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How to choose injection molding machines with different clamping forces?

2025/04/28 By Topstar

Clamping force refers to the force applied by the machine during the injection molding process to hold the two halves of the mold together and prevent them from separating under the pressure of the molten plastic. When purchasing injection molding machines, choosing the right clamping force ensures the molded part is formed accurately without defects such as flash or incomplete filling.

Topstar offers a wide range of clamping force options in its injection molding machine range, from 90 tons to 470 tons, and from 550 tons to 2800 tons for larger injection molding machines. Choosing the right clamping force is essential to producing high-quality products in various industries, from automotive parts to medical devices. This guide will outline the key factors to consider when selecting clamping force and provide specific product examples to help you decide.

What does the clamping force do for an injection molding machine?

The clamping force of an injection molding machine is a key factor in ensuring that the mold remains firmly closed during the injection process, allowing the plastic to be injected into the mold cavity at the correct pressure. If the clamping force is insufficient, the mold may open slightly, resulting in defects such as flash, excess plastic around the part, or incomplete molding. If the clamping force is too high, it will increase cycle time, energy consumption, and wear on the machine.

Topstar injection molding machines have clamping forces between 90 tons and 470 tons for products that require less clamping force, and large injection molding machines have clamping forces between 550 tons and 2800 tons for heavier and more complex molds. When you purchase an injection molding machine, you will base the clamping force on the size and complexity of the mold, the injection molding material, and the product you produce.

Injection molding machines with clamping forces between 90t and 470t: suitable products and applications

Manufacturers generally use injection molding machines with clamping forces ranging from 90 to 470 tons to produce small and medium-sized products. These machines are versatile and can process a variety of plastics, including thermoplastics, elastomers and engineering plastics. Clamping forces in this range are ideal for manufacturers producing the following products:

  • Consumer electronics: Components such as smartphone housings, tablet housings and remote control parts require medium precision and efficient production cycles.
  • Small household appliances: Plastic parts for coffee machines, blenders, or vacuum cleaners require good surface quality and dimensional accuracy.
  • Packaging materials, such as lids, closures, and caps for containers of daily necessities, usually require a low to medium clamping force to ensure a seal without deformation.
  • Automotive parts: Small parts such as knobs, buttons or decorative parts do not require heavy clamping force but still require accuracy and consistency.

These injection molding machines can produce parts of medium complexity, and their size and efficiency make them ideal for high-volume production. Choose an injection molding machine with a clamping force of 90 tons to 470 tons to meet the injection molding needs of industries such as electronics, household goods and packaging.

TM470II-Injection-Molding-Machine

Injection molding machines with a clamping force of 550t-2800t: heavy-duty applications

For larger and more complex molds, injection molding machines with a clamping force between 550 tons and 2800 tons are required to ensure the mold is closed correctly and the part is formed. These injection molding machines are designed to handle the higher pressures and larger volumes of material required to produce heavy, high-performance parts. Products that typically require this clamping force include:

  • Automotive parts: Larger bumpers, dashboards, and interior trims require higher clamping forces to ensure accurate molding and durability.
  • Industrial equipment parts, such as housings, brackets, or gears used in heavy machinery and industrial applications, need to be produced with high precision and strength.
  • Medical devices: Larger medical parts, such as injection sites, diagnostic equipment parts, and even medical device housings, require strict precision and material requirements.
  • Packaging housing solutions: Larger packaging products, such as industrial containers or housings for large household appliances, require heavy molds to achieve the correct strength and function.

These high-tonnage injection molding machines are particularly suitable for industries that require complex and large products, which demand high injection forces and advanced features such as multi-cavity molds, automation, and precise material handling. Their higher clamping forces can ensure consistent product quality and efficiency in large-scale production.

TH-2200-Straight-Pressure-Injection-Molding-Machine

Relationship between material type and clamping force

The type of material used in the injection molding process plays a vital role in determining the required clamping force. Due to viscosity differences during the injection molding process, thermoplastics require less clamping force than engineering plastics. Materials with higher viscosities generally require more clamping force to prevent the mold from separating under pressure.

Generally speaking, a machine with a clamping force in the 90ton to 470ton range is sufficient for lighter materials or smaller products. However, for materials that require higher injection pressures, such as high-performance plastics used in the automotive or medical industries, you need a machine with a clamping force in the 550ton to 2,800ton range to ensure controllable and stable molding processes. The balance between material selection and clamping force can achieve the desired product quality and minimize defects during production.

Choosing the right clamping force

Choosing the right injection molding machine and the correct clamping force at purchase can lead to high-quality, cost-effective production. The right clamping force ensures consistent results, reduces defects, and increases production efficiency. Whether you are producing small consumer products or large industrial parts, the right choice will contribute to the long-term success of your manufacturing process and cost savings.

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