CAP LP
Grade
LP = low-plasticizer rigid / high-heat grade
Pick for maximum rigidity, dimensional stability and the highest HDT available in CAP, at the cost of flow and notched impact.
Values for the LP condition
Other CAP grades and fills
CAP is listed in 4 conditions; see the grade overview at CAP.
Compare all 4 grades and fillsHide
| Grade · open for datasheet | Best for | Yield MPa | Tensile MPa | Elong. % | Hardness |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
High-plasticizer soft/high-flow grade | Pick when maximum flow, deep-draw toughness and a soft warm feel matter more than heat resistance or stiffness. | 18 | 20 | 80 | 68 Shore D |
MPDefault Medium-plasticizer standard injection-molding grade | General-purpose balance of stiffness, gloss and toughness for cosmetic caps, handles and housings. | — | 32 | 50 | 95 HRR |
Pearlescent / transparent coloured eyewear & handle grade | Colour-matched, high-gloss compound for buffed eyewear frames, pen barrels and premium tool handles. | 32 | 34 | 45 | 79 Shore D |
LPThis page Low-plasticizer rigid / high-heat grade | Pick for maximum rigidity, dimensional stability and the highest HDT available in CAP, at the cost of flow and notched impact. | 46 | 50 | 28 | 82 Shore D |
What is CAP LP?
CAP LP is CAP in the LP grade — pick for maximum rigidity, dimensional stability and the highest HDT available in CAP, at the cost of flow and notched impact. CAP LP has a yield strength of 46 MPa (6.67 ksi) and a tensile strength of 50 MPa (7.25 ksi) — weaker than 55% of polymer grades. Elongation at break is 28% and the elastic modulus is 2 GPa (0.283 Msi). CAP LP has a density of 1.23 g/cm³ (0.0444 lb/in³), heavier than 62% of polymer grades. Its glass-transition temperature is 142°C (288 °F). MP is the default condition FabDigit quotes; LP is available on request or by drawing note.
Advantages
- Polishes to a fine finish — 92/100, better than 97% of polymer grades
- Easy to machine — 84/100, better than 86% of polymer grades
- Low, predictable mold shrinkage — 0.35%, better than 86% of polymer grades
- Good UV / weathering resistance — 55/100, better than 77% of polymer grades
Limitations
- Absorbs moisture — dry before molding — 1.8%, worse than 95% of polymer grades
- Needs corrosion protection — 60/100, worse than 89% of polymer grades
- Limited service temperature — 72°C (162 °F), worse than 75% of polymer grades
CAP LP properties
Typical room-temperature values for CAP LP; 23 are specific to this condition. Other listed values are CAP reference data and may not represent this condition. Bars are the position among polymer grades.
Physical7
CAP LP has a density of 1.23 g/cm³ (0.0444 lb/in³), heavier than 62% of polymer grades. Its glass-transition temperature is 142°C (288 °F).
Mechanical12
CAP LP has a yield strength of 46 MPa (6.67 ksi) and a tensile strength of 50 MPa (7.25 ksi) — weaker than 55% of polymer grades. Elongation at break is 28% and the elastic modulus is 2 GPa (0.283 Msi).
Thermal11
CAP LP is rated for continuous service to 72°C (162 °F). It conducts heat at 0.21 W/m·K (0.121 BTU/hr·ft·°F), better than 55% of polymer grades. Thermal expansion is 115 µm/m·K (63.9 µin/in·°F).
Electrical7
CAP LP is an electrical insulator with a dielectric strength of 17 kV/mm (431.8 V/mil) and a resistivity of 1×10¹² Ω·m.
Chemical & Environmental3
Corrosion resistance is good (60/100), worse than 89% of polymer grades. UV resistance is good.
Sustainability4
Producing a kilogram of CAP LP takes about 100 MJ of energy and emits 4.5 kg of CO₂ — less than 61% of polymer grades. Typical recycled content is 0%.
Manufacturability8
CAP LP's machinability is very good (84/100, better than 86% of polymer grades); weldability good (60/100); formability very good (70/100).
Values are nominal handbook figures for design screening. Confirm any required mill or lot documentation when quoting.
Working with CAP LP
Is CAP easy to machine?
Machines and turns easily with sharp positive-rake tools and coolant/air blast; keep speeds moderate to avoid smearing and plasticizer sweat-out.
Can CAP be welded?
Joins well by solvent cementing (acetone/MEK blends) and by ultrasonic or hot-plate welding; avoid overheating which causes acid odour and discolouration.
Can CAP be formed, bent or molded?
Dry 2–3 h at 65–75 °C before molding; melt 185–240 °C, mold 35–75 °C, low-to-moderate injection pressure with generous gates — over-shear causes brown streaks and burnt-sugar odour.
What surface finishes work on CAP?
Ash-buffs to an exceptional mirror gloss; accepts hot stamping, vacuum metallising and printing after suitable priming, but avoid ketone/ester based paints and cleaners.
CAP chemical composition (wt %)
Limits by weight percent from the governing specification, written the way the spec states them — a single maximum for impurities, a range for alloying elements, and the base element as balance. Nominal is the typical mid-range value.
| Element | Spec limit (wt %) | Nominal |
|---|---|---|
| propionyl contentprimary ester substituent (per ASTM D817 assay) | 39 – 48 | 45 |
| acetyl contentminor ester substituent | 0.5 – 3.5 | 2 |
| hydroxyl contentfree OH, governs polarity and moisture pickup | 1 – 3 | 1.8 |
| plasticizer (e.g. DOA / DEP / citrate essets LP / MP / HP grade class per ASTM D1562 | 0 – 20 | 10 |
| stabilizers, UV absorbers, colourants | 0 – 2 | 0.5 |
| cellulose backbone (anhydroglucose unitswood pulp / cotton linter derived | ≥ 45 (balance) | — |
CAP LP — frequently asked
What is CAP LP used for?
CAP LP is typically used for cosmetic packaging, pens and styluses, eyewear components, toothbrush handles and decorative moldings. In short: highest gloss cellulosic; low odour and taste; between CA and CAB.
What is the yield strength of CAP LP?
CAP LP has a typical yield strength of 46 MPa (6.67 ksi) and a tensile strength of 50 MPa (7.25 ksi) — weaker than 55% of polymer grades. Strength varies by condition: see the 4 listed tempers.
Is CAP LP easy to machine?
Yes — machinability is rated very good (84/100, better than 86% of polymer grades). Machines and turns easily with sharp positive-rake tools and coolant/air blast; keep speeds moderate to avoid smearing and plasticizer sweat-out.
Can CAP LP be welded?
Yes — weldability is rated good (60/100). Joins well by solvent cementing (acetone/MEK blends) and by ultrasonic or hot-plate welding; avoid overheating which causes acid odour and discolouration.
What surface finishes work on CAP LP?
Ash-buffs to an exceptional mirror gloss; accepts hot stamping, vacuum metallising and printing after suitable priming, but avoid ketone/ester based paints and cleaners.
Can CAP LP be formed, bent or molded?
Dry 2–3 h at 65–75 °C before molding; melt 185–240 °C, mold 35–75 °C, low-to-moderate injection pressure with generous gates — over-shear causes brown streaks and burnt-sugar odour.
What is the maximum service temperature of CAP LP?
CAP LP is rated for continuous use to about 72°C (162 °F), and briefly to 90°C. Strength falls off well before that limit — check the elevated-temperature data for load-bearing parts.
What is the difference between CAP MP and CAP HP?
MP is the default condition — general-purpose balance of stiffness, gloss and toughness for cosmetic caps, handles and housings. HP: pick when maximum flow, deep-draw toughness and a soft warm feel matter more than heat resistance or stiffness. Yield strength is 46 MPa in MP versus 18 MPa in HP.
Sources
- ASTM D1562 — Standard Specification for Cellulose Acetate Propionate Molding and Extrusion Compounds — ASTM International (2021)
- ASTM D817 — Test Methods for Cellulose Acetate Propionate and Cellulose Acetate Butyrate — ASTM International (2020)
- Tenite Propionate molding and extrusion compounds — property and processing data — Eastman Chemical Company (2022)
- Engineered Materials Handbook Vol. 2: Engineering Plastics (cellulosics section) — ASM International (1988)
- CAMPUS / UL Prospector cellulose ester grade data — CWFG / UL Solutions (2024)
Property data is compiled from published supplier and standards handbooks and normalised for comparison. Nothing on this page is a certification — request mill certs, CoC or material test reports with your order.