Since the type and features of an injection molding machine can impact project outcomes, equipment selection should be left to the injection molder. Molders undoubtedly play a crucial role in organizing projects and injection molding tools. Learning the basics of a machine can help you make better design choices, more accurate project cost & production time estimates, and even point you in the direction of the manufacturer of injection molding robots who is best equipped to meet your needs.
To choose the best kind of mold to make the parts, you should first familiarize yourself with the various types of injection Moulding machines and what they can offer to you!
What are Injection Molding Machines?
An injection device and a clamping mechanism make up the majority of injection molding machines. The plastic particle substance is heated into a liquid by the injection device. The clamping device secures the mold while supplying the necessary power for clamping, shutting, and other operations. An injection molding machine has two obvious advantages: quick processing and low expenses. When choosing the right injection molding machine, it’s important to consider a few things. Larger products call for a larger machine, typically needing more expert care for correct operation.
Also, specific consideration must be given to the injection requirements, including the mold opening stroke, mold clamping force, injection capacity, screw compression ratio, injection speed, look, and final product performance.
Types of Injection Molding Machines – Know About the Big 3:
There are numerous varieties of injection molding machines. However, three kinds are categorized according to the drive/motor – (hydraulic, electric & hybrid).
Hydraulic Injection Molding Machine
The hydraulic injection machine’s primary source of power is hydraulics. The machine’s low price is one of its distinguishing features. On top of that, it can be used to create larger components like multi-piece molds and car bumpers. For actuating core pulls, ejectors, valve gates, and thick-walled components that need extended hold periods, hydraulic injection molding, along with pick & place injection molding robots, is the favored choice.
However, it’s not all good with a Hydraulic Injection Molding Machine. The expense of manufacturing and maintaining machines is expensive. Given their power, hydraulic machines use much energy even when they are not in use. Hydraulic machines can use around 5.12 kWh during injection molding, compared to the average electric machine’s 2.55 kWh. Also, they need higher molding temperatures and more cooling time, and because there is a chance of fluid leaks, they are not advised to clean rooms.
All Electric Injection Molding Machine
Instead of using hydraulics, these machines are driven by high-speed servo motors that are digitally controlled, enabling a quicker, more consistent, more accurate, and energy-efficient operation. Once a desired injection process has been achieved, it can be replicated reliably, producing better-quality components because electric machine action is highly predictable.
An electrical machine can operate practically autonomously once a task has been put into it, which reduces labor costs and increases revenue. Despite being quicker, cleaner, and more energy-efficient than hydraulic machines, electrical machines are more expensive up front and cannot generate the same clamp pressures.
Hybrid/ Servo Hybrid Injection Molding Machines
Hybrid injection molding machines, which combine the best features of both worlds, have been available on the market for several decades and combine the better-clamping power of hydraulic machines with the accuracy, repeatability, energy savings, and decreased pollution of electric machines. In hybrid injection molding machines, a servo motor drives a hydraulic compressor that generates hydraulic pressure to power the machine’s parts, automated by a pick & place servo robot.
As a result, the clamping systems are simpler, more precise, and more robust, significantly lowering the upkeep cost. Due to the diversity of hybrids, it can be challenging to match the good press to the product and to find substitute equipment for specific uses.
The Bottom Line:
The best form of injection molding for you will depend on various factors. All three techniques might be similarly effective for some molding jobs, but it’s still essential to know how they differ from one another and how they apply to your project. Whatever your particular application, an injection molding machine, whether hydraulic, electric, or hybrid, should be able to give you cost-effective, durable components.
DeltaStark offers a range of Pick & Place Injection Moulding robots to meet your unique needs to bolster your production. Ready to learn how DeltaStark can meet your high-volume production needs? Get in touch with us!