A part can leave the mold within tolerance and deform during handling because its core remains warm and its stiffness is still developing. Unsupported spans, gripper pressure, uneven stacking, conveyor contact, or an early trimming operation can create permanent shape change.
Dimensions should be checked immediately at release and again after the normal cooling interval. A change after demolding separates handling distortion from tool geometry or forming shrinkage. Part temperature at each transfer step should be recorded during diagnosis.
Handling fixtures, nests, cooling conveyors, and stack height must support the geometry without creating local marks. Cycle time should not be reduced beyond the point where downstream support can maintain shape. A cooling jig is useful only when it locates the part without overconstraining normal shrinkage.