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170ton injection molding machine: Water cup injection molding production

2025/10/22 By le zhan

Water cup injection molding production

The global plastic water cup market produces over 50 billion units annually. For these manufacturers, every second of cycle time translates into real profit. Even a two-second reduction in production per cup can save hundreds of millions of dollars for a 24/7 factory. However, many water cup manufacturers report inefficiencies in their factories, such as cycle times exceeding 40 seconds, PP material sticking to machine screws, inconsistent weight, and slow demolding, which result in 5-8% of cups being damaged. As a professional injection molding machine equipment manufacturer, Topstar will share a case study specifically for water cup injection molding. In this solution, we will use a 170 ton injection molding machine as the core equipment for water cup production. Let’s explore how it achieves this.

Why is a 170 ton injection molding machine suitable for PP water cup production?

Not all injection molding machines are suitable for water cup production. The 170 ton injection molding machine was chosen because it offers an ideal balance of clamping force and precision, making it particularly well-suited for PP cup production. The importance of this clamping force is evident in the fact that PP cups require sufficient clamping force to maintain mold closure during the injection process. A standard 39g two-cavity mold for a water cup requires a clamping force of 150-180 tons, and a 170 ton clamping force hits this optimal value. Using a machine with a lower clamping force risks flashing, while a larger machine would consume excessive energy.

In terms of injection volume compatibility, the injection volume of a 170 ton injection molding machine (typically 250-393 cubic centimeters) matches the total material volume required for two 39g PP cups. This prevents machine overload or incomplete “short shots.” Furthermore, the mold platen dimensions of the Topstar TMll170t injection molding machine accommodate standard two-cavity water cup molds, eliminating the need for custom mold modifications.

170 ton injection molding machine 1

Electroplated Screw and Discharge Temperature Control for the 170 ton Injection Molding Machine

When using PP material for water cup injection molding, it tends to adhere to uncoated screws and requires precise temperature control to prevent degradation. The Topstar TMll 170 ton injection molding machine solves these two problems with two key features:

Electroplated Screw: Unlike the uncoated steel screws found in most injection molding machines, Topstar’s electroplated screw effectively prevents PP from sticking. This means no material buildup, faster plasticization, and reduced scrap.

Discharge Temperature Control: The discharge port in this injection molding machine utilizes a dual-sensor system, maintaining a temperature accuracy of ±1°C. This ensures a stable PP flow rate and a uniform cup wall thickness.

Screw Selection

Proportional Back Pressure Control for Precise Plasticization

The pre-plasticization stage is a pain point for many injection molding machines, as fixed back pressure settings can lead to air bubbles in the water cup or inconsistent part weight. Topstar’s 170 ton injection molding machine addresses this issue with proportional back pressure control.

First, in a multi-level setting, the operator can adjust three to five back pressure levels using the 170 ton injection molding machine’s touchscreen. This removes air from the PP melt and ensures uniform density. Unlike manual back pressure adjustment, the proportional system updates in real time, eliminating the need for machine downtime. Many customers producing water cups have reported that their cup weight deviation has been reduced from ±1.2 grams to ±0.5 grams, better meeting retail packaging standards. One production manager commented, “We used to sort 8% of our cups due to weight issues. With the TMll 170t backpressure control, that number has been reduced to less than 1%, saving us 20 hours of sorting time per week.”

20% Increase in Ejector Force, Fast and Damage-Free Demolding

Demolding is a bottleneck for 40% of water cup production lines. Weak ejector force can lead to cups sticking to the mold, which may require manual intervention or cause scratches or deformation. Topstar’s 170 ton injection molding machine boasts 20% higher ejector force than previous-generation or competitor 170-ton machines. Its 8mm diameter ejector pin and dual-cylinder ejection system enable easy ejection of cups from the mold, eliminating sticking and the need for manual intervention. Furthermore, the greater and evenly distributed force prevents cups from bending or scratching. Furthermore, the one-touch automatic, precise mold adjustment setting accommodates taller cups or cups with handles, enabling customers to expand their product lines using these machines without purchasing a new injection molding machine.

Water Cup Production Case Study

Let’s use a case study to illustrate the value of a 170-ton injection molding machine in the production of water cups.

Machine used: Topstar TMll 170 ton injection molding machine.

Product specifications: 39g PP water cup (84mm height, 45mm diameter), double-cavity mold.

The 170-ton injection molding machine achieves the following results:

Cycle time: 32 seconds (18% speed increase).

Scrap rate: 2.3% (67% reduction).

The electroplated screw eliminates material buildup, proportional back pressure ensures consistent weight, and high ejection force reduces demolding time, achieving efficient and high-quality production.

The TMll 170t is the ideal machine for water cup production

For manufacturers looking to optimize their water cup injection molding production, a 170 ton injection molding machine offers an ideal balance of size, power, and efficiency. The Topstar TMll 170t injection molding machine goes even further. Its coated screw, proportional backpressure control, and 20% higher ejection force address the key challenges of other machines. In practical applications, it has achieved a cycle time of 32 seconds and a 23% increase in output.

 

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