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Regardless of the type of injection molding machine, they all contain some basic components that are used to produce high volumes of plastic parts. The diagram below illustrates the primary components of Injection Molding Machines.
Image Credit: Wikimedia
Below is a brief list of the different parts found in the typical injection molding machine. Note that model-specific parts will not be highlighted to provide the most inclusive summary for injection molding machines.
Plastic injection molding machines allow for the mass production of plastic parts. They can produce over 10,000 parts in a workday (depending upon machine and part design) with virtually no defects or variance between each part. Their use is only limited by the size of the machine and the imagination of the designers. Injection molding has so many uses that nearly every household in the US has had contact with dozens of injection molded items, if not more.
If interested in desktop injection molding machines, common suppliers like Alibaba, Amazon, and other retailers can provide good options. However, it will be necessary to connect with direct manufacturers if looking for a high-volume, large-scale injection molding machine. There are also extensive aftermarket sources for used injection molding machines, however, these involve the risks associated with any aftermarket purchase and may require maintenance/repair.
Yes, plastic injection molding machines are the most expensive part of the injection molding process, second only to the molds themselves.
Injection molding machines vary in price depending upon type, where worktop/desktop machines cost anywhere from $2,000-$20,000, and large industrial models range from $50,000 to over $200,000. Also, these prices do not include the facility upgrades, skilled worker costs, maintenance fees, and monitoring equipment needed for such a system. This massive overhead incentivizes companies to outsource their injection molding to dedicated companies with existing infrastructure. Only those companies with a core need for injection molding and a developed, high-volume product would consider purchasing an injection molding machine-otherwise, the investment is not recommended.
It depends on the specific injection molding machine, but generally no, there are considerable maintenance demands from injection molding machines. It is recommended to perform daily visual checks to catch early problems, and at least 4-5 hours per quarter for a general maintenance checkup. A dedicated full maintenance day is required annually to identify issues, perform adjustments, and replace aging parts.
Parts that need an especially keen eye are oil filters (regardless of indicator status), valves, safeties, hoses, machine cylinders, power lines, lubrication points, nozzle alignment, and control modules. Finally, injection molding machines can be temperamental with seasonal changes, so be extra vigilant during transitional months and during extreme temperature days. A lack of preventative maintenance will not only stall the machine, but any profits made from it, so performing regular checks will decrease headaches over the long run (and extend the lifespan of the machine, allowing you to extract more value from the investment in this technology).
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