A hydraulic injection molding machine is a device that uses a hydraulic drive system to achieve efficient injection molding. Hydraulic injection molding machines are widely used in modern manufacturing industries. It can be used to produce various plastic products, such as daily necessities, electronic product casings, auto parts, etc. In addition, hydraulic injection molding machines can also be used in high-demand fields such as medical devices and aerospace. So how much do you know about hydraulic injection molding machines? Today I will tell you what a hydraulic injection molding machine is and provide a comprehensive guide for 2026.
How to Choose a Hydraulic Injection Molding Machine
What Factors Should Be Considered When Purchasing a Hydraulic Injection Molding Machine?
When choosing a hydraulic injection molding machine, focus on the following 6 items.
- What is the production volume?
- What shape does it be made?
- What materials do you use?
- What kind of hydraulic system?
- How is the pump and cylinder linking?
- What is the operating efficiency of the machine?
(1) What is the output?
First, let's get a rough estimate of the output you're considering.
Depending on the manufacturer's structure, there are companies that are good at small-scale production and companies that are good at large-scale production. If you are considering mass production, consider automation.
To make a rough estimate, first create a production plan and then work backwards from the target to produce the volume.
Depending on the situation, complex calculations may be required, so coordination is required if there is a person responsible for production.
For example, a hydraulic plastic injection molding machine can produce approximately 100 products in an hour (as a guide for small and medium-sized injection molding machines). So if it's hundreds of levels, the lot number will be quite small from a manufacturer's perspective.
(2) What shape should it take?
The shape of the product produced determines to some extent the molding method (clamping force and mold size). If the product shape you are considering is not hollow or elongated, injection molding is the best option.
Among them, for example, when making extremely small molded products, a small "injection molding machine" can fully play its role. When molding optical discs such as recording media, an "optical disc dedicated injection molding machine" is required. When making cosmetic or beverage bottles, you need an "injection blow molding machine" that extracts air from the inside.
Basically, by changing the mold, you can adapt to a variety of shapes. However, depending on the shape, a special injection molding machine may be required, so you need to check in advance whether the shape of the product is compatible.
(3) What materials will be used?
When choosing a hydraulic injection molding machine, you must consider the materials used, your budget, and the intended use of the product.
For example, thermoplastic elastomers, which have been frequently used in recent years, have extremely wide uses. On the other hand, quality control is different from other materials, making it somewhat special. Therefore, it is necessary to choose a manufacturer with a track record of material management.
(4) What kind of hydraulic system?
First, you should choose a hydraulic system with higher power and pressure capabilities, which will directly affect the clamping force during high-demand operations. You can test the extreme performance of the machine through physical objects, such as: using the highest pressure for a long time, and testing after multiple cycles. The status of the hydraulic injection molding machine; at present, the pumps of the hydraulic injection molding machine are divided into gear, piston, and vane types. Piston pumps offer higher pressure and efficiency. High pressure output has more advantages and its force capacity is good; avoid using cheaper hydraulic systems, because when the hydraulic system is overloaded for a long time, the injection molding machine is prone to leaks or reduced performance, resulting in a decrease in the power of the machine;
(5) How is the pump and cylinder linking?
Pay attention to the connection method between the pump and the cylinders, and whether reliable valves and hoses are used, because the hydraulic injection molding machine will frequently pressurize, depressurize, and cycle during operation, and all within seconds. Complete, this will affect the fluid flow and pressure stability during the process, and hence affect the service life of the pumps and cylinders;
(6) What is the operating efficiency of the machine?
Pay attention to data such as pump displacement and flow rate that affect the operating efficiency of the machine. At the same flow rate, the greater the pump displacement, the higher the operating efficiency of the machine. When selecting the pump displacement, the maximum flow output requirement and pressure should be considered. relationship, on the premise of ensuring the highest flow output requirement, it is recommended that the pressure be designed within a reasonable safety range to ensure the reliability and service life of the hydraulic drive system. The high-pressure design also brings stronger clamping force, but this will Increase the cost of the machine.
Basic Knowledge of Hydraulic Injection Molding Machine
What Is a Hydraulic Injection Molding Machine?
Hydraulic injection molding machine, also called hydraulic driven injection molding machine, is a traditional molding equipment that uses a hydraulic system to drive the injection molding machine to complete various operations.
Hydraulic systems use fluid pressure to generate force for clamping, injection, and other movements. Since the hydraulic system provides robust power, it is suitable for large-scale production. Hydraulic machines can handle high clamping forces and are often used for bigger parts.
Compared with modern servo-driven injection molding machines, hydraulic injection molding machines are more cost-effective initially but may consume more energy.
What Are the Most Important Components of a Hydraulic Injection Molding Machine?
1. Hydraulic pump
2. Hydraulic cylinders
3. Valves and hoses
4. Control unit
5. Pressure sensors
6. Reservoir and filters
How Does a Hydraulic Injection Molding Machine Work?
Hydraulic injection molding machines achieve injection molding by using a hydraulic drive system. The system uses hydraulic pumps to generateS pressure in fluid, which powers cylinders for clamping the mold, injecting molten plastic, and ejecting the part. Feedback from sensors helps maintain control over pressure and speed during the process, ensuring consistent production.
Hydraulic injection molding machines play an important role in modern production. It can handle high-force applications and is suitable for large parts, with a high degree of reliability and power.
What Are the Characteristics of Hydraulic Injection Molding Machine?
1. Hydraulic injection molding machines use pumps and cylinders to realize opening and closing of molds, ejection and demoulding, raw material injection and storage, etc.
2. The operation provides high force and is suitable for large machines, improving production for heavy-duty applications.
3. The response speed can reach around 0.3s, offering reliable performance for standard operations.
Why Should We Upgrade the Hydraulic System of the Injection Molding Machine?
In the cost of injection molding products, electricity accounts for a considerable proportion of the injection molding machine. According to the needs of the injection molding machine equipment technology, the power consumption of the traditional hydraulic pump motor accounts for up to 80%-90% of the power consumption of the entire equipment;
As energy issues become more and more important, the world is vigorously developing energy-saving and emission-reduction policies. It is a trend to upgrade traditional hydraulic systems to variable pump or servo systems. It is imperative to transform traditional injection molding machines into more efficient hydraulic or hybrid systems.
What Are the Benefits of Hydraulic Injection Molding Machine?
1. High clamping force and robustness. The hydraulic system provides strong pressure, making it ideal for large molds and parts. It handles high tonnage with ease, ensuring stable production for demanding applications.
2. Cost-effective initial investment. Compared to servo or all-electric machines, hydraulic models are generally cheaper to purchase, offering good value for standard production needs.
3. Proven reliability. Hydraulic technology has been used for decades, with well-established maintenance practices and parts availability, reducing downtime in established setups.
4. Versatile for various materials. It can process a wide range of plastics, including those requiring high injection pressures, without significant modifications.
5. Simpler design in some cases. With fewer electronic components, hydraulic machines can be easier to operate and repair in environments without advanced tech support.
6. Effective for high-volume production. The continuous operation of hydraulic systems suits long-run manufacturing, where energy efficiency is secondary to output.
What Are the Disadvantages of Hydraulic Injection Molding Machines?
Here are some potential disadvantages of hydraulic injection molding machines:
1. Higher energy consumption
2. Potential for oil leaks and maintenance issues
3. Slower response times compared to servo systems
4. Noisier operation due to pumps
How Do Hydraulic Plastic Molding Machines Compare to Servo Plastic Molding Machines?
| Aspect | Hydraulic Plastic Molding Machines | Servo Plastic Molding Machines |
| Energy Efficiency | Lower efficiency with continuous pump operation | High efficiency with on-demand servo motors |
| Precision and Control | Good control but less precise than closed-loop | Precise control with servo motors and closed-loop systems |
| Speed and Acceleration | Steady speed but slower acceleration | Fast response and high acceleration rates |
| Noise Level | Can be noisy due to hydraulic pumps | Operates quietly |
| Maintenance | Requires regular oil changes and leak checks | Generally requires less maintenance |
| Versatility | Strong for high-force applications | Offers greater flexibility in adjusting process parameters |
Why Import Hydraulic Injection Molding Machine Manufacturing Equipment from China?
China is the country that exports the most hydraulic injection molding machines. You should consider importing hydraulic injection molding machines from China for the following reasons.
High quality machines
You will get a high-quality hydraulic injection molding machine made with high-quality materials from China.
Low machine cost
Purchasing an injection molding machine from China can significantly reduce costs and properly guarantee your return on investment.
Favorable shipping costs
You will also get proper transportation services at affordable prices.
Reliable manufacturer
Chinese manufacturers keep their word and will make everything that matches the value of your investment.
Reliable transportation system
China also has numerous airports and seaports where you can transport your goods easily.
What Technologies Are Used in Hydraulic Injection Molding Machines?
Hydraulic injection molding machines use a variety of technologies to improve the efficiency, power, and control of the injection molding process during the production of plastic products. Some of the key technologies used in hydraulic injection molding machines include:
- Hydraulic pump systems
- Proportional valves
- Accumulators for energy storage
- Digital control interfaces
- Variable displacement pumps
- Precision guides and cylinders
- Advanced cooling systems
Which Verification Documents Do You Need for Hydraulic Plastic Molding Machine?
When purchasing hydraulic plastic molding machine, you must verify that it is working properly.
The best way to verify that the hydraulic plastic molding machine is working well is by performing tests.
After the tests, you will receive the following verification documents.
Factory Assessment Test (FAT) Verification Document
You will receive a FAT verification document after successful testing of the machines at factory level.
Installation Qualification Verification Documents
After complete installation, you will perform an installation qualification test to determine it work well.
You will receive an installation qualification verification document as proof.
Operational Qualification Verification Documents
You will receive this document after performing a complete operational test on the machine.
Conclusion
The hydraulic injection molding machine is not an obsolete technology; rather, it has undergone significant modernization to meet 2026 manufacturing demands. By adopting servo-hydraulic technology, the modern hybrid machine successfully retains its traditional advantages (powerful sustained high pressure, lower initial cost) while achieving crucial energy savings and higher control precision.
For manufacturers prioritizing cost efficiency and reliable, high-tonnage production, or those sensitive to initial budget constraints, a high-quality servo-hydraulic IMM remains the option with the highest return on investment. When purchasing equipment, it is recommended to comprehensively consider the machine's tonnage, drive technology (servo or conventional), the brand of key hydraulic components, and the after-sales service and technical support provided by the manufacturer to ensure the equipment operates stably long-term and maximizes production value.