design your extrusion profile – Work with Jifram to define the correct material (PVC, co-extruded insulating barrier), the channel geometry to accommodate your busbar or raceway, and any mounting or plastic trim features needed.
2. Insulate and protect – Install the extruded profile around the busbar or raceway. This provides dielectric isolation, corrosion protection, and mechanical load resistance.
3. Select your transport rack/cart – Based on your needs, combine Jifram’s custom extrusions with Plymouth’s shipping racks, MaxStax Portable Stack Racks, or WIP carts for safe, organized transport.
4. Ship, move, store – Use the configured rack or pallet system to move the insulated assembly safely through your facility or to job sites.
5. Reuse and optimize – The combination of long-lasting custom plastic extrusions and returnable metal racks supports sustainable, cost-efficient workflows.

Why this integration drives value

• Reduces product damage and replacement costs through durable plastic extrusions and engineered handling solutions.
• Improves safety and efficiency using proper insulation combined with portable warehouse stack racks and WIP carts designed for secure transport.
• Supports lean manufacturing with reusable heavy-duty steel pallets and shipping racks that integrate seamlessly into your workflow.
• Enhances sustainability by replacing disposable packaging and covers with durable, reusable systems.

Final thoughts

When specifying components like busbars, wire molds, or raceways, insulation and transport should work hand-in-hand. By combining plastic extrusions from Jifram with Plymouth’s engineered storage and transport systems—such as shipping racks, portable warehouse stack racks, MaxStax Portable Stack Racks, work in progress (WIP) carts, and heavy-duty steel pallets—you can protect valuable electrical assemblies while improving efficiency and safety across every stage of production.For expert support, contact Jifram’s extrusion specialists to discuss your next project, and explore Plymouth’s full range of custom rack and cart solutions to optimize your facility’s storage and logistics.

As golf season winds down in the Midwest and ATV trails begin to fill with fall riders, manufacturers and aftermarket suppliers alike are gearing up for seasonal demand. Golf carts and ATVs need to be reliable, comfortable, and durable in all conditions, from brisk mornings on the fairway to rugged terrain in the woods. Behind many of the components that make this possible is one technology: plastic extrusion.

With more than 40 years of experience, Jifram Extrusions has become a trusted partner for major manufacturers including Club Car, E-Z-Go, Yamaha Motor, Polaris, Honda, Can-Am, and more. By delivering precision-engineered plastic extrusions, Jifram helps manufacturers create vehicles that not only perform reliably but also stand out in design and quality.

Why Choose Jifram’s Plastic Extrusions?

At Jifram, every extrusion is built to meet exact specifications. Our in-house team of designers and engineers works closely with customers to create custom profiles that perform specific functions within golf carts and ATVs. Whether you’re looking for windshield attachments, roof trim, structural supports, or seat back components, our solutions are designed with both performance and aesthetics in mind.

We also understand that many of our profiles remain visible to the end user. That’s why our plastic extruder team pays careful attention to detail when it comes to color matching, texture, and finish. Whether you need a metallic look to match a brand’s color scheme or a durable matte finish for rugged applications, Jifram ensures the final product enhances the overall vehicle design.

Common Plastic Extrusion Applications in Golf Carts & ATVs

Jifram’s extensive range of extrusion capabilities makes us a go-to supplier for both OEM and aftermarket solutions. Some of the most common applications include:

• Windshield attachments & trim – durable seals and edging built with precision.
• Roof tops and supports – lightweight yet strong plastic u-channel and l channel profiles that add structure.
• Seat backs & partitions – designed for comfort, safety, and long-lasting performance.
• Cargo supports – high-strength extrusions engineered to handle heavy-duty demands.
• J trim and C-channel profiles – versatile finishing solutions that provide clean edges and added stability.
  

These applications highlight just a few of the ways extrusion technology supports vehicle design and performance. Because our solutions are custom-engineered, Jifram can create virtually any extrusion profile your application requires.

Made in the USA, Built for Performance

One of the advantages of working with Jifram is knowing your products are proudly manufactured in the USA. By keeping design, tooling, and production under one roof, we ensure faster lead times, consistent quality control, and reduced costs. Our in-house extruding process allows us to oversee every step of production—eliminating inefficiencies while optimizing both durability and design.

For golf cart and ATV manufacturers, this means dependable components delivered on time and ready to perform under demanding conditions.

Custom Profiles for Any Volume

Not every project requires large-scale production. That’s why Jifram offers flexible order sizes, from prototype runs to high-volume manufacturing. Whether you’re an OEM developing a new line of ATVs or a maintenance provider supplying replacement parts, our custom extrusion capabilities scale to your needs.

Because we provide in-house no-cost tooling and work with trusted third-party partners for tooling production, we can adapt quickly to new designs without added expense. This flexibility is one of the reasons so many golf cart and ATV manufacturers continue to partner with Jifram year after year. 

Innovation That Drives Relationships

Currently holding seventeen patents, Jifram has built a reputation for innovation in the plastic extrusion industry. Our lean manufacturing approach reduces waste and energy use while maintaining consistent quality. For our partners in the golf cart and ATV industry, this means smarter, more efficient solutions designed to meet evolving demands.

Just as importantly, our family-owned, customer-focused approach ensures every client receives the personal attention larger corporations often overlook. We’re committed to long-term partnerships built on trust, reliability, and shared success.

Partner with Jifram Extrusions

Golf carts and ATVs may be designed for very different environments—whether cruising the fairway or navigating rugged trails—but they both require precision-engineered components built to last. Jifram’s custom extrusion capabilities, decades of expertise, and commitment to quality make us the trusted partner for manufacturers and aftermarket suppliers alike.

If you’re ready to see how our plastic extrusions can enhance your golf cart or ATV applications, we invite you to connect with our team. Let us show you why Jifram is the manufacturer of choice for custom plastic profiles across industries.

How Plastic Extrusion Powers Modern Retail Displays

Retail displays must balance durability, functionality, and aesthetics. Whether it’s holding signage, guiding shelving, or supporting product placement, the right components can make or break a store’s presentation. Plastic extrusion plays a central role in solving these challenges by creating strong, lightweight, and cost-effective custom components for your retail displays that are tailored to retail environments.

Unlike off-the-shelf solutions, custom extruded parts such as sliding channels, L channels, and other plastic extrusions can be designed to fit exact specifications. This means brands and retailers don’t have to settle for “close enough” hardware. Instead, they can have reliable parts that meet precise size, durability, and design requirements.

Plastic Extrusion: From Concept to Production

So, what exactly is plastic extrusion? At its core, the process involves melting raw plastic and forcing it through a die to create a continuous shape, known as a custom profile. A plastic extruder machine ensures consistency in size, thickness, and strength. These extruded shapes can range from simple tubes to highly detailed profiles used in retail displays.

In the retail industry, the applications are endless. For example:

• U channels can hold price tags or product information securely in place.
  
• L channels provide corner protection or edging for displays and shelving.
  
• Custom profiles allow for unique branding elements that reinforce store identity.
  

Because these parts are created through a flexible manufacturing process, retailers can scale production easily without sacrificing precision.

Why Retailers Choose Extruded Plastic Over Alternatives

When comparing materials for retail displays, extruded plastic consistently outperforms alternatives like metal or wood. Here’s why:

1. Lightweight yet durable: Plastic extrusions can withstand everyday wear while remaining easy to transport and install.
   
2. Customizable: From transparent to colored finishes, extrusions can be tailored to match branding and visual merchandising needs.
   
3. Cost-effective: High-volume production with a plastic extruder reduces per-unit costs.
   
4. Eco-friendly options: Many manufacturers, including Jifram, offer recycled materials and sustainable production methods.
   

This adaptability makes extruded plastic an essential solution for retailers looking to maximize both function and presentation.

The Role of Custom Profiles in Retail Innovation

Custom plastic extrusions go beyond just function—they also support creative store layouts. A well-designed custom profile can help showcase new products, improve customer flow, or integrate technology like digital displays.

For instance, grocers often use sliding channels to update product pricing efficiently, while electronics retailers may rely on L channels to secure high-value displays without detracting from aesthetics. The right design allows retailers to solve practical problems while enhancing the shopping experience.

Request a quote today if you’re considering custom plastic profiles for your retail project.

A Premier Plastic Extrusions Manufacturer

Since 1981, Jifram Plastic Extrusions has specialized in delivering high-quality, U.S.-made plastic extrusions. From early beginnings in Wisconsin to becoming a trusted supplier across North America, Jifram has built its reputation on engineering expertise, innovation, and customer service.

Today, the company continues to serve industries ranging from retail to refrigeration, offering not just off-the-shelf solutions but fully custom extruded profiles. With a commitment to quality and sustainability, Jifram provides the expertise retailers need to turn concepts into reliable, production-ready components.

Bringing Your Display Ideas to Life

From simple L channels to complex custom profiles, plastic extrusion allows retailers to move from concept to production with confidence. By working with a skilled custom plastic extruder, businesses can achieve durable, efficient, and visually appealing displays that elevate their brand.Ready to take your retail displays to the next level? Submit an instant quote or explore a quote for a custom profile and explore how custom extruded plastic can help bring your vision to life.

Retail displays in 2025 demand smarter, more adaptable solutions—and plastic extrusions are leading the way. At Jifram Extrusions, we’ve spent over 40 years helping retail brands and retailers bring their designs to life with custom plastic profiles that are durable, lightweight, and built to impress.

From L channels to plastic C channels to custom profiles extruded to your exact specifications, here’s how plastic extrusions are powering the next generation of retail displays.

1. Sign Frames & Light Diffusion Panels

Plastic channels like U and C shapes are ideal for framing in-store signage. Whether you’re housing illuminated letters or diffusing LED light across a surface, custom extruded plastic frames provide a sleek, protective solution that enhances visibility and presentation.

2. Price Tag Holders

A well-placed plastic L channel can help display prices clearly and securely on any retail shelf. Custom profile extrusions allow for a precise fit, making it easy to swap out pricing without damaging the shelf or signage.

3. Edge Finishing & Protection

Plastic U channels and other custom profiles help retailers finish the edges of displays with clean lines while preventing wear and tear. These extrusions are not only functional but also enhance the professional appearance of store fixtures.

4. Custom Dividers & Product Organization

Extruded plastic dividers can be designed to separate or group products, improving in-store navigation and boosting product visibility. These lightweight solutions are ideal for shelving units, bins, or even floor displays.

5. Mounting Brackets & Display Supports

Using plastic extrusion services, Jifram can create rigid, tailored mounting brackets that help retailers secure signs, shelving, and other display elements. Our quick-turnaround capabilities make it easy to keep up with changing store layouts and seasonal setups.

Why Retailers Choose Jifram

As one of the leading PVC extrusion manufacturers, Jifram stands out with:

• Fast quote and design adjustments
  
• Competitive pricing
  
• Short lead times and on-time delivery
  
• Decades of POP-focused plastic extrusion services
  

Our team specializes in creating reliable, attractive plastic profiles that meet the unique demands of retail displays.

Looking to enhance your next retail display? Contact Jifram—your trusted plastic profile extruders—for expert PVC extrusion services tailored to your needs.

When it comes to custom plastic extrusions, smart profile design is the key to a successful, cost-effective project. At JIFRAM Extrusions, we work closely with our customers to optimize their designs — helping them reduce tooling costs, shorten production times, and ultimately lower the overall cost per foot.

In this post, we’ll break down the extrusion design process, provide expert tips for creating cost-effective profiles, and explain how a well-designed profile can make a huge difference — even before production begins.

Why Good Profile Design Matters

Tooling for thermoforming plastic and extrusion can be a major upfront investment. But by following best practices during the design phase, you can:

• Lower your initial tooling cost
• Extend the life of the tool
• Reduce material waste
• Decrease the cost per foot of finished parts
• Improve part performance and consistency

In some cases, JIFRAM may even already own a tool that fits your needs or could be modified to fit, saving you even more.

Best Practices for Designing Plastic Extrusions

Here are some important guidelines to follow when designing your custom extrusion:

1. Keep Wall Thickness Uniform

Avoid large variations in wall thickness. Uniform thickness promotes even material flow, reduces stress points, and helps prevent warping during cooling.

2. Simplify the Profile Shape

The more complex the design, the more complicated (and expensive) the tooling. Whenever possible, simplify your profile. Avoid intricate undercuts or deep pockets unless absolutely necessary.

3. Consider Material Flow

Design with the flow of plastic in mind. Smooth transitions, rounded corners, and gentle tapers can help maintain even pressure and reduce defects.

4. Optimize Dimensions

Make sure dimensions are realistic based on the capabilities of extrusion processes. Excessively tight tolerances or extreme proportions can increase tooling cost and scrap rates.

5. Choose the Right Material Early

Different plastics behave differently during extrusion. Confirm your material choice early in the process — this ensures the design is compatible and prevents costly changes later.

6. Plan for Thermoforming

If your part will undergo additional thermoforming, design features to accommodate stretching, shrinking, and cooling stresses.

7. Work with Your Extrusion Partner Early

Partnering with JIFRAM early allows us to spot cost-saving opportunities. We can often recommend subtle design tweaks that maintain your part’s functionality while reducing costs.

Thermoforming vs. Injection Molding Tooling

When comparing tooling for plastic thermoforming/extrusion versus injection molding, there are some important distinctions:

• Cost: Thermoforming/extrusion tooling is generally much less expensive than injection molding tooling.
• Lead Time: Extrusion tooling can often be produced much faster than injection molds.
• Flexibility: Changes to extrusion tooling are often easier and less costly to implement.

If your project allows for it, extruded thermoformed profiles offer an affordable alternative to molded parts, especially for medium to long production runs.

Looking Ahead: Tooling Design & Costs (Part 2)

In June, we’ll dive deeper into tooling design and cost strategies for thermoplastic extrusions. We’ll explain how to further optimize your tooling investment, maximize tool life, and ensure consistent product quality.

Partner with JIFRAM for Smarter Design

At JIFRAM Custom Extrusions, our engineering team is ready to help you get your design right — right from the start. Whether it’s optimizing your profile, finding an existing tool match, or designing the perfect custom solution, we’re here to help you minimize costs and maximize success.

Contact us today to get started!