High-strength linear polyethylene was prepared by injection molding using an axial elongational flow component during the filling process. Microhardness (MH), tensile and bending stress ([sgrave]), optical birefringence (Δn), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and shrinkage measurements were used to characterize the changes in microstructure, molecular orientation, and mechanical properties, occurring throughout the range of processing temperatures used (Tm=140–200°C)