Low flow in PE/PP/PA: diagnosis and additives
Intelligence Center

Application Insight / Flow · 7 min read

Low flow in PE/PP/PA: diagnosis and additives

Incomplete fill, high pressure and long cycle: how to read the symptom before specifying a flow modifier.

Low flow has many causes

High resin viscosity, high filler, degradation, temperature off-window and poor lubrication can look the same on the gauge. A flow modifier is a candidate — not an automatic diagnosis.

Plant script

Confirm matrix (PE/PP/PA), process (extrusion vs injection) and whether the issue is fill, gloss or cycle. Then compare wax/lubricant vs flow modifier in a short trial.

  • ▸Log pressure, cycle time and defects.
  • ▸Separate temperature effect vs formulation.
  • ▸Trial a conservative dosage with a sample.

Next step

PE/PP, PA and injection landings tie to the SKU. Talk to Plectus engineering for a sample and validation on the real mold/extruder.