Drying temperature, time and target moisture for 31 plastics
| Resin | Hygroscopic? | Drying temp | Drying time | Target moisture |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nylon 6 (PA6), unfilled | Yes, performance | 176°F / 80°C | 2–6 h | 0.03–0.12% |
| Nylon 6 (PA6), glass-filled | Yes, performance | 150–180°F / 66–82°C | 2–5 h | Per grade sheet (whole compound) |
| Nylon 66 (PA66), unfilled | Yes, performance | 176–180°F / 80–82°C | 2–4 h from a fresh bag | 0.03–0.2% |
| Nylon 66 (PA66), glass-filled | Yes, performance | 176–180°F / 80–82°C | 2–4 h, often longer | Per grade sheet (whole compound) |
| Nylon 11 / Nylon 12 | Yes, but low absorption | PA11 176–194°F / 80–90°C PA12 176–212°F / 80–100°C | PA11 ≥4 h PA12 2–4 h dehumidified | PA12 <0.1% |
| PPA | Yes | 248°F / 120°C | 4 h | 0.03–0.06% |
| Polycarbonate (PC) | Yes, performance | 248–250°F / 120–121°C | 2–4 h | ≤0.02% |
| PC/ABS | Yes, performance | 212–230°F / 100–110°C | 2–4 h; 4–6 h regrind or filled | ≤0.02% |
| ABS | Yes, cosmetic | 176–203°F / 80–95°C | 2–4 h | 0.1% general 0.02–0.05% plating |
| Acetal, POM homopolymer | Weak; toughened grades are hygroscopic | 176°F / 80°C | 2–4 h; toughened 4–8 h | Dry only above 0.2% Toughened <0.05% |
| Acetal, POM copolymer | Essentially no | 180–248°F / 82–120°C | 3–4 h | No published maximum Dry only if exposed to moisture |
| PET, bottle / preform | Yes, strongly | 300–350°F / 149–177°C | 4–6 h | 0.005% (50 ppm) |
| PET, injection grade | Yes, performance | 248–275°F / 120–135°C | 2–4 h virgin; 4–6 h regrind | <0.02% (200 ppm) |
| PBT | Yes, performance | 250°F / 121°C typical (176–284°F / 80–140°C published) | 2–4 h | 0.02% |
| PEI | Yes, performance | 302°F / 150°C | 4–6 h; cumulative ≤24 h | 0.02% |
| PEEK | Yes, but low absorption; must be dried | 302–320°F / 150–160°C | 2–4 h | <0.02% |
| PPS | Resin no; mineral fillers yes | 230–325°F / 110–163°C | 2–4 h | 0.02% |
| PSU | Yes, absorbs very rapidly | 275–325°F / 135–163°C | 2–4 h (shorter at higher temp) | 0.02–0.05% |
| PPSU / PES | Yes | 275–350°F / 135–177°C | 3–5 h | 0.02–0.05% |
| TPU | Yes, strongly | 194–230°F / 90–110°C Aliphatic 104–140°F / 40–60°C | 1–4 h | <0.02–0.05% |
| Acrylic (PMMA) | Yes, cosmetic | 158–208°F / 70–98°C | 2–4 h | <0.02% strict 0.05–0.1% non-critical |
| SAN | Mild | 176°F / 80°C | 2–4 h | 0.04–0.08% |
| ASA | Yes, cosmetic | 176–194°F / 80–90°C | 2–6 h | 0.04–0.1% |
| Polystyrene / HIPS | No, surface moisture only | 160–167°F / 71–75°C, only if needed | 1–2 h; never >12 h | No published maximum |
| PPO / PPE modified | Barely, about 0.06–0.07% at 23°C / 50% RH | 212–248°F / 100–120°C PPE/PP blend grades 149–167°F / 65–75°C | 2–4 h; never >8 h | <0.02% |
| Polypropylene (PP) | No | 167°F / 75°C, cosmetics only | 2 h when required | Up to 0.2% has no effect |
| Polyethylene (PE) | No | Not required | n/a | n/a |
| PVC (rigid and flexible) | No | 120°F / 49°C, optional | 2–3 h | Not specified |
| TPV | Yes | 176°F / 80°C | 3 h virgin; 4 h with regrind | ≤0.08% |
| TPC-ET (copolyester elastomer) | Yes | 212°F / 100°C | 2–3 h; not >12 h | 0.10% |
| Styrenic TPE-S | No | 140–175°F / 60–80°C, only if needed | 2–4 h | Not specified |