What are the two types of injection molding machines?

Jul. 15, 2024

Which Injection Molding Machine is Best for Your Project?

Since the type and characteristics of an injection molding machine influence project outcomes, you may think equipment selection is best left to the injection molder.

The company is the world’s best cable injection moulding machine supplier. We are your one-stop shop for all needs. Our staff are highly-specialized and will help you find the product you need.

Undoubtedly a molder's input is key in aligning projects and injection molding machines. However, familiarizing yourself with machine basics will help you make better design choices, more accurately forecast project costs and production times, and even guide you to the injection molding partner best equipped to meet your needs.

Hydraulic, Electric, and Hybrid Machines

There are three types of injection molding machines, classified by the type of drive/motor ' hydraulic, electric, or hybrid.

Weighing In On Tonnage

Each injection molding machine mentioned above is still in use today. Although each iteration introduced certain technological advantages, tonnage ' the measure of force that is required to keep the tool closed during the injection process ' remains the main factor in determining the injection molding machine size required for producing the part.

Sizes can run from under 5 tons to more than 4,000 tons. With such a wide range of possibilities, tonnage calculation is a necessary and pivotal step. Finding the proper tonnage range takes the area of the part, type and viscosity of the plastic, and a 'clamp factor' into consideration. Some molders do this by using an estimation equation that's generally accepted in the industry. Others ' including Kaysun ' perform mold filling analysis to arrive at the answer. The latter is preferred because accuracy is paramount. Tonnage that is too small leads to quality issues and delays; too large and tool costs could quickly escalate due to premature deterioration.

Sizing Up Your Injection Molder

Given all of the variables in projects and injection molding machines, there is no 'one size fits all' solution. Working with a molder that has limited knowledge of, experience with, and access to a breadth of equipment could jeopardize your project ' and profits.

Kaysun has horizontal and vertical machines ranging from 35 to 940 tons, with a concentration on precision electric models. We're equipped to provide the solution you're looking for and the design, engineering, production knowledge, and processes you need to make your project successful.

Kaysun keeps up with the latest injection molding machine technologies so our customers have the most efficient, suitable options available. It's a value-add that augments our customer relationships and helps guide pre-production decisions, much like the information you'll find in The Process of Scientifically Qualifying a Tool. This easy-reference infographic delves into tooling performance and how it impacts projects in the short term and long term. Click the button below to access your copy now!

If you want to learn more, please visit our website Vertical Plastic Injection Molding Machine.

Plastic Injection Molding Machine

Injection molding machines (also known as injection presses) are generally categorized based on their drive system, or based on what powers their major components. The three basic types of drive systems are electrical, hydraulic, and hybrid drives, each of which is suited to unique injection molding applications. Below is a brief explanation of each of these drive types, their main advantages/disadvantages, cost, and general applications.

1. Hydraulic Injection Molding Machines

Hydraulic injection molding machines are considered the first "modern" injection molding machine and were developed in the early s. They utilize hydraulic drives to clamp the injection mold halves together and push molten plastic into the mold cavity. They consume hydraulic fluid and need constant energy input to both pump and cool their hydraulic systems.

Because hydraulic injection molding machines are an established technology stretching back decades, they are the least expensive, and most rugged, and easiest to source and repair. Hydraulics also offer unparalleled clamping forces in their clamping unit (3-4 tons per square inch!), making them ideal for larger molds.

However, hydraulic injection molding machines are energy inefficient and require higher temperatures for molding which can ruin some heat-sensitive plastics. Both hydraulic pumps and coolant need continuous power input and require additional infrastructure to support them. Also, these types of machines can be problematic as they carry the risk of hydraulic fluid leaks, and they produce more noise than other injection molding machines.

Hydraulic injection molding machines tend to be cheaper than all-electric machines, costing anywhere from $3,000-$100,000+ depending on size. They will also require additional maintenance and infrastructure costs, estimated roughly to be around $17,000/year, plus the cost of worker wages for upkeep and operation. They can last up to 7-10 years with proper maintenance, but their hydraulic systems make them prone to frequent issues that can shorten their lifespan with improper care. These types of drive systems are mainly for larger, thick-walled applications such as those found in the automotive industry.

2. Electric Injection Molding Machines

Electric injection molding machines (also known as all-electric machines) are an update to the traditional hydraulic machines, having been first developed in the s in Japan. They implement several digitally controlled servo motors that allow for precise independent control of the four axes of injection molding: injection, extruding, clamping, and ejecting.

Servo motors used can idle when not in use, saving users up to 75% on power demands when compared to hydraulic models that need continuous pumping power. Electric injection molding machines also highly simplify the injection molding process with no necessary consumables, making them easier to run, repair, and scale down for small-to-medium-sized applications. All-electric machines are ideal for cleanroom applications needing high accuracy and a clean, quiet, and energy-efficient machine.

Electric injection molding machines do have some disadvantages. The first disadvantage is lower clamping power compared to hydraulic injection molding machines. The second disadvantage is that electric injection molding machines tend to be more expensive and difficult to repair compared with hydraulic versions.

Electric injection molding machines' prices depend on size and features but generally hover around $ to $200,000+ depending on the needed size. All-electric machines will last on average 20+ years with proper maintenance and are mainly specified in cleanroom applications for the production of small to medium-sized parts for medical, biochemical, and pharmaceutical products.

For more Vertical Injection Moulding Machine Manufacturersinformation, please contact us. We will provide professional answers.

Comments

All Comments (0)