Laura Florez

Injection molding shrinkage begins as free volume decreases during cooling, making material choice and process control critical to dimensional stability. Shrinkage is a natural result of cooling and solidification in injection molding, but material structure and process conditions strongly affect its magnitude. Key Points: Shrinkage is a natural effect of cooling in injection molding. Semi-crystalline polymers usually shrink more than amorphous ones.

Recycled PA6 compound was created from the polyamide fraction obtained by solvent-based recycling, validated on a near-series chain guide rail (production: Pöppelmann) for Mercedes-Benz. Photo courtesy of BASF. Recycling technologies vary widely depending on feedstock quality and target performance. Selecting the right pathway determines whether circularity delivers real value or compromises material performance.

CFP - Chopped Fiber Processing enables direct compounding of fiber and polymer in a standard-length injection molding unit, reducing costs and increasing compounding flexibility. Courtesy of KraussMaffei. New CFP technology enables direct fiber compounding in injection molding, reducing costs, improving flexibility, and lowering CO₂ emissions.