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Plastic Shrinkage Rate Table
Below is a detailed plastic shrinkage rate table, which includes the shrinkage range, influencing factors, and typical applications of common plastic materials. The data is based on industry standards (such as ISO, and ASTM) and common injection molding process parameters.
|
Plastic Material |
Abbreviation |
Shrinkage Rate (%) |
Directional Shrinkage(Flow vs. Cross-Flow) |
Recommended Mold Temp (°C) |
Processing Temp (°C) |
Typical Applications |
| ABS | ABS | 0.4 – 0.9 | Moderate (0.1-0.3% difference) | 40-80 | 210-270 | Automotive parts, toys, electronics |
| Polypropylene | PP | 1.0 – 2.5 | High (0.5-1.5% difference) | 20-80 | 200-300 | Packaging, containers, living hinges |
| Polyethylene (HDPE) | HDPE | 1.5 – 4.0 | High (1-2% difference) | 20-60 | 180-280 | Bottles, pipes, fuel tanks |
| Polyethylene (LDPE) | LDPE | 2.0 – 5.0 | Very High | 20-50 | 160-260 | Films, bags, flexible packaging |
| Polycarbonate | PC | 0.5 – 0.7 | Low (isotropic) | 80-120 | 280-320 | Optical lenses, bullet-proof glass, electronics |
| Nylon 6 | PA6 | 0.7 – 1.5 | Moderate (absorb moisture) | 60-90 | 230-290 | Gears, bearings, textiles |
| Nylon 66 | PA66 | 1.0 – 1.6 | Moderate | 70-120 | 260-320 | Automotive parts, industrial fibers |
| Polystyrene (GPPS) | GPPS | 0.3 – 0.6 | Low | 10-60 | 180-240 | Disposable cutlery, CD cases |
| Polystyrene (HIPS) | HIPS | 0.3 – 0.6 | Low | 20-60 | 190-260 | Food packaging, refrigerator liners |
| Acetal (POM Homopolymer) | POM | 1.8 – 2.5 | High (anisotropic) | 80-120 | 190-230 | Precision gears, zippers, fasteners |
| Acetal (POM Copolymer) | POM-C | 1.5 – 2.0 | Moderate | 60-100 | 180-220 | Medical devices, plumbing components |
| PET (Amorphous) | PET | 0.2 – 1.0 | Low to Moderate | 10-70 | 260-300 | Bottles, fibers, films |
| PET (Crystalline) | PET-G | 1.2 – 2.0 | High | 50-110 | 250-290 | 3D printing, thermoformed sheets |
| TPU (Thermoplastic Polyurethane) | TPU | 0.8 – 1.8 | Moderate | 20-60 | 180-220 | Footwear, phone cases, elastic parts |
| PBT (Polybutylene Terephthalate) | PBT | 1.2 – 2.2 | Moderate | 40-80 | 240-280 | Electrical connectors, automotive parts |
| PMMA (Acrylic) | PMMA | 0.2 – 0.8 | Low | 50-80 | 210-250 | Signage, lenses, displays |
| PVC (Rigid) | PVC-U | 0.1 – 0.6 | Low | 30-60 | 170-210 | Pipes, window frames |
| PVC (Flexible) | PVC-P | 1.0 – 5.0 | Very High | 20-50 | 160-200 | Cables, hoses, medical tubing |
| PTFE (Teflon) | PTFE | 3.0 – 6.0 | Extremely High | 100-200 | 350-400 | Non-stick coatings, seals |
Key Factors Affecting Plastic Shrinkage Rate
- Material Composition: Fillers (e.g., glass fiber) reduce shrinkage (e.g., 30% GF Nylon ≈ 0.3-0.6%).
- Processing Conditions: Higher mold temps reduce shrinkage; faster cooling increases anisotropy.
- Part Design: Thick sections shrink more than thin ones.
- Crystallinity: Semi-crystalline plastics (PP, POM) shrink more than amorphous (ABS, PC).
Notes
- Anisotropic Shrinkage: Materials like PP and HDPE show significant flow-direction vs. cross-flow differences.
- Post-Molding Shrinkage: Some plastics (e.g., nylon) continue shrinking due to moisture absorption.
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