Drying Conditions For Drying Plastics

The following is a comprehensive table of drying conditions for drying plastics, including the drying temperature, time, and necessity of common engineering plastics and high temperature plastics for your reference

Order Your Project

Drying Conditions For Drying Plastics
Plastic Name	Abbr.	Drying Required	Drying Temp. (℃)	Drying Time (h)	Max. Moisture Content	Consequences of Not Drying
Polycarbonate	PC	Mandatory	120-130	3-5	<0.02%	Bubbles, silver streaks, reduced strength
Polyamide (Nylon 6)	PA6	Mandatory	80-90	4-6	<0.1%	Surface defects, reduced mechanical properties
Polyamide (Nylon 66)	PA66	Mandatory	80-100	4-6	<0.1%	Same as above
Polyethylene Terephthalate	PET	Mandatory	120-140	4-6	<0.02%	Hydrolysis, embrittlement
Polybutylene Terephthalate	PBT	Mandatory	120-140	3-5	<0.03%	Reduced mechanical performance
Polyphenylene Sulfide	PPS	Mandatory	140-160	3-5	<0.02%	Poor flow, surface defects
Polyether Ether Ketone	PEEK	Mandatory	150-180	3-6	<0.02%	Processing difficulties, performance loss
Polyoxymethylene	POM	Recommended	80-100	2-4	<0.1%	Slight decomposition, odor
Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene	ABS	Recommended	80-90	2-4	<0.05%	Uneven surface gloss
Polymethyl Methacrylate	PMMA	Recommended	70-90	3-5	<0.03%	Bubbles, hazy surface
Liquid Crystal Polymer	LCP	Mandatory	150-180	4-6	<0.01%	Thermal degradation, strength loss
Polyphenylene Oxide	PPO	Mandatory	100-120	2-4	<0.02%	Poor processing performance
Thermoplastic Polyester Elastomer	TPEE	Recommended	80-100	3-5	<0.05%	Melt instability
Polytetrafluoroethylene	PTFE	Not required	–	–	–	Naturally hydrophobic
Polyethylene	PE	Generally not needed	–	–	–	Extremely low moisture absorption
Polypropylene	PP	Generally not needed	–	–	–	Extremely low moisture absorption

Additional Notes of Drying Plastics

Plastics that must be dried:

Contain polar groups (e.g., PA, PET, PBT, PC) and are prone to moisture absorption, leading to hydrolysis at high temperatures.
High-temperature engineering plastics (e.g., PEEK, PPS, LCP), where even trace moisture can cause degradation.

Plastics recommended for drying:

Moderate hygroscopicity (e.g., ABS, PMMA); drying is needed if stored in humid environments.

Plastics that do not require drying:

Non-polar plastics (e.g., PE, PP, PTFE) have negligible moisture absorption.

Special considerations:

Nylon (PA) should be used immediately after drying to avoid reabsorption of moisture.
Ultra-high-temperature plastics (e.g., PEEK, PPS) require dehumidifying dryers.

Get In Touch

Our senior sales and technical engineers will answer you questions fast and efficient.