High-density polyethylene (HDPE): melt temperature, drying, shrinkage
Typical values for High-density polyethylene (HDPE, semi-crystalline) in injection moulding: melt temperature 190–230 °C, mould temperature 20–40 °C, shrinkage 1.5–3.0 %, drying: no drying needed. The processing window below shows melt and mould temperature on one scale; the app covers more than 150 materials.
Processing window
HDPE High-density polyethylene, semi-crystalline
Melt temperature 190–230 °C
Mould temperature 20–40 °C
- Drying
- not required
- Density
- 0.95 g/cm³
- Cavity pressure
- 200–600 bar
- Shrinkage
- 1.5–3.0 %
Typical values for standard grades from the Resinovo material guide. They do not replace the manufacturer’s datasheet.
HDPE at a glance
HDPE is semi-crystalline, tough and impact-resistant, even at low temperatures, and resistant to many chemicals. It is used for containers, closures, crates and pipe fittings.
HDPE absorbs hardly any water and usually needs no drying. The high shrinkage can lead to warpage, so lay out the cooling evenly.
Processing data for HDPE
- Melt temperature: 190–230 °C
- Mould temperature: 20–40 °C
- Drying: no drying needed
- Density: 0.95 g/cm³
- Cavity pressure: 200–600 bar
- Processing shrinkage: 1.5–3.0 %
All values are typical figures for preselection. The manufacturer’s datasheet applies to the specific grade, and sampling on the machine decides the process.
Frequently asked questions
What processing temperature does HDPE have?
The melt temperature for High-density polyethylene is 190–230 °C and the mould temperature 20–40 °C (typical values).
Does HDPE have to be dried before processing?
According to the typical value, no: High-density polyethylene absorbs hardly any moisture. For storage in a humid environment or with additives, the manufacturer’s datasheet applies.
How high is the shrinkage of HDPE?
The processing shrinkage of High-density polyethylene is 1.5–3.0 %. It depends on wall thickness, holding pressure, mould temperature and grade.
What cavity pressure applies to HDPE?
The range for High-density polyethylene is 200–600 bar. The clamping force calculator and the app start with the mean of 400 bar; you can adjust the value.
More on HDPE in the app
All properties
Flow behaviour, MVR and MFR, thermal conductivity, heat deflection, mechanical properties, fire rating and processing notes.
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Density, cavity pressure and temperatures feed straight into the calculators and ResiCheck.
Read on
- Clamping force calculator
- Shot volume calculator
- Cooling time calculation
- Injection moulding defects: causes and remedies
- Material guide: all values at a glance
More materials: PP · ABS · ASA · PA6 · PA66 · POM · PMMA · PC · PC/ABS · PET · PBT · PS · SAN · TPU · PEEK · PPS · PP-GF
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