Injection molding machine is a specialized machine used to manufacture plastic products. There are many types of injection molding machines, suitable for a variety of materials, and have the advantages of fast processing speed and low cost. Do you know how plastic products are made? Many common plastic products, such as bottle caps, bowls, car parts, etc., are manufactured using injection molding machines. When it comes to injection molding machines, many people don’t know what they are. In this article, we will discuss some common injection molding machines, along with their different features and types. Please read patiently!
What Is an Injection Molding Machine?
Plastic injection molding machines are specialized machines used to manufacture plastic products. Most injection molding machines consist of two basic parts: the injection device and the mold clamping device. The injection device is responsible for heating the plastic pellets into liquid. The mold clamping device is used to carry the mold and provide the force required for mold clamping, mold clamping and other actions.
Detailed introduction: What is an injection molding machine?
List of Different Types of Injection Molding Machines
There are many types of injection molding machines, which are usually distinguished by:
Classification Method 1: Drive System
Hydraulic injection molding machine
The main power driving most injection molding machines is the hydraulic system. Because hydraulic injection molding machines must maintain a consistent operating temperature, they cannot idle during operation. If the machine temperature is not maintained properly, damage to the machine may result.
All-electric injection molding machine
Compared with hydraulic injection molding machines, all-electric injection molding machines are more expensive, but all-electric injection molding machines do not require standby operation and have automatic temperature adjustment functions, so the injection molding process is more efficient and product quality is relatively stable. Because all-electric injection molding machines have no hydraulic system, there is no risk of fluid leakage.
Hybrid injection molding machines
Hybrid injection molding machines are cost-effective and efficient. They combine the advantages of hydraulic and fully electric machines. Most plastic injection machines used today use a combination of the two. The advantages of hybrid injection molding machines are reasonable cost and low energy consumption, which are two main considerations when selecting an injection molding machine.
Classification Method 2: Machine Structure Points:
Vertical injection molding machine
As the name suggests, vertical injection molding machines operate in a vertical position. It is typically used to manufacture relatively small parts. Its main advantage is the ability to produce a wide range of products in a relatively small space. If the vertical injection molding machine is equipped with a turntable or conveyor belt, the production efficiency can be effectively improved.
Horizontal injection molding machine
Horizontal injection molding machines are the most widely used of all models. They have a low center of gravity, rapid molding capabilities, and are easy to operate and maintain.
Classification Method 3: Applicable Raw Materials
Thermoplastic injection molding machine
Thermoplastics melt into a liquid when heated and become solid when cooled. Common thermoplastics include PE, PP, ABS, TPU, etc. Generally, plastics that soften when exposed to heat are mostly thermoplastics. The thermoplastic injection machine takes advantage of the properties of thermoplastics to heat the plastic particles and inject the liquid plastic into the mold. After cooling, the plastic returns to its solid state and the plastic part is pushed out of the machine.
Thermosetting plastic injection molding machine
Thermoset plastics change from liquid to solid when heated. This transformation usually only takes place once, so they cannot be recycled like thermoplastics, making them less environmentally friendly. Common thermoset plastics include fiberglass and melamine. A thermoset plastic injection machine injects liquid plastic into a mold, where the plastic is heated until it solidifies.
Category 4: Clamping Structure
Direct compression injection molding machine
Direct pressure injection machines inject plastic material into a mold via a heated cylinder. Different mold clamping structures can be used to form single-cylinder, double-cylinder or four-cylinder injection.
Direct pressure machines have a longer service life compared to toggle machines. Direct mold closing, no resistance in stroke, no need for frequent lubrication. Although direct mold clampers are more expensive than toggle types, they are more durable and therefore less expensive to maintain.
Toggle type injection molding machine
The toggle-type molding machine uses a mold clamping mechanism and can be used for high-speed injection molding that does not require high product accuracy. The toggle joint structure is relatively complex, but it can quickly complete simple operations and reduce operating costs.
Compound injection molding machine
The components injected by the compound direct-pressure injection machine are the same as those of the direct-pressure injection machine. The longer the machine, the greater the mold opening force, and a longer mold closing stroke can be designed. The durability of components is a big test, and currently only a few manufacturers produce them in large quantities.
Classification Method 5: Injection Molding Structure
Single color injection molding machine
Single-color injection molding means that the entire plastic part is the same color during injection molding. It is currently the most commonly used injection machine. Single-color injection can also be used to inject products of two different colors. The first color is injected first to form a semi-finished product, and then the second color is injected to process the finished product.
Multi-color injection molding machine
Multi-color injection machines can inject two or more different colors of plastic parts at the same time. The most widely used multi-color injection molding machine at present is the two-color injection molding machine. These machines are typically used to inject LSR silicone rubber. In recent years, multi-color injection molding technology has gradually become a hot trend in the industry due to its environmental protection, high efficiency, and good performance.
How to Choose an Injection Molding Machine?
Special attention should be paid to the selection of injection molding machines. The nature of the injection molded product should be understood in order to know the size of the mold required to produce the product. Larger products require larger injection molding machines and generally require more specialized injection molding. The performance of the machine and the appearance of the finished product will be affected by the stroke operation, mold clamping force, injection volume, screw compression ratio, injection speed, etc.
Conclusion
With the introduction of many injection molding machines above, do you have a preliminary understanding of plastic molding machines? If you want to know which injection molding machine you should use for the products you want to produce, you can send an email to communicate with our engineering team. We will give you the most reasonable advice. Provide you with the best solution!
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