How to select the appropriate injection molding machine for your project

Injection molding machine

2023/02/07 By Topstar

How to select the appropriate injection molding machine for your project

Injection molding has been around for over a century, but it’s still one of the most commonly used processes in manufacturing today. Injection molding machines can be more expensive than other processes, but the ability to create plastic parts with repeatable accuracy and quality makes them worth the investment. As you search for an injection molding machine, you must know what features are available on these models and how each feature will affect your business needs. This article will help you understand what factors should be considered when selecting an injection molding machine based on your project specifications.

Know whether to go with electric, hybrid, or hydraulic

Injection molding machines are available in electric, hydraulic, and hybrid.

Electric machines have been the standard for decades and are still the most common injection molding machine on the market today. They’re generally affordable and easy to maintain, but they can’t match hydraulic ones for precision or accuracy.

Hydraulic machines are more precise than their electric counterparts because they use compressed air rather than electricity to operate the clamping system. There’s less room for error regarding force control or positioning accuracy. They’re also more expensive than electric models due to this complex technology–but if you need precision above all else, this might be worth looking into!

Hybrid models combine some aspects of electric and hydraulic systems: they use compressed air like hydraulics do while having mechanical components like electrics do as well; this way, you get some benefits from each type without compromising too much on either side!

Know the differences between two-platen and clamping force designs

Two-platen designs are typically the best choice for projects that require high precision and accuracy. They allow you to achieve a higher quality product but also have some limitations. For example, they’re not as fast or efficient as clamping force injection molding machines because of their slower cycle times.

Clamping force injection molding machines have faster cycle times than two-platen designs because they don’t require an extra set of platens during production; however, this comes at the cost of increased wear and tear on your parts over time (which can be costly if you need replacement parts).

Understand the importance of tie-bar spacing

Tie-bar spacing is the distance between tie bars on an injection molding machine. Tie bars are used to hold components together during the injection process, and they’re typically made from steel or aluminum.

The type of tie-bar spacing you choose will depend on your project’s requirements, and many options are available! To help determine what type of tie-bar spacing might work best for your application, consider these factors:

How much space do you need? The distance between the pull rods of some models can reach 100 mm (4 inches), while that of other models is only 75 mm. You must choose products that meet your budget without sacrificing quality or functionality. If possible, please get in touch with your local hardware store. They can help you make appropriate choices based on your understanding of the advantages and disadvantages of the product.

Think about the tonnage range

Another important consideration is the tonnage range. This refers to how much weight a particular injection molding machine can handle. Choosing a device with a cargo appropriate for your project, your facility, and your materials is essential.

In addition, consider whether or not you’ll be making large batches of parts at once or smaller batches over time. If you’re planning on making large quantities of features at once (for example, thousands). Investing in an industrial-grade machine with higher output rates may make sense than hobbyists making only one or two pieces simultaneously.

Consider platen size and layout

The second factor to consider is the platen size and layout. This refers to the size of your mold cavity and its shape. Injection molding machine manufacturers will have different options for both of these things depending on what kind of parts you want to make and how many you plan on producing at once.

Platen size affects cycle time–a long cycle time means less production per hour, while a short one allows more parts per hour. However, it should be noted that this doesn’t necessarily mean that all large molds are slow. Some small molds can take longer than average due to their intricate structures or tight tolerances! In addition, several factors affect the production speed of the injection molding machine. Such as productivity, the clamping force required in each process, etc…

Consider opening stroke and daylight

Your next step is to consider opening stroke and daylight.

Opening stroke is the distance the mold can open, while daylight is how much space between the two halves of your mold when they’re closed together. For small parts, the opening stroke is not essential. However, for more oversized products, this becomes more important. Especially if you want to produce large quantities of products or if you’re going to put your products in specific packaging containers. Otherwise, it may not be able to accommodate them.

On the other hand, if you are making small plastic products. Such as a key chain or mobile phone case (or any other item with a diameter of about 1 inch). If enough space is left between the inner walls of the mold, it will help to ensure consistent quality throughout the production process without sacrificing speed or efficiency.

Learn the characteristics to consider when selecting an injection molding machine

Tonnage range: The tonnage range is the maximum weight of the part that a single injection molding machine can produce. Choosing a device with sufficient tonnage for your project is essential, but it should also be within your budget.

Table size and layout: the injection molding machine provides standard dimensions according to its tonnage range. For example, a 100-ton machine is usually about 10 feet long. In contrast, 500 tons of equipment can be up to 20 feet or longer. When selecting the size and layout of the injection molding machine, you need to consider the space available for installing the injection molding machine.

Opening stroke and daylight: When selecting an injection molding machine, it is not only about whether it can produce parts within the range you need. It also depends on the production speed when these parts are ready to be assembled into finished products! This is where these two factors play a role. The opening stroke refers to the distance between two opposite molds at any given time during the operation. Daylight refers to how much space there is between them when they fully retract to the rest position after completing each cycle.

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How to select the appropriate injection molding machine for your project