15-09-2025, 03:27 PM
An injecting machine, more commonly known as an injection molding machine, is a manufacturing device that produces items by injecting molten material into a mold. The machine takes raw pellets or powders, heats them until they become molten, and then injects the liquid material into a mold at high pressure.
This process can be used with a variety of materials, most commonly thermoplastics and thermosetting polymers, but also metals, glasses, and elastomers.
Types of injection molding machines
Injection machines are typically classified by the power source they use or their mechanical configuration.
By power source
This process can be used with a variety of materials, most commonly thermoplastics and thermosetting polymers, but also metals, glasses, and elastomers.
Types of injection molding machines
Injection machines are typically classified by the power source they use or their mechanical configuration.
By power source
- Hydraulic: These traditional machines use hydraulic fluid to operate the injection and clamping units. They are known for their high clamping force, robustness, and lower initial cost, making them ideal for large parts or thick-walled items.
- Electric (all-electric): Introduced in the 1980s, these machines use servo motors for all movements. They are more expensive but offer exceptional precision, higher energy efficiency, quieter operation, and a cleaner process since they do not use hydraulic oil.
- Hybrid: This type combines the energy efficiency and precision of electric machines with the power and clamping force of hydraulic units. They are often seen as a cost-effective alternative to all-electric machines for many applications.
- Horizontal: The most common type of machine, these feature a horizontal configuration for the injection unit and mold. They are used for mass-producing a wide variety of parts.
- Vertical: With a vertical alignment, these machines are well-suited for applications where parts are inserted into the mold, such as over-molding electrical connectors and metal-core parts.
- Two-shot (multi-component): These specialized machines have two or more injection units to produce multi-material or multi-colored parts in a single cycle. They are used for items like toothbrush handles with rubber grips or multi-colored buttons.
- Feeding: Plastic pellets are fed from a hopper into a heated barrel.
- Melting and mixing: A rotating screw inside the barrel moves the pellets forward while friction and external heaters melt the plastic into a liquid.
- Injection: The molten material is pushed by the screw through a nozzle and into the sealed mold cavity.
- Cooling: Water or air circulates through the mold to cool and solidify the plastic into the desired shape.
- Ejection: The mold opens and ejector pins push the finished part out of the mold.
- Automotive: Interior components, door handles, dashboards, and connectors.
- Medical: Sterile, single-use devices such as syringes, surgical instruments, and medical device housings.
- Electronics: Computer, mobile phone, and home appliance housings, as well as buttons and connectors.
- Packaging: Caps, bottles, containers, and thin-walled packaging for food, beverages, and cosmetics.
- Consumer Goods: Toys, household appliances, and furniture hardware.