Guide / Defects

Injection Molding Defects Troubleshooting

Diagnosing and fixing common molding defects

Common Defects

DefectAppearanceMain CausePrimary Fix
WarpagePart distortionUneven cooling, uneven shrinkBalance cooling, reduce mold temp diff
Sink MarkDepression on thick wallInsufficient pack pressureIncrease pack pressure + time
FlashThin excess plastic at parting lineHigh injection pressure, clamp force lowIncrease clamp force, reduce inj. speed
Short ShotIncomplete fillLow injection pressure, gate too smallIncrease pressure, enlarge gate or vent
Weld LineVisible line where flow fronts meetLow melt temp, flow front coolingIncrease temp, relocate gate, vent
Burn MarkBlack/dark spotAir trapped, overheatedAdd venting, reduce inj. speed
SplaySilver streaksMoisture in materialPre-dry material (check spec)