Types of Injection Molding Machines

Injection molding machines are devices used to melt plastic and inject it into molds for shaping, widely applied in industries such as automotive, electronics, appliances, and medical. Currently, injection molding machines mainly have several types as follows.

1. Classification by Driving Method

Hydraulic Injection Molding Machine:

Hydraulic injection molding machines use hydraulic transmission principles to achieve plastic injection and pressure, characterized by simple structure, easy maintenance, and relatively low cost. However, they have higher energy consumption, poorer precision, and stability, suitable for producing simple-shaped plastic products with low precision requirements.

Electric Injection Molding Machine:

Electric injection molding machines use electric motors to drive injection and pressure mechanisms, featuring energy efficiency, high precision, and good stability. However, they are relatively expensive and suitable for producing complex-shaped plastic products with high precision requirements.

Servo Injection Molding Machine:

Servo injection molding machines apply servo motors to control injection and pressure mechanisms, known for high precision, speed, and responsiveness, representing the most advanced type of injection molding machine. However, they are also the most expensive and suitable for producing high-precision, high-demand plastic products.

2. Classification by Injection Method

Plunger Injection Molding Machine:

Plunger injection molding machines directly inject molten plastic into molds using plungers. They have simple structure and easy maintenance but slower injection speed, suitable for producing simple-shaped plastic products with uniform wall thickness.

Screw Injection Molding Machine:

Screw injection molding machines use the rotation and axial movement of screws to plasticize and inject plastic, featuring fast injection speed and uniform plasticization, suitable for producing complex-shaped plastic products with uneven wall thickness.

3. Classification by Structural Form

Horizontal Injection Molding Machine:

Horizontal injection molding machines have injection and mold units located on the same horizontal plane, with compact structure and small footprint but limited operating space. They are suitable for producing small, lightweight plastic products.

Vertical Injection Molding Machine:

Vertical injection molding machines have injection and mold units arranged vertically, offering larger operating space for observation and operation, suitable for producing large, heavy-duty plastic products.

4. Other Classifications

Multi-color Injection Molding Machine:

Multi-color injection molding machines can simultaneously use multiple colors of plastic for molding, producing plastic products with rich colors and complex patterns.

Double-Platen Injection Molding Machine:

Double-platen injection molding machines have two injection units, enabling simultaneous injection of two different plastics to produce composite material plastic products.

5. Considerations for Choosing Injection Molding Machines

When selecting injection molding machines, factors to consider include:

• Product shape and size: Determine the model and specifications of the injection molding machine.
• Precision requirements of the product: Determine the type and control precision of the injection molding machine.
• Product output: Determine the production efficiency and automation level of the injection molding machine.
• Budget: Choose the appropriate model according to the budget.

Injection molding machines play a crucial role in plastic processing, and selecting the right type is essential for achieving efficient and high-quality production.