Plastic Material Shrinkage Guide
The chart below outlines typical mold shrink rates, as well as tonnage recommendations (per in²) and vent depth values (in),
for some commonly used injection molding materials.
Plastic material shrinks during the cooling phase of the injection molding cycle. Each resin shrinks differently depending on several factors which include: processing conditions, flow path, mold, part design, and material composition.
Use the chart to help you gather information about the typical shrinkage for a plastic resin.
for some commonly used injection molding materials.
Plastic material shrinks during the cooling phase of the injection molding cycle. Each resin shrinks differently depending on several factors which include: processing conditions, flow path, mold, part design, and material composition.
Use the chart to help you gather information about the typical shrinkage for a plastic resin.
| Material | Recommended Tonnage (per in²) | Shrink Values | Vent Depth (in.) |
| Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS) | 2.5 – 3.5 | .004 – .008 | .0010 – .0020 |
| ABS/Polycarbonate Blend (PC/ABS) | 3.0 – 4.0 | .004 – .007 | .0015 – .0030 |
| Acetal (POM) | 3.0 – 4.0 | .020 – .035 | .0005 – .0015 |
| Acrylic (PMMA) | 3.0 – 4.0 | .002 – .010 | .0015 – .0020 |
| Ethylene Vinyl Acetate (EVA) | 2.0 – 3.0 | .010 – .030 | 0005 – .0007 |
| Ionomer | 2.5 – 3.5 | 003 – .020 | 0005 – .0007 |
| High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) | 2.5 – 3.5 | .015 – .030 | .0008 – .0010 |
| Low-Density Polyethylene (LDPE) | 2.0 – 3.0 | .015 – .035 | .0005 – .0007 |
| Polyamide – Nylon (PA) Filled | 4.0 – 5.0 | .005 – .010 | .0003 – .0010 |
| Polyamide – Nylon (PA) Unfilled | 3.0 – 4.0 | .007 – .025 | .0005 – .0020 |
| Polybutylene Terephthalate (PBT) | 3.0 – 4.0 | .008 – .010 | .0005 – .0015 |
| Polycarbonate (PC) | 4.0 – 5.0 | .005 – .007 | .0010 – .0030 |
| Polyester | 2.5 – 3.5 | .006 – .022 | .0005 – .0010 |
| Polyetheretherketone (PEEK) | 4.0 – 5.0 | .010 – .020 | 0005 – .0007 |
| Polyetherimide (PEI) | 3.0 – 4.0 | .005 – .007 | .0010 – .0015 |
| Polyethylene (PE) | 2.5 – 3.5 | .015 – .035 | .0005 – .0020 |
| Polyethersulfone (PES) | 3.0 – 4.0 | .002 – .007 | 0005 – .0007 |
| Polyphenylene Oxide (PPO) | 3.0 – 4.0 | .005 – .007 | .0010 – .0020 |
| Polyphenylene Sulfide (PPS) | 3.5 – 4.5 | .002 – .005 | .0005 – .0010 |
| Polyphthalamide (PPA) | 3.5 – 4.5 | .005 – .007 | .0005 – .0020 |
| Polypropylene (PP) | 2.5 – 3.5 | .010 – .030 | .0005 – .0020 |
| Polystyrene (PS) | 2.0 – 2.5 | .002 – .008 | .0015 – .0020 |
| Polysulphone (PSU) | 4.0 – 5.0 | .006 – .008 | .0010 – .0015 |
| Polyurethane (PUR) | 2.5 – 3.5 | .010 – .020 | .0004 – .0010 |
| Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) | 2.5 – 3.5 | .002 – .030 | .0005 – .0020 |
| Thermoplastic Elastomer (TPE) | 2.5 – 3.5 | 005 – .020 | .0008 – .0010 |
Disclaimer: All data and information presented are for information purposes only. Although this information is believed to be accurate to the best of our knowledge, they are provided without implied warranty of any kind. This data is intended for guidance and should not be considered as binding specifications. Before working with any material, users should contact material suppliers in order to receive specific, complete, and detailed information about the material they are considering. Plastics Plus and its partners do not claim responsibility for any decisions made as a result of this information.
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