Molding shrinkage

Process details may be summarized powder sizes are fine (usually < 20 Ilm) low (generally < 69 MPa (10,000 psi)) injection pressure low (ca I49°C) mol ding temperature shrinkage (molded part to finished size) typically 20% final part densities are usually 95—98% + of maximum pore-free density and ductility is exceptionally high, elongation values are > 30%. 

An allowance must also be made for postforming shrinkage. Molds should be designed oversize so that when shrinkage is complete the product dimensions will be correct to within the design tolerances. 

Mold Shrinkage. Mold shrinkage of unreinforced crystalline plastics is high. This is critical in part and mold design, especially for large... 

Shrinkage and aftershrinkage may be directional in polymers with oriented fibers [92]. Low shrinkage molding compounds are potential remedies. 

The pressure of the extmder forces uniform plastic distribution throughout the mold. Cooling the mold solidifies the plastic with slight shrinkage. The mold is maintained closed by mechanical or hydraulic pressure while the thermoplastic is injected and solidified. 

Methacrylate polymerizations are accompanied by the Hberation of a considerable amount of heat and a substantial decrease in volume. Both of these factors strongly influence most manufacturing processes. Excess heat must be dissipated to avoid uncontrolled exothermic polymerizations. Volume changes are particularly important in sheet-casting processes where the mold must compensate for the decreased volume. In general, the percent shrinkage decreases as the size of the alcohol substituent increases on a molar basis, the shrinkage is relatively constant (35). 

MSTM D955, Test Methodfor Measuring Shrinkage from Mold Dimensions ofMoldedPlastics, Vol. 8.01, ASTM, Philadelphia, Pa., 1989. 

Noryl is a rigid dimensionally stable material. Dimensional stabiUty results from a combination of low mold shrinkage, low coefficient of thermal expansion (5.9 x 10 per° C), good creep resistance (0.6—0.8% in 300 h at 13.8 MPa (2000 psi)), and the lowest water absorption rate of any of the engineering thermoplastics (0.07% in 24 h at room temperature). Noryl resins are completely stable to hydrolysis. They are not affected by aqueous acids or bases and have good resistance to some organic solvents, but they are attacked by aromatic or chlorinated aUphatic compounds. 

Crystalline polymers undergo a discontinuous decrease in volume when cooled through (Fig. 4). This can lead to nonuniform shrinkage and warping in molded objects. On the other hand, it also causes the polymer to "lock on" to reinforcing fibers, eg, glass (qv), so that crystalline thermoplastics benefit much more than amorphous thermoplastics from fiber reinforcement. 

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