This work presents experimental meltdown-time profiles for nylon 66 and polypropylene and compares them with predictions obtained by applying the analytical model developed by Stokes [11]. A methodology is presented for obtaining approximate estimates of shear rates and temperatures developed within the molten polymer during the process. Use of the corresponding melt viscosity values as inputs in the model yielded good agreement between experimental data and model predictions. Predictions of melt film thicknesses, maximum melt temperatures, and shear rates are also presented. (c) 2005 Society of Plastics Engineers.