How to Choose an Electric Injection Machine for Your Business?

Choosing the right electric injection molding machine can feel like a daunting task, especially when faced with the wide variety of models, configurations, and technical specifications available. However, understanding the unique needs of your business, coupled with a thorough evaluation of machine features and capabilities, can help streamline this process. In this guide, we will walk you through the essential considerations, providing expert insights and practical tips to help you make a well-informed, long-term investment.

What is an Electric Injection Molding Machine?

An electric injection molding machine (also referred to as an all-electric injection molding machine) operates by using electrically powered servo motors and drives to control the three main components of the molding process: injection, clamping, and ejection. Unlike traditional hydraulic machines that rely on fluid pressure to perform these tasks, electric machines use direct servo-driven technology for greater accuracy, efficiency, and consistency.

The basic operation involves injecting molten plastic into a closed mold under high pressure, allowing it to cool and solidify before the part is ejected. Key advantages include:

• High Precision: Electric motors provide precise control over injection speed, pressure, and position, resulting in exceptional molding accuracy.

• Improved Cycle Times: Electric machines are quicker to start and stop, leading to faster cycle times compared to hydraulic alternatives.

• Energy Efficiency: Electric machines only consume energy when necessary, minimizing energy waste and optimizing power usage.

In comparison to hydraulic or hybrid systems, electric machines excel in applications that require fine-tuned processes and minimal waste.

What Are the Benefits of Investing in an Electric Injection Molding Machine for Your Business?

Investing in an electric injection molding machine can offer numerous advantages to manufacturers, particularly those looking to enhance their productivity, reduce costs, and boost part quality. Here are the key benefits:

1. Energy Efficiency:
   One of the most compelling reasons for businesses to switch to electric injection molding machines is their superior energy efficiency. Hydraulic systems continuously consume power, even when idle, whereas electric machines operate on demand. For instance, servo-driven motors only draw energy when they are actively performing a task. As a result, electric machines can reduce energy consumption by up to 50% compared to their hydraulic counterparts. This can translate into substantial cost savings, particularly for businesses with high production volumes.

2. Precision and Repeatability:
   Electric injection molding machines offer significantly higher repeatability and precision, ensuring that parts are produced to tight tolerances, often with deviations of less than 0.1mm. This is critical in industries such as medical device manufacturing, where accuracy is paramount. For example, MedTech Molds, a medical components supplier, switched to electric machines and achieved a 25% reduction in defect rates due to their superior precision.

3. Faster Cycle Times and Higher Throughput:
   The ability to quickly start and stop the injection process means electric machines can complete cycles faster than hydraulic systems. Faster cycle times lead to increased throughput, allowing your business to produce more units in less time. With cycle time reduction of approximately 10-20%, a company like TechMold Innovations was able to scale up production by 30% within just a few months after upgrading to electric machines.

4. Reduced Maintenance and Operating Costs:
   Electric machines typically have fewer moving parts and no need for hydraulic fluids, reducing maintenance needs and the risk of system failures. Hydraulic systems often require expensive fluids, seals, and valves that can wear out over time, whereas electric machines require less frequent servicing. For example, AutoPart Molding Co. reported a 40% decrease in annual maintenance costs after switching to an electric injection molding system, thanks to the lower complexity and fewer mechanical components.

5. Environmental Benefits:
   With growing environmental concerns, electric injection molding machines help manufacturers reduce their carbon footprint. By using energy more efficiently and generating less heat, electric machines contribute to greener production processes. Businesses aiming to enhance their sustainability practices can leverage these benefits as a competitive edge in an increasingly eco-conscious marketplace.

How to Choose the Right Industrial Electric Injection Molding Machine

Choosing the right machine requires a careful analysis of several factors. Here’s a breakdown of the essential criteria to help you narrow down your options:

Production Needs and Material Selection:

Start by analyzing the specific materials you plan to mold. Different polymers have unique processing requirements. For example, thermoplastics like ABS or polypropylene (PP) are easier to mold, while engineering plastics such as PEEK or polycarbonate (PC) require higher injection pressures and precise temperature controls. If your production includes high-performance materials, ensure the electric machine you choose can handle the specific characteristics of those materials, such as melt temperature, viscosity, and cooling rates.

Real-World Tip: Companies specializing in high-performance plastics, like Advanced Polymer Tech, have upgraded to electric machines with enhanced temperature control features, enabling them to mold challenging materials with greater precision and reduced cycle time.

Clamping Force:

The clamping force is one of the most critical specifications to consider. It determines how much force the machine can exert to hold the mold halves together during the injection process. If you are molding small, high-precision parts, a clamping force in the range of 50 to 300 tons might suffice. However, for larger components like automotive bumpers, a clamping force of 1,000 tons or more may be necessary.

Pro Tip: When choosing a clamping force, always err on the side of higher capacity if you're unsure. It’s easier to scale down the clamping force when producing smaller parts than it is to manage insufficient force for large or complex molds.

Machine Size and Space Requirements:

Don’t forget to consider the physical space required for the machine and the surrounding equipment. Electric injection molding machines tend to have a more compact design compared to hydraulic models, but still require adequate room for safe operation, maintenance access, and supporting equipment like cooling systems, mold handling robots, and conveyors. Always measure your available floor space and ensure that the machine’s dimensions fit within the area.

Pro Tip: For businesses with limited floor space, MicroMold Co. successfully optimized their factory layout by selecting compact electric machines that provided both performance and space efficiency.

Automation Compatibility:

To maximize efficiency, many modern electric machines offer automation capabilities, such as part removal robots or integrated cooling systems. These features can further reduce cycle times, improve part consistency, and minimize human error. Automation is especially beneficial for businesses looking to scale operations without increasing labor costs.

Real-World Example: TechMold Solutions integrated a robotic part removal system with their new electric molding machines, reducing manual handling time by 35% and enhancing overall production efficiency.

What Factors Should Be Considered When Buying an Electric Injection Molding Machine?

Buying an electric injection molding machine isn’t just a purchase—it’s a long-term investment in your factory’s productivity, quality, and competitiveness. Get it right, and you can enjoy lower operating costs, fewer rejects, and more consistent production. Get it wrong, and you’ll find yourself dealing with expensive downtime, wasted materials, and even mold compatibility issues. Below are the ten most important factors you should weigh carefully—each based on real-world production pain points.

1. Match the Clamping Force to Your Product Size

The clamping force is one of the most crucial specs, and yet it’s often miscalculated. If you choose a machine with too little clamping force, your mold won’t close tightly enough under injection pressure, resulting in flash or incomplete parts. On the flip side, a machine that’s oversized burns unnecessary energy and takes up precious floor space. To avoid this, calculate the projected area of your part and multiply it by the cavity pressure required for your resin. Always add a safety factor of 10–20% to be safe. For example, a thin-walled PP container with a projected area of 500 cm² and 300 kg/cm² of cavity pressure would need around 165 tons of clamping force. Getting this right ensures both part quality and machine efficiency.

2. Select an Injection Unit That Matches Your Shot Size

Not all injection units are created equal. You need to match the shot size and screw diameter to your part’s weight and material. If the injection unit is too large, the material may sit too long in the barrel and degrade, especially for heat-sensitive polymers like PC or POM. Too small, and you won’t get enough melt volume to fill the cavity, especially in multi-cavity molds. As a rule of thumb, your part’s shot weight should be 30%–80% of the barrel capacity. A good supplier will help you simulate this with your exact part and resin specs. We once worked with a customer making 30-gram ABS housings; their previous machine had a 90mm screw—far too big. Switching to a 45mm screw improved part stability and lowered reject rates by 18%.

3. Understand the Resin Processing Requirements

Every resin behaves differently. Some like it hot, some break down under heat. Engineering plastics like PBT, PA66, or PC+ABS blends require not just higher melt temperatures but precise control of screw speed, backpressure, and mold temperature. Electric machines excel here because their servo motors provide ultra-precise speed and temperature control. If you frequently change materials or use specialty compounds, choose a machine with programmable injection profiles, multi-stage holding pressure, and screw parameters. Also, consider corrosion- or wear-resistant screws and barrels if you use fillers or glass-fiber materials.

4. Make Sure Your Mold Will Fit Properly

Before ordering any machine, get your mold dimensions double-checked. Tie-bar spacing, platen size, maximum mold height, and daylight opening all affect whether your mold can be safely mounted and operated. Ejector stroke and core-pull systems should also match your mold’s mechanical needs. Don’t assume that a 250-ton machine from Brand A will fit the same mold as a 250-ton machine from Brand B—the internal layouts often vary significantly. A small misfit could mean modifying an expensive mold or even buying a different machine. We've seen factories return machines simply because the daylight stroke was 20mm too short.

5. Match Machine Speed to Your Production Volume

High-volume manufacturers (think packaging, electronics, automotive) need machines that can cycle quickly and repeatably. In such cases, electric machines offer a huge advantage thanks to their fast clamping and injection speeds. For lower-volume or precision parts, speed might be less critical—but control and repeatability will still matter. Ask yourself: are you running single-cavity molds 8 hours a day or 16-cavity molds around the clock? Choose a machine with a dry cycle time, injection speed, and shot accuracy that matches your real-world needs. Going overkill adds cost; under-speccing leaves money on the table.

6. Calculate Energy Use and Power Compatibility

One of the big draws of electric machines is energy savings. Unlike hydraulics that continuously consume energy to maintain pressure, servo motors in electric machines only consume power when in motion. That’s a huge cost advantage in the long run. Still, not all electric machines are created equal. Look for models that publish actual energy usage in kWh per kg of plastic processed, or run side-by-side comparisons if you're upgrading from a hydraulic model. Also—don’t forget to check your facility's power supply. Is your grid 380V or 400V? 50Hz or 60Hz? A mismatch here can lead to expensive delays or transformer retrofits.

7. Evaluate the Control System’s Ease and Capability

Modern electric injection machines come with advanced control systems—but not all are user-friendly. Operators need to be able to adjust parameters, store recipes, diagnose issues, and even run simulations without digging through 20 menu layers. Look for a touchscreen interface with customizable presets, clear alarm histories, and real-time trend monitoring. If your facility is moving toward Industry 4.0, ensure your machine can connect to MES systems or export data via OPC-UA or Ethernet. Some top-tier brands now offer remote service support and predictive maintenance alerts.

8. Factor in Maintenance and Local Support

Even electric machines, known for their reliability, will eventually need service. The question is—how quickly can you get it? Ask your supplier about: spare parts availability and shipping times, on-site technician support, warranty coverage, and preventive maintenance packages. A great deal on paper means little if you're stuck waiting weeks for a critical motor to arrive. If you’re exporting to another country or running a 24/7 line, choose a brand with international support hubs and local agents. One of our clients in Mexico switched from a Korean machine to a Japanese brand solely because they could get parts within 48 hours.

9. Don’t Just Look at Price—Understand Long-Term ROI

Yes, price matters. But the cheapest machine isn’t always the most cost-effective. Look beyond the sticker price and calculate the total cost of ownership (TCO). This includes: energy use over 5–10 years, downtime due to breakdowns or maintenance, material waste from rejects or shot inconsistencies, and labor time for adjustments and training. If a machine is 15% more expensive but cuts your energy bill in half and improves uptime, it pays for itself within months. Ask your supplier for actual case studies or a TCO simulation.

10. Plan for Automation and Future Scalability

Today you might be molding manually, but what about a year from now? Can your chosen machine support robotic part removal, mold temperature controllers, or conveyor belts? Is the software compatible with automation platforms? As more factories aim for “smart” production, flexibility is key. Choose a machine that can evolve with your business. The upfront cost might be slightly higher, but it’ll save you a full reinvestment later.

FAQs on Choosing Electric Injection Molding Machine

1. What is the difference between an electric and a hydraulic injection molding machine?

Great question—and one that often comes up when businesses are choosing an injection molding machine for the first time. The core difference lies in how they operate: hydraulic machines rely on oil-based systems to drive movement, while electric injection molding machines use servo motors for all major actions—clamping, injection, and ejection.

Electric machines are typically faster, cleaner (no risk of oil leaks), quieter, and more energy-efficient. They also offer greater repeatability and precision, making them ideal for industries like medical, electronics, and high-volume consumer goods.

2. Are electric injection molding machines more expensive?

At first glance—yes. But let’s dig a bit deeper. The initial purchase cost of an all-electric injection molding machine is usually higher than its hydraulic counterpart. However, over time, electric machines often end up being more cost-effective. Why? Because of significantly lower energy consumption (up to 70% less), reduced maintenance needs, and less downtime. If you calculate the total cost of ownership over 3–5 years, many buyers find electric machines deliver better ROI.

3. How do I know what tonnage I need for my application?

This depends on the size and type of the parts you plan to produce. A good rule of thumb: multiply the projected part area (in square inches) by 2–8 tons, depending on material and geometry. For example, a part with a projected area of 100 in² might require between 200–800 tons of clamping force. It’s always best to consult with your machine supplier for a precise calculation. Many manufacturers—including Sunbun—offer free assistance for injection molding machine selection.

4. Is electric always better than hybrid or hydraulic machines?

Not necessarily. While electric injection molding machines excel in precision, repeatability, and cleanroom suitability, hybrid and hydraulic models can still be a better fit for certain applications—especially where high injection pressure or low-cost bulk production is involved.

In fact, if you're molding large, thick-wall parts or using abrasive materials like glass-filled resins, a hybrid might offer the best of both worlds: the speed and energy efficiency of electric drives with the power of hydraulics. That’s why understanding your production goals is key when choosing injection molding machine technology.

5. What should I look for in the control system of an electric machine?

The control system is the brain of the machine. When considering injection molding machine selection, look for a system that offers:

• High-speed response and accurate positioning (servo control)
• User-friendly interface and multilingual support
• Real-time process monitoring and diagnostics
• Compatibility with automation and data integration (Industry 4.0)

Brands like Sunbun integrate advanced controllers that are intuitive to use and support real-time optimization, making them ideal for overseas customers with varying technical capabilities.

Best Choices for Electric Injection Molding Machines

When selecting a machine, it’s important to evaluate your specific needs against the capabilities of the model. Some of the top electric injection molding machines to consider include:

• Fanuc Roboshot: Known for its high precision and fast cycle times, the Roboshot series is ideal for manufacturers requiring high repeatability and low operational costs.

• KraussMaffei PX Series: A versatile range of machines suitable for diverse materials, from standard thermoplastics to advanced polymers, with excellent energy efficiency.

• Nissei F-Series: Renowned for its compact design and energy-saving features, the F-series is perfect for businesses with limited space but high production demands.

• Sunbun: With a focus on automation, energy saving and cost-effectiveness, Sunbun's electric injection molding machines have a unique set of advantages to meet domestic and global manufacturing needs.

Best Tips for Choosing the Right Electric Injection Molding Machine Brand

For businesses of all sizes looking to purchase electric injection molding machines, it is recommended to choose the most competitively priced manufacturer. SunBun is an excellent choice for producing electric injection molding machines. For the past 30 years, it has been the preferred electric injection molding machine distributor in the European and American markets.

SunBun can meet all your needs. If you are considering choosing an electric injection molding machine manufacturer in China, SunBun will be your ideal choice. The following 6 reasons will help you understand why SunBun is the right choice for you:

1. High Cost-Effectiveness

Price Advantage

Compared to imported brands (such as Sumitomo (SHI) Demag, Engel, and Arburg from Japan), SunBun's electric injection molding machines offer more competitive prices, making them suitable for small and medium-sized enterprises to reduce equipment procurement costs.

Low Maintenance Costs

By using localized components, SunBun reduces maintenance and repair expenses compared to imported equipment, while also providing localized service support.

2. Technological Innovation and Performance Enhancement

Precise Control

Adopting advanced servo motors and closed-loop control systems, SunBun achieves precise control of pressure, speed, and position, making it suitable for precision injection molding (such as medical, optical, and electronic components). Some models support multi-stage injection and micro-injection molding technologies to meet complex process requirements.

Energy Efficiency

Electric injection molding machines from SunBun consume 30%-50% less energy than traditional hydraulic machines, complying with national green manufacturing policies. Some high-end models are equipped with energy recovery systems to further improve energy utilization.

Fast Cycle Times

By optimizing the clamping structure and injection system, SunBun shortens molding cycles and improves production efficiency.

3. Localized Services and Customization Capabilities

Quick Response

With domestic production bases and after-sales teams, SunBun provides timely installation, commissioning, maintenance, and repair services.

Customized Solutions

To meet the needs of China's manufacturing industry, SunBun offers flexible configuration options (such as different tonnages, mold thicknesses, and automation integration). It also supports seamless integration with domestic auxiliary equipment (such as robots and temperature controllers), reducing overall costs.

Extensive Application Cases

SunBun's machines are widely used in automotive parts, home appliances, daily necessities, and medical consumables, accumulating a wealth of practical experience.

4. Brand Development and Market Recognition

Trend of Domestic Substitution

With the upgrading of China's manufacturing industry, domestic brands like SunBun are gradually replacing some imported equipment through technological advancements.

Industry Certifications

SunBun has obtained ISO quality system certification, and some models meet EU CE standards to satisfy export requirements.

Positive Customer Feedback

SunBun enjoys a high reputation for cost-effectiveness among small and medium-sized enterprises, especially for customers with limited budgets but high quality expectations.

5. Cost Comparison with Imported Brands

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