The term "pultrusion" comes from the fact that the composite is pulled through the entire process by a gripper/puller system. There are two different types of gripper/puller systems used; the reciprocating clamp design and the opposed tread caterpillar-tractor type. The former method utilizes two identical pullers that operate in tandem to alternately grip and continuously pull the profile through the process.

The latter process is mainly used for mat/roving composites in which urethane cleats grip the part and pull it through the mold.