Injection molding is a process used to manufacture different types of products for various applications. This process is especially used in the manufacture of different plastic products. It is highly favored and preferred by both businesses and manufacturers mainly for the benefits it features. It is quite cost-effective and results in quality end products after the manufacturing process is over.

 

Injection molding makes use of injection molding machines to ensure that the processes and products are of the right quality. These machines come in different types and are designed to offer different advantages while in an application. If you are looking into the injection molding process for your products, having a basic understanding of these machines is essential. Granted, you have the option of leaving everything to your injection molding manufacturers and have them take care of everything. However, being in the loop is always a good idea to help you see what can work best for you. The different types of injection molding machines include:

Table of Contents

Hydraulic Injection Molding Machine

Hydraulic Injection Molding Machine

Source: https://www.indiamart.com

The hydraulic injection molding machine was first invented in the late 1930s and was the go-to injection molding machine at the time. Since then, they are still used in applications and featured in the manufacture of different products. However, the use of this particular injection mold is dependent on your specific needs. The needs or rather specifications involved include electricity costs and any other personal preferences that would require the use of this machine. With this machine, the mechanics and the internal works are quite easy to understand and figure out. This machine features the use of hydraulic cylinders that are designed to clamp together two halves of the mold. This is usually done at high pressure to ensure that the injection molding process is done accurately.

Once this is done, the plastic pellets that are required for the specific product being made are melted and injected into the mold cavity. After the liquid plastic polymer is deposited it is allowed to cool and take the shape of the mold being used. Once that is done, the cooled end product is extracted and the process is repeated. To ensure that the mold remains shut during this process and avoid any deformities and mishaps, this machine has to use the right amount of pressure.

Typically, the pressure used by this device is roughly 3 to 4 tons of clamp force per square inch of the cavity. This force is what is needed for thin-wall sections however, it is a different case when it comes to thick wall sections. The pressure and force used measures at about 2 tons per square inch. As technology evolves, you find that these machines are also evolving and tend to feature different aspects that were not there before. For instance, now, hydraulic injection molding machines can hold and create different parts that weigh more than 50 pounds. Additionally, it now features a control clamp force of up to 8,000 tons, making it a great choice for manufacturers looking to produce large and heavy parts. This particular injection molding machine comes in handy for the automotive industry.

Advantages

Some of the benefits featured by the hydraulic injection molding machines include:

Disadvantages

Like any other product, the hydraulic injection molding machines also feature some disadvantages you should keep in mind. Some o these disadvantages include:

Electric Injection Molding Machines

Molding Machines

Source: www.plastemart.com

The electric injection molding machines were first introduced in 1984 in Japan and did relatively well in the manufacturing industry. They performed quite well and got a great reception in the market. This adoption was quite rapid and accounted for over half of all injection molding machines sold in the United States. They were adopted so well and incorporated in the marketplace and manufacturing industry for their great convenience. These machines are designed and powered by digitally controlled high-speed servo motors that are used in place of hydraulics. This allows the processes to go by faster and with more precision compared to other injection molding machines.

 

Additionally, it also features great repeatability and energy efficiency in all its operations. The best thing about these machines is the predictable processes. This is associated with the fact that once a product is manufactured and it comes out as required the process can be replicated consistently.  This in turn results in more products manufactured without affecting the quality of the end products. The use of this injection molding machine also lowers the labor costs significantly. This is mainly because once the job is programmed into the electric machine, the controls can run it without any extra human interference.

Advantages

Some of the advantages linked to using the electric injection molding machine as your go-to choice include:

Disadvantages

The electric injection molding machine also features its share of disadvantages despite being a great machine overall. Some of the disadvantages featured include:

Hybrid Injection Molding Machines

Hybrid Injection Molding Machines

Source: https://powerjetmachine.cn

The hybrid injection molding machine is a reinvention that features all the great things about hydraulic and electric machines. The hybrid IMMs are designed to feature the superior clamping force of the hydraulic machines which helps them cater to the thick-walled and large products. On the other hand, it is also designed to feature the precision, repeatability, energy saving, and reduced noise capabilities seen in electric machines. These machines are quite easy to use and have gained a name for themselves over the years for their convenience and efficiency.

Advantages

Some of the great advantages associated with the hybrid injection molding machines to consider include:

Disadvantages

Given that the hybrid injection molding machines feature both hydraulic and electric mechanisms maintenance can be a problem. You would need to have a technician who is well versed with both the mechanics of the hydraulic and electric injection molding machines.

Conclusion

Injection molding is a great manufacturing process that will result in different types of products created with quality in mind. If you want to work with injection molding remember that there are different types that you can work with. Once you have this in mind you can go on to learning which one would suit you best. Consider working with an injection molding manufacturer who will guide you through this process. Take your time with your products to ensure that they turn out as you expect.

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