Case Studies-Annealing (Stress-Relief) for Plastics Stock Shapes

When should parts be post Annealed (Stress Relief) after machining?

Experience has shown us that very few machined plastic parts require annealing after machining to meet dimensional or performance requirements.

Generally speaking, most stock shapes are annealed after molding using a proprietary stress relieving cycle to minimize any internal stresses that may result from the manufacturing process. This assures you that the material will remain dimensionally stable during and after machining.

Machined-in stress can reduce part performance and lead to premature part failure. To prevent machined-in stress, it is important to identify the causes. Machined-in stress is created by:

• Using dull or improperly designed tooling
• Excessive heat –– generated from inappropriate speeds and feed rates
• Machining away large volumes of material –– usually from one side of the stock shape

To reduce the potential for machined-in stress, review the fabrication guidelines for the specific material. Recognize that guidelines change as the material type changes.

Finish machining of critical dimensions should be performed after annealing.

Important: Annealing cycles have been generalized to apply to a majority of machined parts. Changes in heat up and hold time may be possible if cross sections are thin. Parts should be fixtured during annealing to prevent distortion.

Contact us for additional information or for materials you do not see on this list.