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Lesson 4: Amorphous and Semi-Crystalline Materials

One of the biggest challenges in designing injection molded parts is optimizing the design to control volumetric shrinkage differences to result in minimal part warpage. Part design, mold design, polymer material, and the molding process are interdependent, so understanding how each one affects the others is important for a successful outcome. In this lesson we will focus on the impact of amorphous versus semi-crystalline materials on shrinkage and warpage behaviors.

Topic in this lesson include: a review of the differences between amorphous and semi-crystalline materials, how to predict shrinkage behaviors of different materials by using PVT curves, how to understand temperature and pressure behavior using PVT graphs, how different materials and gate locations impact injection pressure, clamp tonnage, volumetric shrinkages, and linear shrinkages, and how different materials impact part warpage and flatness.

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Amorphous and Semi-Crystalline Materials

Learn the fundamentals of process optimization by understanding how different phases in the injection molding cycle will influence the overall part quality. Build your Circle of Knowledge lesson by lesson. 

Goals of Processing: Shrinkage and Warpage (Level 1): 

  • Learn the fundamentals of shrinkage and warpage during the processing phase of injection molding
  • Gain an understanding of how part design, mold design, and process are connected and interdependent
  • Analyze real-life molded parts and learn the cause-and-effect behaviors of design and process

Section Description: 

Molding high-quality parts depends on many factors, including skillful part and mold design, an understanding of polymer material behavior, and an optimized process. Injection molding processing engineers must follow key steps to ensure consistently high-quality molded parts.

This section covers explanations, simulations, cause-and-effect analyses, and specific shrinkage and warpage examples.

Recommendation: Entry-Level Operators, Technicians, & Designers

Length: Lessons are approximately 15-20 minutes long each

The Kruse Training platform delivers knowledge and expertise developed over three decades in plastic injection molding. Now, companies and individuals can access a state-of-the-art online training program suited for all levels of expertise.