Choosing the best injection molding machine can be risky for both
new molding operations or those wanting to expand their business. In order to
guarantee that the machine will fit your quality requirements, you need to consider the kind
of injection molding machine for your operation.
In the injection molding machine world, there are manufacturers that have proven their
place in the market. This includes Toshiba, Nissei, Engel, Boy, Arburg, Reed, Nigata, UBE,
DeMaag, Mitsubishi, Toshiba, Husky, HPM, Sandretto, Cincinnati and Van Dorn. Although
there are other manufacturers that produce injection molding machines, this list covers
the most common among them all. You should review their technical support department
to determine how they will help you when a machine problem arrises. Availability of replace-
ment parts is another important consideration.. part availability and how quickly they
can be attained are important to any manufacturing operation.
All manufacturers listed produce multi-shot, co-injection and the standard horizontal
injection molding machines. Due to technological advancements, electric injection molding
machines have also been produced.Electric presses are great for precision tolerancing
and processing capability, but it is important to remember there are limits to servo use,
and electrical spikes will shut the press down.
What is the best injection molding machine?
The answer to this question will depend largely on what you're planning to produce. Of
course, you first need to decide on your target market. Then, you should consider the desired
product for your market and determine what molding process is used to manufacture these products.
The more critical quality criteria is to the success of your operation, the more important
it is to match the machine to your product function. Designing your facility's machinery
and auxilliary equipment to the needs of your operation are key to your overall success
and profitability.
Upon gathering all the information you need, you will have a clearer idea of what kind of
injection molding machine you need to operate your business. For instance, if your goal is
procing simple molding products without special needs, then you should be shopping around for
hydraulic clamps or standard toggle machines.
If automotive parts are your product choice, then controller choice and press repeatability
are key product requirements. When your products require insert molding, vertical shuttle
machines can be your best choice.
Which Injection Molding Machines to Buy New or Used?
When you're new to the injection molding business, you need to consider whether to buy new or
used equipment. To answer this question, determine the level of uniformity and complexity of
your target molding products. Tonnage is another important consideration...will you be
molding a diverse range of products, or are your products size-specific? Regardless, your planning
needs to be long-term, and consider the inclusion of new customers and tooling.
Old molding machines can be a good buy if your products require less precision or repeatability.
If you wish to buy used machines to save money, shop around for newer molding machines to ensure
your machines are more current and reliable. Of course, used machines will be more affordable
than new injection molding machines, but for complex processing requirements, new presses
are your best bet.
However, if you're starting up a larger business, your best bet is to shop around for the
latest machinery, such as an all-electric injection molding machine, to remain competitive.
Controllers are always a major consideration.. the more control and monitoring
capabilities you have, the faster your processing response can be when defects arrise.
Machine set-up Efficiencies: A key in optimization
Remember to consider how you are setting up your tooling. If your molds will remain in the
press, this will be less important. But if your operation requires numerous changeovers,
then it is imperative to consider your method of changeover.
Hydraulic clamping systems can be quick and easy to use..but remember that if mold size
isn't consistent they can be heavy and awkward to change the configuration to match the tool.
This will also add to your set-up times.
Magnetic platens are an excellent resource... using less floor space, easy to use and offer
fast changeover times. These are costly however and are only cost-effective when used in a
larger molding operation.
Shuttle systems are another method of quick changeover, but they also require floor space.
If plant floor space is going to be an issue, then shuttling your molds during changeover may
not work for you.
With so many machine choices in the market, extensive research should be completed to
assure your needs will be met. Don't settle for just the lowest price. Match your needs
to the best injection-molding machine in the market, may it be used or new. Then after
you've made a thorough comparison, make your final decision based from your market's needs.
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