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Which injection molding machine is best?

2024/03/20 By Topstar

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There are many different injection molding machine types to choose from. The best injection molding machine must be the one that best suits your company’s production needs and manufacturing. In this article, we will educate you on the types on the market, as well as what characteristics they have and what occasions they are suitable for.

Two different types of injection molding machines: vertical and horizontal injection molding machines

Vertical and horizontal injection molding machines are two pieces of equipment commonly used for injection molding in the plastics manufacturing industry. Horizontal injection molding machines adopt a horizontal layout, and the injection and clamping devices are arranged horizontally. Due to their ability to operate efficiently and accommodate multi-cavity moulds, they are often used to produce large, complex parts in high volumes. Horizontal injection molding machines are ideal for applications requiring precise injection parameter control. This level of control ensures consistent quality and precision, making it suitable for manufacturing components in automotive and medical applications.

Vertical injection molding machines use a vertical layout with the injection unit positioned vertically above the mould. They are suitable for small and medium-sized batch production of small and medium-sized parts and can save space. Vertical injection molding machines are typically used for over-moulding or insert molding applications, where auxiliary materials or components are encapsulated within the moulded part. The process is beneficial for adding features such as washers, threads, or metal inserts to plastic parts.

Hydraulic injection molding machine

Hydraulic injection molding machines are relatively traditional and standard equipment in the plastic manufacturing industry. These machines use hydraulic systems to create pressure, injecting molten plastic into moulds to produce finished parts. Their ability to generate high clamping forces enables the precise moulding of large, complex parts. At the same time, hydraulic injection molding machines are versatile and suitable for various materials, including thermoplastics, thermosets, and elastomers. In addition, they feature rugged construction and can withstand harsh operating conditions and heavy-duty production environments. The disadvantage is that it requires inspection and maintenance and is not friendly to the production environment.

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Electric injection molding machine

An electric injection molding machine is a relatively efficient modern manufacturing equipment. Electric servo motors operate all their machine movements. Compared to hydraulic machines, electric injection molding machines eliminate the need for hydraulic oil and reduce energy consumption during operation. Electric servo motors also precisely control machine movement, including injection speed, pressure, and position. During operation, they are quieter because they do not rely on hydraulic pumps and motors that create noise. Electric injection molding machines also do not require hydraulic oil, reducing the risk of oil leakage and contamination. They are ideally suited for use in the production of medical devices and components used in equipment, and their clean and quiet operation combined with precise control ensures compliance with strict regulatory standards for medical-grade materials and products.

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Hybrid injection molding machine

Hybrid injection molding machines combine the advantages of hydraulic and electric injection molding machines. Their injection devices use servo drive motors, and their mould clamping devices use hydraulic systems. Energy-saving operation is achieved with this configuration because the electric motor consumes less energy than a conventional hydraulic system, especially during low speeds and idling, and the electric injection unit allows precise control of injection speed, pressure, and position. Using hydraulic power as the clamping unit provides high clamping forces, and hybrid injection moulding machines are generally more environmentally friendly due to reduced energy consumption and lower carbon footprint. These machines’ hybrid nature allows manufacturers to balance performance and energy efficiency, making them popular for various injection moulding applications in the medical, packaging, consumer goods, and electronics industries.

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Choose the machine that works best for you.

When combining the injection molding machines mentioned in this article, you must also consider factors such as the product’s type, throughput, material properties, required accuracy, cycle time, and budget constraints. The first step is to determine the type of product you are making. Electric injection molding machines are suitable for the mass production of small and medium-sized parts. Conversely, choose a hydraulic injection molding machine with high tonnage capacity and a more oversized platen for large parts or low-volume production. Next, consider the material properties of the product. Thermoplastics, thermosets or elastomers, for example, may require a specific injection molding machine with precise temperature control, injection pressure and screw design to achieve optimal results. Another important consideration is energy efficiency, which can significantly reduce operating costs and environmental impact.

Find your perfect match!

The best injection molding machine is the one that meets your specific needs, requirements, and production goals. You can find the equipment that best suits your injection moulding needs by considering injection molding machine type, size, performance metrics, energy efficiency, and more.

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