Yo, what’s up! I’m a supplier of Plastic Injection Moulding Machines, and today I wanna talk about the shrinkage rate in plastic injection moulding. Plastic Injection Moulding Machine

So, first things first, what the heck is the shrinkage rate in plastic injection moulding? Well, when you’re using a plastic injection moulding machine to make plastic parts, the plastic cools down and solidifies after it’s injected into the mould. During this cooling process, the plastic contracts, and that’s what we call shrinkage. The shrinkage rate is basically the percentage of how much the plastic shrinks from its original size when it’s in a molten state to its final, cooled – down state.
Now, why does this shrinkage happen? There are a few reasons. One of the main factors is the nature of plastics themselves. Different types of plastics have different molecular structures. For example, crystalline plastics like polyethylene and polypropylene have a more ordered molecular arrangement. When they cool, these molecules pack closer together, causing a relatively high shrinkage rate. On the other hand, amorphous plastics like polystyrene and polycarbonate have a more random molecular structure, and their shrinkage rate is generally lower.
The processing conditions also play a huge role. The temperature of the plastic melt is super important. If the melt temperature is too high, the plastic will be more fluid, and when it cools, it’ll shrink more. Similarly, the pressure during the injection process matters. Higher injection pressure can pack more plastic into the mould, but it can also lead to more internal stress in the part. When the part cools and the stress is released, it can cause shrinkage. The cooling time is another factor. If the part cools too quickly, the outer layer solidifies first, and the inner part may still be hot. As the inner part cools, it shrinks, and this can cause uneven shrinkage and warping.
Let’s talk about why the shrinkage rate is such a big deal. If you’re making plastic parts, getting the right dimensions is crucial. If the shrinkage rate isn’t accounted for, your parts might end up being too small. This can lead to all sorts of problems, like parts not fitting together properly. For example, if you’re making components for a machine, and the parts don’t fit right because of shrinkage, the whole machine might not work as it should. It can also affect the aesthetics of the part. Uneven shrinkage can cause surface defects like sink marks, which make the part look unprofessional.
As a Plastic Injection Moulding Machine supplier, I know how important it is to control the shrinkage rate. That’s why our machines are designed with features to help manage this. We’ve got advanced temperature control systems. These systems can precisely control the temperature of the plastic melt, ensuring that it’s at the optimal temperature for the specific type of plastic you’re using. This helps to reduce the shrinkage caused by over – heating.
Our machines also have adjustable injection pressure settings. You can set the pressure according to the requirements of your part. This allows you to pack the plastic into the mould just right, without creating too much internal stress. And when it comes to cooling, our machines have efficient cooling systems. These systems can control the cooling rate, so the plastic cools evenly, reducing the chances of uneven shrinkage and warping.
We’ve also got a team of experts who can provide you with advice on how to deal with shrinkage. They can help you choose the right plastic for your project, and give you tips on adjusting the processing parameters to minimize shrinkage. Whether you’re a small – scale manufacturer making custom parts or a large – scale production facility, we’ve got the solutions for you.
Another thing to keep in mind is that measuring the shrinkage rate accurately is essential. There are a few ways to do this. One common method is to make a test part using your plastic injection moulding machine. Measure the dimensions of the part right after it’s ejected from the mould and then measure it again after it’s fully cooled. By comparing these two sets of measurements, you can calculate the shrinkage rate. There are also some high – tech tools available, like 3D scanners, which can give you a very accurate measurement of the part’s dimensions and help you analyze the shrinkage.
Once you know the shrinkage rate, you can make adjustments to your mould design. For example, if you know that a certain plastic has a high shrinkage rate, you can make the mould slightly larger than the final desired size of the part. This way, when the plastic shrinks, the part will end up at the right size.
In the world of plastic injection moulding, dealing with shrinkage is an ongoing challenge. But with the right plastic injection moulding machine and the right knowledge, you can overcome it. Our machines are built to help you do just that. They’re reliable, efficient, and designed to give you the best results.

If you’re in the market for a plastic injection moulding machine, or if you’re having trouble with shrinkage in your current production process, don’t hesitate to get in touch. We’re here to help you find the perfect solution for your business. Whether you need a machine for a specific project or want to upgrade your existing equipment, we’ve got you covered. So, reach out and let’s start a conversation about how we can work together to improve your plastic injection moulding process.
Fruit Crate Plastic Injection Moulding Machine References:
- Injection Molding Handbook by Dominik Roy
- Plastics Processing by Christopher Rauwendaal
Ningbo Yalishi (Arlex) Plastic Machinery Co., Ltd.
Ningbo Yalishi(Arlex) Plastic Machinery Co., Ltd. is one of the most reliable plastic injection moulding machine manufacturers and suppliers in China, featured by quality products and low price. Please rest assured to wholesale cheap plastic injection moulding machine made in China here from our factory. Customized orders are welcome.
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