Guide to Shop Low Volume Injection Molding in F&Q TECH
F&Q TECH makes revenue mainly from low volume injection molding and suchlike products. It is positioned high in our company. The design, in addition to the support of a team of talented designers, is also based on the market survey conducted ourselves. The raw materials are all sourced from the companies having established long term reliable cooperation with us. The production technique is updated based on our rich production experience. Following a succession of inspection, the product finally comes out and sells in the market. Every year it makes a great contribution to our financial figures. This is strong evidence about the performance. In future, it will be accepted by more markets.
We are always adhering to this market philosophy - win the market by the quality and promote brand awareness by word-of-mouth. Therefore, we actively participate in various international exhibitions to promote our product, allowing customers to get access to the real products instead of the picture on the website. Through these exhibitions, more and more customers have got to know more clearly about our F&Q TECH, enhancing our brand presence in the market.
Most products in F&Q TECH, including low volume injection molding, have no specific requirement on MOQ which is negotiable according to different needs.
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Step-by-Step Guide to Placing an Order with Your Own Mold
Thank you for choosing F&Q-Tech for your injection molding needs. If you have your own mold, please follow the steps below to place an order with us. If you have any questions at any stage, feel free to contact our support team at lyy@fsqj-tech.com.
Step 1: Verify Your Mold Specifications
Before placing an order, please ensure that your mold meets the following specifications:
• Material Compatibility: Confirm that the mold is suitable for the type of plastic material you intend to use.
• Mold Dimensions: Verify that the mold dimensions match your product requirements.
• Mold Condition: Ensure that the mold is in good condition and ready for production.
If you need assistance with mold verification, please contact our technical team at lyy@fsqj-tech.com.
Step 2: Submit Your Mold
Once you have verified your mold specifications, please send your mold to our facility. You can choose to:
• Ship the Mold: Use a reliable courier service to ship the mold to our address:
[Please contact our team (lyy@fsqj-tech.com) for an address]
Please include your contact information and order details inside the package.
• Deliver the Mold In-Person: If you prefer to deliver the mold in person, please schedule a drop-off time with our logistics team at [lyy@fsqj-tech.com].
Please ensure that your mold is securely packaged to prevent any damage during transit.
Step 3: Confirm Order Details
After we receive your mold, our team will inspect it and confirm the order details with you. Please provide the following information:
• Product Quantity: Specify the number of units you wish to produce.
• Material Type: Indicate the type of plastic material you want to use (e.g., ABS, PC, PP).
• Color Requirements: Specify any color preferences or Pantone codes.
• Surface Finish: Indicate any specific surface finish requirements (e.g., glossy, matte).
• Delivery Date: Provide your desired delivery date.
You can submit this information via email to [lyy@fsqj-tech.com] .
Step 4: Review and Approve Quotation
Based on the information you provide, we will generate a detailed quotation for your order. The quotation will include:
• Mold Setup Fees: Any fees associated with setting up your mold.
• Production Costs: Costs based on the number of units and material type.
• Shipping Costs: Estimated shipping fees to your desired location.
Once the quotation is ready, we will send it to you for review. Please review the details and confirm your approval by replying to the email
Step 5: Production and Quality Check
After you approve the quotation, we will begin the production process. Our team will:
• Set Up Your Mold: Prepare the mold for production.
• Start Production: Begin injection molding your products.
• Conduct Quality Checks: Perform thorough quality checks to ensure your products meet the required standards.
If you have any specific quality requirements, please inform us during the order confirmation stage.
Step 6: Delivery and Feedback
Once production is complete and quality checks are passed, we will arrange for the delivery of your products. You can choose from the following delivery options:
• Ship to Your Address: We will ship the products to your specified address.
• Pick Up at Our Facility: You can arrange to pick up the products at our facility.
After you receive your order, we would appreciate your feedback. Please let us know if you have any comments or suggestions by contacting us at email.
Contact Information
For any questions or assistance throughout the ordering process, please contact us:
Email: [lyy@fsqj-tech.com]
WhatsApp: [+86 136 1605 5490]
Additional Notes
• Mold Storage: If you plan to place future orders using the same mold, we offer mold storage services. Please inquire about this option during the order process.
• Rush Orders: If you need a rush order, please inform us as soon as possible so we can accommodate your request.
This guide should help your customers understand the process of placing an order with their own molds and ensure a smooth and efficient transaction.
Step-by-Step Guide to Ordering with Custom Mold Requirements
Thank you for choosing F&Q-Tech for your injection molding needs. If you do not have an existing mold but have product drawings or samples, please follow the steps below to initiate the process of creating a custom mold and placing an order. If you have any questions at any stage, feel free to contact our support team at [ lyy@fsqj-tech.com].
Step 1: Provide Your Product Details
To begin the process, please provide us with the following details:
· Product Drawings: CAD files or detailed technical drawings of the product you want to produce.
· Preferred formats: .dwg, .dxf, .step, .iges, or .pdf.
· Samples: If you have a physical sample, please send it to us for analysis.
· Shipping Address: [Your Company Name, Your Company Address, City, State, ZIP Code, Country].
· Material Requirements: Specify the type of plastic material you want to use (e.g., ABS, PC, PP).
· Quantity: Indicate the number of units you wish to produce.
· Color and Finish: Specify any color preferences or Pantone codes, and any specific surface finish requirements (e.g., glossy, matte).
You can submit this information via email to [lyy@fsqj-tech.com].
Step 2: Review and Quotation
Once we receive your product details, our engineering team will review the information and assess the feasibility of the mold design. We will then provide you with a detailed quotation that includes:
· Mold Design and Manufacturing Costs: The cost associated with designing and manufacturing the custom mold.
· Production Costs: Costs based on the number of units, material type, and other specifications.
· Shipping Costs: Estimated shipping fees to your desired location.
The quotation will be sent to you within [1-3] business days. Please review it carefully and confirm your approval by replying to the email.
Step 3: Mold Design and Approval
After you approve the quotation, our design team will create a 3D model of the mold. We will send you the design for your review and approval. Please check the following:
· Design Accuracy: Ensure that the mold design matches your product requirements.
· Dimensions and Tolerances: Verify that all dimensions and tolerances are as specified.
· Any Modifications: Let us know if any modifications are needed.
Please review the design within [1-3] days and provide feedback or approval. Delays in approval may affect the production timeline.
Step 4: Mold Manufacturing
Once the mold design is approved, we will begin the manufacturing process. Our skilled technicians will:
· Machine the Mold: Use advanced machinery to fabricate the mold.
· Conduct Quality Checks: Perform thorough quality checks to ensure the mold meets the required standards.
· Test the Mold: Conduct test runs to ensure the mold functions correctly and produces parts to specification.
The mold manufacturing process typically takes [5] weeks. We will keep you updated on the progress.
Step 5: Production and Quality Assurance
With the mold ready, we will proceed to production. Our team will:
· Set Up the Mold: Install the mold in our injection molding machines.
· Start Production: Begin the injection molding process to produce your parts.
· Conduct Quality Assurance: Perform quality checks on the produced parts to ensure they meet your specifications.
If you have any specific quality requirements, please inform us during the order confirmation stage.
Step 6: Delivery and Feedback
Once production is complete and quality checks are passed, we will arrange for the delivery of your products. You can choose from the following delivery options:
· Ship to Your Address: We will ship the products to your specified address.
· Pick Up at Our Facility: You can arrange to pick up the products at our facility.
After you receive your order, we would appreciate your feedback. Please let us know if you have any comments or suggestions by contacting us at [ lyy@fsqj-tech.com].
Contact Information
For any questions or assistance throughout the ordering process, please contact us:
· Email: [lyy@fsqj-tech.com]
· Tel / WhatsApp:[+86 136 1605 5490]
Additional Notes
· Mold Storage: If you plan to place future orders using the same mold, we offer mold storage services. Please inquire about this option during the order process.
· Rush Orders: If you need a rush order, please inform us as soon as possible so we can accommodate your request.
#cell-87JeozsD8lygSbD{order:0;}
In the development of plastic products, choosing between 3D printing and injection molding requires comprehensive consideration of factors such as cost, precision, batch size, and design complexity. The following is an analysis of the two processes from the two core dimensions of cost optimization and high-precision requirements, combined with the characteristics of the two processes, and provides a basis for decision-making.
#cell-c5OQ35hT9UQIVx8{order:0;}
1. Cost minimization: How to choose?
#cell-c3urce96PqRZaHR{order:0;}
1) Production batches determine the core cost structure
#cell-wNEjRqqnPwvuQUq{order:0;}
3D printing: suitable for small batches (usually <1000 pieces) or single-piece production. It does not require mold costs, has low material loss (only the support structure may waste a small amount of material), and is flexible in iteration. For example, when using FDM technology to print a prototype, the cost per piece may be only 1/10 of that of injection molding.
Injection molding: more cost-effective in large-scale (>1000 pieces) production. Although the mold development cost is high (thousands to tens of thousands of yuan), the cost per piece decreases significantly as the batch increases. For example, in one case, the injection mold cost $10,000, but the cost per piece was only $0.1 when producing 100,000 pieces.
#cell-WiU1ZNfn7XKJRZV{order:0;}
2)Design and iteration cost comparison
3D printing: CAD models can be directly printed after modification, without additional costs, suitable for the prototype stage where the design is frequently adjusted. For example, a company shortened the R&D cycle from 4 weeks to 48 hours by using 3D printing molds.
Injection molding: Mold modification costs are high (especially metal molds), suitable for mass production after the design is finalized. If the mold structure needs to be adjusted, it may be necessary to re-open the mold, which will increase the cost by tens of thousands of yuan.
#cell-NOSpjrElJiioeNU{order:0;}
3)Material And Post-Processing Costs
3D printing: limited material types (such as PLA, nylon, resin, etc.), some high-performance materials (such as PEEK) are expensive; post-processing usually only requires grinding or sandblasting.
Injection molding: wide selection of materials (such as ABS, PP, PC, etc.), lower prices; but post-processing such as mold polishing and electroplating may increase costs.
Decision suggestions:
Small batch/prototype: choose 3D printing (FDM, SLA or SLS);
Large batch/finalized product: choose injection molding.
2. High-precision requirements: How to make a choice?
1) Process accuracy comparison
3D printing:
SLA/DLP: accuracy of ±0.01 mm, smooth surface, suitable for precision medical or electronic parts.
SLS/MJF: accuracy of ±0.1 mm, suitable for complex structures but slightly rough surface.
FDM: lower accuracy (±0.2 mm), obvious layer pattern, need post-processing.
Injection molding:
accuracy is usually ±0.05 mm, high surface finish (Ra 0.8~1.6 μm), no additional processing required.
2)Material strength and stability
3D printing: weak interlayer bonding, which may affect mechanical properties; easy to deform at high temperatures (such as PLA softening point is 55°C).
Injection molding: The material is dense, high in strength and isotropic, and has better temperature resistance (such as ABS can withstand 80~100°C).
3) Complex structure adaptability
3D printing: It can manufacture complex structures that are difficult to achieve with traditional processes, such as hollowing and conformal water channels. For example, the curved cooling channel in the mold can improve the injection efficiency.
Injection molding: Due to the mold demolding requirements, the design must avoid internal right angles or too deep cavities, otherwise it will increase the difficulty of processing.
Decision suggestions:
High precision + complex design: choose SLA or metal 3D printing (such as SLM), but you need to accept higher costs;
High precision + large batch: injection molding combined with CNC precision mold to ensure dimensional stability.
3. Comprehensive Decision-making Process
Clear requirements: batch, budget, design complexity, precision level, material performance.
Cost accounting: compare mold costs, single-piece material costs and post-processing costs.
Technology matching:
If fast iteration or small batches are required, 3D printing is preferred;
If high strength or surface finish is required, injection molding is preferred.
Hybrid solution: For example, use 3D printing to make prototypes or conformal water channel molds, and then mass produce them through injection molding.
4.Typical Case References
1) Pepsi bottle mold: By combining 3D printed inserts with traditional metal molds, the cost is reduced by 96%, and the production cycle is shortened from 4 weeks to 48 hours.
2) Medical implants: Use SLA to print high-precision prototypes, and then switch to injection molding for mass production after verification.
3) Shoe mold manufacturing: 3D printing can achieve complex patterns, replacing traditional CNC, and increasing efficiency by 50%.
Summary
Between low cost and high precision, a balance needs to be made according to specific scenarios:
3D printing: the first choice for small batches, complex designs, and rapid iterations;
Injection molding: an economical solution for large batches, high precision, and high-strength scenarios.
In the future, hybrid manufacturing (such as 3D printing molds + injection molding mass production) may become the mainstream direction for balancing cost and performance.
In the development of plastic products, choosing between 3D printing and injection molding requires comprehensive consideration of factors such as cost, precision, batch size, and design complexity. The following is an analysis of the two processes from the two core dimensions of cost optimization and high-precision requirements, combined with the characteristics of the two processes, and provides a basis for decision-making.
#cell-c5OQ35hT9UQIVx8{order:0;}
1. Cost minimization: How to choose?
#cell-c3urce96PqRZaHR{order:0;}
1) Production batches determine the core cost structure
#cell-wNEjRqqnPwvuQUq{order:0;}
3D printing: suitable for small batches (usually <1000 pieces) or single-piece production. It does not require mold costs, has low material loss (only the support structure may waste a small amount of material), and is flexible in iteration. For example, when using FDM technology to print a prototype, the cost per piece may be only 1/10 of that of injection molding.
Injection molding: more cost-effective in large-scale (>1000 pieces) production. Although the mold development cost is high (thousands to tens of thousands of yuan), the cost per piece decreases significantly as the batch increases. For example, in one case, the injection mold cost $10,000, but the cost per piece was only $0.1 when producing 100,000 pieces.
#cell-WiU1ZNfn7XKJRZV{order:0;}
2)Design and iteration cost comparison
3D printing: CAD models can be directly printed after modification, without additional costs, suitable for the prototype stage where the design is frequently adjusted. For example, a company shortened the R&D cycle from 4 weeks to 48 hours by using 3D printing molds.
Injection molding: Mold modification costs are high (especially metal molds), suitable for mass production after the design is finalized. If the mold structure needs to be adjusted, it may be necessary to re-open the mold, which will increase the cost by tens of thousands of yuan.
#cell-NOSpjrElJiioeNU{order:0;}
3)Material And Post-Processing Costs
3D printing: limited material types (such as PLA, nylon, resin, etc.), some high-performance materials (such as PEEK) are expensive; post-processing usually only requires grinding or sandblasting.
Injection molding: wide selection of materials (such as ABS, PP, PC, etc.), lower prices; but post-processing such as mold polishing and electroplating may increase costs.
Decision suggestions:
Small batch/prototype: choose 3D printing (FDM, SLA or SLS);
Large batch/finalized product: choose injection molding.
2. High-precision requirements: How to make a choice?
1) Process accuracy comparison
3D printing:
SLA/DLP: accuracy of ±0.01 mm, smooth surface, suitable for precision medical or electronic parts.
SLS/MJF: accuracy of ±0.1 mm, suitable for complex structures but slightly rough surface.
FDM: lower accuracy (±0.2 mm), obvious layer pattern, need post-processing.
Injection molding:
accuracy is usually ±0.05 mm, high surface finish (Ra 0.8~1.6 μm), no additional processing required.
2)Material strength and stability
3D printing: weak interlayer bonding, which may affect mechanical properties; easy to deform at high temperatures (such as PLA softening point is 55°C).
Injection molding: The material is dense, high in strength and isotropic, and has better temperature resistance (such as ABS can withstand 80~100°C).
3) Complex structure adaptability
3D printing: It can manufacture complex structures that are difficult to achieve with traditional processes, such as hollowing and conformal water channels. For example, the curved cooling channel in the mold can improve the injection efficiency.
Injection molding: Due to the mold demolding requirements, the design must avoid internal right angles or too deep cavities, otherwise it will increase the difficulty of processing.
Decision suggestions:
High precision + complex design: choose SLA or metal 3D printing (such as SLM), but you need to accept higher costs;
High precision + large batch: injection molding combined with CNC precision mold to ensure dimensional stability.
3. Comprehensive Decision-making Process
Clear requirements: batch, budget, design complexity, precision level, material performance.
Cost accounting: compare mold costs, single-piece material costs and post-processing costs.
Technology matching:
If fast iteration or small batches are required, 3D printing is preferred;
If high strength or surface finish is required, injection molding is preferred.
Hybrid solution: For example, use 3D printing to make prototypes or conformal water channel molds, and then mass produce them through injection molding.
4.Typical Case References
1) Pepsi bottle mold: By combining 3D printed inserts with traditional metal molds, the cost is reduced by 96%, and the production cycle is shortened from 4 weeks to 48 hours.
2) Medical implants: Use SLA to print high-precision prototypes, and then switch to injection molding for mass production after verification.
3) Shoe mold manufacturing: 3D printing can achieve complex patterns, replacing traditional CNC, and increasing efficiency by 50%.
Summary
Between low cost and high precision, a balance needs to be made according to specific scenarios:
3D printing: the first choice for small batches, complex designs, and rapid iterations;
Injection molding: an economical solution for large batches, high precision, and high-strength scenarios.
In the future, hybrid manufacturing (such as 3D printing molds + injection molding mass production) may become the mainstream direction for balancing cost and performance.
#cell-JRQFU6r575UOyne{order:0;}
From the mobile phone case and electric toothbrush in your hand to the dashboard of the car, the precision parts of medical equipment, and even the parts of spacecraft, most of these seemingly different plastic products hide the same manufacturing technology - injection molding. This process, which was born in the late 19th century, has now become the "mainstay" of modern manufacturing. Why is it so popular? This article will reveal the secrets of injection molding from multiple dimensions such as efficiency, cost, and quality.
1. What is injection molding?
The principle of injection molding is not complicated: heat and melt plastic particles into liquid, inject them into the cavity of a metal mold under high pressure, and demold them after cooling and solidification to obtain a product that is consistent with the shape of the mold. The whole process is similar to "pour plaster", but with industrial precision control, it can achieve mass production of complex structures with millimeter-level accuracy.
2. Why choose injection molding? Five core advantages
King of production efficiency: producing finished products in minutes
Unlike traditional cutting or manual molding, the core advantage of injection molding lies in the efficient production of "copy and paste". After a set of molds is developed, the production cycle of a single part usually takes only tens of seconds to a few minutes. For example, the injection molding of an ordinary plastic water cup only takes 30 seconds, while an automated production line can produce tens of thousands of products 24 hours a day. This efficiency is irreplaceable in areas that require large-scale production (such as daily necessities and electronic accessories).
Injection molding compresses the time dimension of traditional manufacturing to seconds. A set of ordinary molds can complete the entire process from mold closing, injection molding, pressure holding to demolding within a 10-second cycle, and it is easy for modern injection molding machines to produce 10,000 pieces per day. This efficiency revolution directly changed the logic of product development: an international toy company used high-speed injection molding technology in 2019 to shorten the new product launch cycle from the traditional 18 months to 7 months.
In terms of cost control, injection molding shows amazing economy. After the car door handle adopts the injection molding process, the unit cost is reduced by 72% compared with metal stamping, and the weight is reduced by 60%. This cost advantage is exponentially magnified in large-scale production. A home appliance company has reduced the manufacturing cost of air purifier shells with an annual output of 3 million units by 21 million yuan by optimizing the injection molding process.
The integration of automation systems and injection molding technology has given birth to a 24-hour "dark factory". In the injection molding workshop of a German auto parts factory, 128 injection molding machines are dispatched by the central control system to achieve unmanned operation of the entire process from raw material drying to finished product packaging. While reducing labor costs by 83%, the product defect rate is controlled within 0.12‰.
In a smart factory, a 1,600-ton injection molding machine is performing "speed and passion". As the mold closes quickly, the molten plastic at 280°C instantly fills the mold cavity under a high pressure of 150MPa. After just 18 seconds, 64 mobile phone shells are neatly arranged on the conveyor belt. This magical production efficiency stems from the essential characteristics of injection molding: single molding and batch replication. Compared with the "subtractive manufacturing" of traditional mechanical processing, injection molding achieves one-time molding of geometrically complex structures through "additive manufacturing", which reduces the effective processing time of a single product by more than 90%.
The standardized design of molds pushes efficiency to the extreme. Toyota's automotive interior parts production line in Japan uses a modular mold system. By simply replacing local inserts, the switching production of parts for different models can be completed within 2 hours. This flexible manufacturing feature enables the annual production capacity of a single production line to exceed 5 million pieces, which is equivalent to the birth of 10 precision parts every minute.
Cost dilution tool: the larger the quantity, the cheaper the unit
Although the initial development cost of the mold is high (ranging from a few thousand to hundreds of thousands of yuan), the cost per piece will drop sharply when the output reaches a certain scale. For example, the development cost of a mobile phone shell mold is 100,000 yuan. When 1 million pieces are produced, the cost of each mold is only 0.1 yuan; while the cost of 3D printing the same part may be as high as 5 yuan per piece. This "economy of scale" feature makes injection molding the optimal solution for mass production of millions of units.
The initial investment in the mold is like a math problem: when the development cost of a certain electric toothbrush shell mold is 120,000 US dollars, the cost of producing the first shell is as high as 120,000 US dollars, but when the output reaches the million level, the mold cost is diluted to 0.12 US dollars per piece. This unique cost curve explains why 90% of consumer electronic products choose injection molding. According to a study by Boston Consulting Group in the United States, when the annual output exceeds 50,000 pieces, the comprehensive cost of injection molding is 76% lower than 3D printing and 89% lower than machining.
In terms of material utilization, injection molding shows amazing advantages. By optimizing the hot runner system, a German company reduced the scrap rate of laptop shell production from 15% to 0.8%, saving 420 tons of engineering plastics each year. This "watertight" processing method, combined with an automated pickup system and online quality inspection, has built a nearly perfect production closed loop.
Complex structures “in one go”
Modern injection molding technology can achieve "integrated molding", directly manufacturing complex structures that traditionally require multiple parts to assemble (such as flip covers with movable hinges and hollow pipes inside). Take the automobile intake manifold as an example. Traditional metal parts require more than 20 parts to be welded, while injection molded nylon parts can be molded in one go, reducing weight by 40% and providing better performance.
Highly adaptable materials: from potato chip packaging to rocket parts
There are more than 10,000 types of plastics compatible with injection molding:
General-purpose plastics (such as PP and ABS) are used in daily necessities;
Engineering plastics (such as PEEK and nylon) are resistant to high temperatures and corrosion and can replace metals;
Biodegradable materials (such as PLA) cater to environmental protection trends;
Even metal powders and ceramic particles can be processed through "metal/ceramic injection molding" (MIM/CIM) technology.
This diversity allows injection molding technology to span multiple fields such as people's livelihood, medical care, and aerospace.
The performance breakthrough of engineering plastics is redefining the possibilities of materials. The strength retention rate of PPSU material at 280°C exceeds 85%, successfully replacing metal to manufacture steam valves; the specific strength of carbon fiber reinforced PEEK material is 3 times that of titanium alloy, and has been used in spacecraft load-bearing structures. The emergence of these special materials has enabled injection molding products to continue to penetrate from the field of daily necessities to high-end manufacturing.
The green material revolution promotes the sustainable development of injection molding technology. The application of bio-based PLA materials in the field of tableware has reduced the carbon footprint of a single lunch box by 68%; chemical recycling PET technology has achieved closed-loop production, and a beverage bottle manufacturer has reduced the use of 32,000 tons of virgin plastic each year through this technology. The combination of material innovation and environmental protection needs is reshaping the ecological logic of the entire industrial chain.
Customized matching of materials and processes opens a new era. The combination of liquid silicone (LSR) and micro-foaming technology makes car seats both supportive and breathable; the synergy of conductive polymers and two-color injection molding technology allows the smart bracelet antenna and shell to be perfectly integrated. This precise material and process matching has given birth to unprecedented product forms.
Standing at the threshold of Industry 4.0 and looking back, injection molding has evolved from a simple manufacturing technology to a core engine driving innovation. This technology is breaking through the boundaries of physics and chemistry and transforming material possibilities into real productivity. When 3D printing triggers people's romantic imagination of manufacturing, injection molding silently supports the construction of the material world of modern civilization with a hundred times the efficiency and precision of the former. In the future, with the deep integration of smart materials and digital twin technology, injection molding may evolve into a more amazing form and continue to write the efficiency legend in the history of human manufacturing.
In the Shenzhen Materials Laboratory, engineers are debugging PEEK composite materials containing 35% glass fiber. This special plastic that can be used for a long time at 260°C is formed into drone structural parts through micro-foaming injection molding technology, which reduces weight by 20% and increases strength by 15%. Modern injection molding technology has broken through the traditional cognitive boundaries: liquid silicone (LSR) injection molding makes baby pacifiers both safe and flexible; metal powder injection molding (MIM) creates clock gears thinner than a hair; biodegradable plastics are reshaping the ecology of the packaging industry.
Design freedom is another breakthrough dimension. A medical company uses stacked mold technology to achieve 96-cavity insulin pen parts production on conventional equipment, with wall thickness differences controlled at ±0.02mm. Conformal cooling water channel technology allows mold temperature control accuracy to reach ±1°C, making the optical performance of lens products comparable to glass products. These technological innovations continue to expand the imagination of industrial design.
Standing at the crossroads of the era of intelligent manufacturing, injection molding is undergoing a digital transformation. IoT sensors monitor the cavity pressure and temperature curve in real time, artificial intelligence algorithms autonomously optimize process parameters, and 3D printing technology subverts traditional mold manufacturing methods. In a lighthouse factory in Jiangsu, there are only three engineers in the entire injection molding workshop monitoring 20 smart devices, and the per capita output value is 15 times that of traditional workshops. This evolution not only continues the vitality of injection molding, but also spawns green solutions such as bio-based plastics and chemical recycling in the context of carbon neutrality, allowing this century-old process to continue to rejuvenate. From daily necessities to cutting-edge technology, injection molding is like a master key, constantly opening up new possibilities for modern manufacturing.
Accuracy and consistency far exceed manual
High-precision molds (error ±0.005mm) combined with computer control can ensure that the dimensions of millions of products are almost exactly the same. Taking medical syringes as an example, the clearance between the injection-molded syringe barrel and the piston must be controlled within 0.01mm, which is impossible to achieve with manual production.
The processing accuracy of modern injection molds has reached the micron level, which is equivalent to controlling the error to no more than a grain of sand on an area the size of a football field. This breakthrough in precision has enabled revolutionary innovation in the medical field: the precision gear assembly of the implantable insulin pump has achieved a matching tolerance of 0.02mm through micro-injection molding technology, which is smaller than the diameter of a red blood cell.
Complex structure integrated molding technology is rewriting product design rules. The latest folding wing structure launched by a drone manufacturer uses gas-assisted injection molding technology to integrate 17 traditional parts into one integral component, reducing assembly processes by 94% and increasing structural strength by 300%. This breakthrough in design freedom allows product engineers to boldly realize innovative ideas that were unimaginable in the past.
Innovations in surface treatment technology have allowed injection molded parts to break through material limitations. IMD (in-mold decoration) technology allows mobile phone shells to transfer textures simultaneously during the injection molding process, and its wear resistance is 5 times higher than that of traditional spraying processes; the application of nano-coating technology allows plastic lenses to reach the light transmittance of optical glass. These breakthroughs continue to expand the application boundaries of injection molded products.
3. How does injection molding promote industrial upgrading?
Miniaturization revolution: Nano-molding technology (NMT) allows the metal frame of the mobile phone and the plastic antenna to be molded into one piece, achieving "zero interference" with 5G signals.
Green manufacturing: Hot runner technology reduces waste, and bio-based plastics are recycled, making injection molding more environmentally friendly.
Intelligent future: AI monitors injection pressure and temperature in real time, automatically optimizes parameters, and increases the yield rate to more than 99.9%.
4. Is it suitable for all scenarios?
Injection molding is not a panacea. Small-batch production (such as customized samples) may not be as cost-effective as 3D printing due to the high mold cost; oversized parts (such as wind turbine blades) require other processes. However, with the development of mold 3D printing and rapid mold change technology, these limitations are gradually being broken.
Conclusion: The “Hidden Champions” of Manufacturing
From the simple injection molding of celluloid in the 19th century to today's intelligent and green precision manufacturing, injection molding has defined modern industrial aesthetics with "efficiency, precision and flexibility". The next time you pick up a plastic product, think about it: behind this seemingly ordinary little object, there may be a set of molds worth millions and a century-long technological evolution journey.
From the mobile phone case and electric toothbrush in your hand to the dashboard of the car, the precision parts of medical equipment, and even the parts of spacecraft, most of these seemingly different plastic products hide the same manufacturing technology - injection molding. This process, which was born in the late 19th century, has now become the "mainstay" of modern manufacturing. Why is it so popular? This article will reveal the secrets of injection molding from multiple dimensions such as efficiency, cost, and quality.
1. What is injection molding?
The principle of injection molding is not complicated: heat and melt plastic particles into liquid, inject them into the cavity of a metal mold under high pressure, and demold them after cooling and solidification to obtain a product that is consistent with the shape of the mold. The whole process is similar to "pour plaster", but with industrial precision control, it can achieve mass production of complex structures with millimeter-level accuracy.
2. Why choose injection molding? Five core advantages
King of production efficiency: producing finished products in minutes
Unlike traditional cutting or manual molding, the core advantage of injection molding lies in the efficient production of "copy and paste". After a set of molds is developed, the production cycle of a single part usually takes only tens of seconds to a few minutes. For example, the injection molding of an ordinary plastic water cup only takes 30 seconds, while an automated production line can produce tens of thousands of products 24 hours a day. This efficiency is irreplaceable in areas that require large-scale production (such as daily necessities and electronic accessories).
Injection molding compresses the time dimension of traditional manufacturing to seconds. A set of ordinary molds can complete the entire process from mold closing, injection molding, pressure holding to demolding within a 10-second cycle, and it is easy for modern injection molding machines to produce 10,000 pieces per day. This efficiency revolution directly changed the logic of product development: an international toy company used high-speed injection molding technology in 2019 to shorten the new product launch cycle from the traditional 18 months to 7 months.
In terms of cost control, injection molding shows amazing economy. After the car door handle adopts the injection molding process, the unit cost is reduced by 72% compared with metal stamping, and the weight is reduced by 60%. This cost advantage is exponentially magnified in large-scale production. A home appliance company has reduced the manufacturing cost of air purifier shells with an annual output of 3 million units by 21 million yuan by optimizing the injection molding process.
The integration of automation systems and injection molding technology has given birth to a 24-hour "dark factory". In the injection molding workshop of a German auto parts factory, 128 injection molding machines are dispatched by the central control system to achieve unmanned operation of the entire process from raw material drying to finished product packaging. While reducing labor costs by 83%, the product defect rate is controlled within 0.12‰.
In a smart factory, a 1,600-ton injection molding machine is performing "speed and passion". As the mold closes quickly, the molten plastic at 280°C instantly fills the mold cavity under a high pressure of 150MPa. After just 18 seconds, 64 mobile phone shells are neatly arranged on the conveyor belt. This magical production efficiency stems from the essential characteristics of injection molding: single molding and batch replication. Compared with the "subtractive manufacturing" of traditional mechanical processing, injection molding achieves one-time molding of geometrically complex structures through "additive manufacturing", which reduces the effective processing time of a single product by more than 90%.
The standardized design of molds pushes efficiency to the extreme. Toyota's automotive interior parts production line in Japan uses a modular mold system. By simply replacing local inserts, the switching production of parts for different models can be completed within 2 hours. This flexible manufacturing feature enables the annual production capacity of a single production line to exceed 5 million pieces, which is equivalent to the birth of 10 precision parts every minute.
Cost dilution tool: the larger the quantity, the cheaper the unit
Although the initial development cost of the mold is high (ranging from a few thousand to hundreds of thousands of yuan), the cost per piece will drop sharply when the output reaches a certain scale. For example, the development cost of a mobile phone shell mold is 100,000 yuan. When 1 million pieces are produced, the cost of each mold is only 0.1 yuan; while the cost of 3D printing the same part may be as high as 5 yuan per piece. This "economy of scale" feature makes injection molding the optimal solution for mass production of millions of units.
The initial investment in the mold is like a math problem: when the development cost of a certain electric toothbrush shell mold is 120,000 US dollars, the cost of producing the first shell is as high as 120,000 US dollars, but when the output reaches the million level, the mold cost is diluted to 0.12 US dollars per piece. This unique cost curve explains why 90% of consumer electronic products choose injection molding. According to a study by Boston Consulting Group in the United States, when the annual output exceeds 50,000 pieces, the comprehensive cost of injection molding is 76% lower than 3D printing and 89% lower than machining.
In terms of material utilization, injection molding shows amazing advantages. By optimizing the hot runner system, a German company reduced the scrap rate of laptop shell production from 15% to 0.8%, saving 420 tons of engineering plastics each year. This "watertight" processing method, combined with an automated pickup system and online quality inspection, has built a nearly perfect production closed loop.
Complex structures “in one go”
Modern injection molding technology can achieve "integrated molding", directly manufacturing complex structures that traditionally require multiple parts to assemble (such as flip covers with movable hinges and hollow pipes inside). Take the automobile intake manifold as an example. Traditional metal parts require more than 20 parts to be welded, while injection molded nylon parts can be molded in one go, reducing weight by 40% and providing better performance.
Highly adaptable materials: from potato chip packaging to rocket parts
There are more than 10,000 types of plastics compatible with injection molding:
General-purpose plastics (such as PP and ABS) are used in daily necessities;
Engineering plastics (such as PEEK and nylon) are resistant to high temperatures and corrosion and can replace metals;
Biodegradable materials (such as PLA) cater to environmental protection trends;
Even metal powders and ceramic particles can be processed through "metal/ceramic injection molding" (MIM/CIM) technology.
This diversity allows injection molding technology to span multiple fields such as people's livelihood, medical care, and aerospace.
The performance breakthrough of engineering plastics is redefining the possibilities of materials. The strength retention rate of PPSU material at 280°C exceeds 85%, successfully replacing metal to manufacture steam valves; the specific strength of carbon fiber reinforced PEEK material is 3 times that of titanium alloy, and has been used in spacecraft load-bearing structures. The emergence of these special materials has enabled injection molding products to continue to penetrate from the field of daily necessities to high-end manufacturing.
The green material revolution promotes the sustainable development of injection molding technology. The application of bio-based PLA materials in the field of tableware has reduced the carbon footprint of a single lunch box by 68%; chemical recycling PET technology has achieved closed-loop production, and a beverage bottle manufacturer has reduced the use of 32,000 tons of virgin plastic each year through this technology. The combination of material innovation and environmental protection needs is reshaping the ecological logic of the entire industrial chain.
Customized matching of materials and processes opens a new era. The combination of liquid silicone (LSR) and micro-foaming technology makes car seats both supportive and breathable; the synergy of conductive polymers and two-color injection molding technology allows the smart bracelet antenna and shell to be perfectly integrated. This precise material and process matching has given birth to unprecedented product forms.
Standing at the threshold of Industry 4.0 and looking back, injection molding has evolved from a simple manufacturing technology to a core engine driving innovation. This technology is breaking through the boundaries of physics and chemistry and transforming material possibilities into real productivity. When 3D printing triggers people's romantic imagination of manufacturing, injection molding silently supports the construction of the material world of modern civilization with a hundred times the efficiency and precision of the former. In the future, with the deep integration of smart materials and digital twin technology, injection molding may evolve into a more amazing form and continue to write the efficiency legend in the history of human manufacturing.
In the Shenzhen Materials Laboratory, engineers are debugging PEEK composite materials containing 35% glass fiber. This special plastic that can be used for a long time at 260°C is formed into drone structural parts through micro-foaming injection molding technology, which reduces weight by 20% and increases strength by 15%. Modern injection molding technology has broken through the traditional cognitive boundaries: liquid silicone (LSR) injection molding makes baby pacifiers both safe and flexible; metal powder injection molding (MIM) creates clock gears thinner than a hair; biodegradable plastics are reshaping the ecology of the packaging industry.
Design freedom is another breakthrough dimension. A medical company uses stacked mold technology to achieve 96-cavity insulin pen parts production on conventional equipment, with wall thickness differences controlled at ±0.02mm. Conformal cooling water channel technology allows mold temperature control accuracy to reach ±1°C, making the optical performance of lens products comparable to glass products. These technological innovations continue to expand the imagination of industrial design.
Standing at the crossroads of the era of intelligent manufacturing, injection molding is undergoing a digital transformation. IoT sensors monitor the cavity pressure and temperature curve in real time, artificial intelligence algorithms autonomously optimize process parameters, and 3D printing technology subverts traditional mold manufacturing methods. In a lighthouse factory in Jiangsu, there are only three engineers in the entire injection molding workshop monitoring 20 smart devices, and the per capita output value is 15 times that of traditional workshops. This evolution not only continues the vitality of injection molding, but also spawns green solutions such as bio-based plastics and chemical recycling in the context of carbon neutrality, allowing this century-old process to continue to rejuvenate. From daily necessities to cutting-edge technology, injection molding is like a master key, constantly opening up new possibilities for modern manufacturing.
Accuracy and consistency far exceed manual
High-precision molds (error ±0.005mm) combined with computer control can ensure that the dimensions of millions of products are almost exactly the same. Taking medical syringes as an example, the clearance between the injection-molded syringe barrel and the piston must be controlled within 0.01mm, which is impossible to achieve with manual production.
The processing accuracy of modern injection molds has reached the micron level, which is equivalent to controlling the error to no more than a grain of sand on an area the size of a football field. This breakthrough in precision has enabled revolutionary innovation in the medical field: the precision gear assembly of the implantable insulin pump has achieved a matching tolerance of 0.02mm through micro-injection molding technology, which is smaller than the diameter of a red blood cell.
Complex structure integrated molding technology is rewriting product design rules. The latest folding wing structure launched by a drone manufacturer uses gas-assisted injection molding technology to integrate 17 traditional parts into one integral component, reducing assembly processes by 94% and increasing structural strength by 300%. This breakthrough in design freedom allows product engineers to boldly realize innovative ideas that were unimaginable in the past.
Innovations in surface treatment technology have allowed injection molded parts to break through material limitations. IMD (in-mold decoration) technology allows mobile phone shells to transfer textures simultaneously during the injection molding process, and its wear resistance is 5 times higher than that of traditional spraying processes; the application of nano-coating technology allows plastic lenses to reach the light transmittance of optical glass. These breakthroughs continue to expand the application boundaries of injection molded products.
3. How does injection molding promote industrial upgrading?
Miniaturization revolution: Nano-molding technology (NMT) allows the metal frame of the mobile phone and the plastic antenna to be molded into one piece, achieving "zero interference" with 5G signals.
Green manufacturing: Hot runner technology reduces waste, and bio-based plastics are recycled, making injection molding more environmentally friendly.
Intelligent future: AI monitors injection pressure and temperature in real time, automatically optimizes parameters, and increases the yield rate to more than 99.9%.
4. Is it suitable for all scenarios?
Injection molding is not a panacea. Small-batch production (such as customized samples) may not be as cost-effective as 3D printing due to the high mold cost; oversized parts (such as wind turbine blades) require other processes. However, with the development of mold 3D printing and rapid mold change technology, these limitations are gradually being broken.
Conclusion: The “Hidden Champions” of Manufacturing
From the simple injection molding of celluloid in the 19th century to today's intelligent and green precision manufacturing, injection molding has defined modern industrial aesthetics with "efficiency, precision and flexibility". The next time you pick up a plastic product, think about it: behind this seemingly ordinary little object, there may be a set of molds worth millions and a century-long technological evolution journey.
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The science of injection molding machine tonnage: the watershed between small tonnage and large tonnage
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In the field of plastic injection molding, the "tonnage" of an injection molding machine directly determines its capacity limit. Tonnage does not refer to the weight of the entire machine, but the size of its clamping force, measured in tons (T). This parameter represents the maximum closing force that the clamping system of the injection molding machine can exert, which is used to resist the huge expansion pressure generated when the molten plastic is injected into the mold. If the clamping force is insufficient, the mold will be stretched open, resulting in flash burrs; and excessive tonnage will cause energy waste and equipment loss.
The calculation of clamping force follows the core formula:
Clamping force (T) = product projection area (cm²) × mold pressure (kg/cm²) × safety factor / 1000
The mold pressure depends on the material properties:
Ordinary plastics (such as PP, PE): 250-350 kg/cm²
Engineering plastics (such as PC, nylon): 350-500 kg/cm²
The safety factor is usually 1.1-1.2.
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1. The core differences between injection molding machines of different tonnages
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Injection molding machines can be divided into four categories according to tonnage, which have significant differences in mechanical structure, application scenarios and technical requirements:
（1）Small machine (30-100 tons)
Structural features: mostly vertical or angular design, mainly fully electric drive, small footprint
Injection volume: usually ≤200 grams (based on PE)
Typical applications:
Electronic connectors (USB interface, SIM card tray)
Precision gears (clocks, micro motor parts)
Medical equipment (syringe needles, test tubes)
Advantages: high precision (repeat error ±0.01mm), energy saving (60% less power than hydraulic presses), no oil pollution
（2）Medium-sized machine (150-500 tons)
Mainstream machine: hydraulic or hydraulic-electric hybrid drive, horizontal structure
Injection volume: 300-2000 grams
Application scenarios:
Household appliance housing (rice cooker, vacuum cleaner housing)
Daily necessities (washbasin, chair, toy)
Automotive interior parts (dashboard frame, door handle)
Technical highlights: Can be equipped with multi-color injection molding system (such as P-type/L-type double shot) to achieve dual-material composite molding
（3）Large machine (600-1000 tons)
Structural features: two-plate clamping mechanism, enhanced rigidity and mold opening space
Injection volume: 2500-5000 grams
Typical products:
Logistics pallet (1200×800mm standard size)
Automobile bumper
Large trash can
Challenge: Need to cooperate with mold temperature control system to prevent shrinkage of thick-walled parts
（4）Ultra-large machine (>1000 tons)
Representative models: Haitian 1600T, Fuqiangxin 1900T three-color machine
Capacity indicators: up to 4000 tons, injection volume exceeds 20kg
Application areas:
Automobile instrument panel (one-piece molding)
Yacht deck parts
Large turnover box (volume>1000L)
Innovative design: horizontal two-color machine (H type) with overlapping mold technology, production capacity increased by 70%
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Table: Comparison of injection molding machine tonnage and key parameters
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Tonnage range
#cell-W74J7ujeySj2HUF{border-style:solid;border-width:1px;order:0;}#unit-r2NPKcpb0NvsOKy [ce-data-type="text"]{text-align:center;}
Clamping force (T)
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Injection volume (g)
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Screw diameter(mm)
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Typical mold structure
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Minicomputer
#cell-3jOplLs77PTASVs{border-style:solid;border-width:1px;order:0;}#unit-hnu5ZHqhZ8XOfk7 [ce-data-type="text"]{text-align:center;}
30-100
#cell-g7wxIHdF5KpfXUO{border-style:solid;border-width:1px;order:0;}#unit-ai8ljYdtz7vRZZJ [ce-data-type="text"]{text-align:center;}
≤200
#cell-xyH2cPuVQajF80N{border-style:solid;border-width:1px;order:0;}#unit-zzLZqrQFQ4o9uCe [ce-data-type="text"]{text-align:center;}
25-40
#cell-O2F7C2tiSLFb0jA{border-style:solid;border-width:1px;order:0;}#unit-Mz4OGHOiUdHOQzX [ce-data-type="text"]{text-align:center;}
Toggle
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Medium-sized machine
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150-500
#cell-iABR01rVNQO8g0n{border-style:solid;border-width:1px;order:0;}#unit-uLyXuDFLkEISUDH [ce-data-type="text"]{text-align:center;}
300-2000
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45-70
#cell-R8lBMyftGVdl3zd{border-style:solid;border-width:1px;order:0;}#unit-GxQJgfKzBU2xufr [ce-data-type="text"]{text-align:center;}
Toggle/Two-Plank
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Mainframe
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600-1000
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2500-5000
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75-110
#cell-eT6BLEb8QrgYkAU{border-style:solid;border-width:1px;order:0;}#unit-QfBnlDmZJyE3CDg [ce-data-type="text"]{text-align:center;}
Two-plate
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Large Scale Machines
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>1000
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>5000
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≥120
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Two-plate enhanced
2. Core principles and application scenarios of tonnage selection
The cost of failed selection
Insufficient tonnage: product flash and size deviation (a mold that is stretched 0.1mm can lead to scrapping)
Tonnage is too large: energy consumption increases by 30%-50%, the risk of mold deformation increases, and mold exhaust difficulties lead to burning
Four-step scientific selection method
Calculate clamping force
Take the car bumper as an example: the projected area is 1200×600mm=7200cm², and the pressure in the PC mold is 400kg/cm²
Theoretical clamping force = 7200×400×1.2/1000≈3456T → Select the 3500T model
Test tolerance
Mold size ≤ tie rod spacing (such as the tie rod spacing of the 1000T machine is usually 1200×1200mm)
Mold thickness ∈ [minimum mold thickness, maximum mold thickness] (for example: the mold thickness range of 350T machine is 150-450mm)
Ensure demoulding space
Mold opening stroke needs to be > product height×2 + runner length (deep cavity parts need to add an additional 20% margin)
Match injection system
Finished product weight should be ≤ Theoretical shot volume × 75% (leave a safety margin)
For thin-walled parts, choose a small screw (high pressure and high speed), and for thick-walled parts, choose a large screw (high plasticizing capacity)
Industry scenario application
Electronic industry (below 100T): Connectors use a 30mm diameter screw, and the shot speed ≥300mm/s ensures filling
Home appliance industry (300-800T): Air-conditioning panels use hot runner molds + 650T machines to reduce runner waste
Automotive industry (>1000T): Door panels use a double-station turntable three-color machine to achieve one-time molding of substrate + soft glue + logo
Medical industry (50T fully electric): Syringe production is equipped with a Class 100 clean room to avoid hydraulic oil pollution
3. Future trends in technology evolution and tonnage selection
The selection of injection molding machine tonnage is undergoing three major technological changes:
Energy-saving drive
All-electric injection molding machines (such as FANUC Roboshot) replace hydraulic presses below 100T, reducing energy consumption by 60%; the penetration rate of hybrid technology in large machines increases (such as Haitian MA series)
Intelligent control system
IoT module monitors clamping parallelism in real time (deviation of >1000T machine needs to be ≤0.1mm/m)
AI algorithm dynamically optimizes the pressure holding curve, reducing the molding cycle of large-tonnage machines by 15%
Specialized development
Micro injection molding machine (<10T): used for medical microfluidic chips, injection accuracy ±0.002g
Multi-component large machine: such as Fuqiangxin FB-1900R three-color machine, turntable diameter 2250mm, serving the integrated molding of automobile lampshades
In the future, with the application of new materials (such as carbon fiber reinforced plastics), the clamping accuracy requirements for high-tonnage machines will be further improved, and modular design will make tonnage adjustment more flexible-by replacing the screw assembly, the same clamping unit can cover the injection range of ±30%.
4. Conclusion
The selection of injection molding machine tonnage is like deploying troops for a battle: too little will not be enough, and too much will be a waste of money and effort. From a connector the size of a fingernail to a car bumper several meters long, the difference in tonnage is the result of the deep collaboration of material science, mechanical design, and control algorithms. In the future, with the advancement of energy-saving technology and intelligence, tonnage selection will no longer be based solely on empirical formulas, but will be dynamically optimized based on real-time data, pushing plastic molding into a new era of "tailor-made".
The science of injection molding machine tonnage: the watershed between small tonnage and large tonnage
#cell-fHQ5jUgy5pMfjtn{order:0;}
In the field of plastic injection molding, the "tonnage" of an injection molding machine directly determines its capacity limit. Tonnage does not refer to the weight of the entire machine, but the size of its clamping force, measured in tons (T). This parameter represents the maximum closing force that the clamping system of the injection molding machine can exert, which is used to resist the huge expansion pressure generated when the molten plastic is injected into the mold. If the clamping force is insufficient, the mold will be stretched open, resulting in flash burrs; and excessive tonnage will cause energy waste and equipment loss.
The calculation of clamping force follows the core formula:
Clamping force (T) = product projection area (cm²) × mold pressure (kg/cm²) × safety factor / 1000
The mold pressure depends on the material properties:
Ordinary plastics (such as PP, PE): 250-350 kg/cm²
Engineering plastics (such as PC, nylon): 350-500 kg/cm²
The safety factor is usually 1.1-1.2.
#cell-hsscrAED38AdJ8k{order:0;}
1. The core differences between injection molding machines of different tonnages
#cell-e851tz2HjaVj4vP{order:0;}
Injection molding machines can be divided into four categories according to tonnage, which have significant differences in mechanical structure, application scenarios and technical requirements:
（1）Small machine (30-100 tons)
Structural features: mostly vertical or angular design, mainly fully electric drive, small footprint
Injection volume: usually ≤200 grams (based on PE)
Typical applications:
Electronic connectors (USB interface, SIM card tray)
Precision gears (clocks, micro motor parts)
Medical equipment (syringe needles, test tubes)
Advantages: high precision (repeat error ±0.01mm), energy saving (60% less power than hydraulic presses), no oil pollution
（2）Medium-sized machine (150-500 tons)
Mainstream machine: hydraulic or hydraulic-electric hybrid drive, horizontal structure
Injection volume: 300-2000 grams
Application scenarios:
Household appliance housing (rice cooker, vacuum cleaner housing)
Daily necessities (washbasin, chair, toy)
Automotive interior parts (dashboard frame, door handle)
Technical highlights: Can be equipped with multi-color injection molding system (such as P-type/L-type double shot) to achieve dual-material composite molding
（3）Large machine (600-1000 tons)
Structural features: two-plate clamping mechanism, enhanced rigidity and mold opening space
Injection volume: 2500-5000 grams
Typical products:
Logistics pallet (1200×800mm standard size)
Automobile bumper
Large trash can
Challenge: Need to cooperate with mold temperature control system to prevent shrinkage of thick-walled parts
（4）Ultra-large machine (>1000 tons)
Representative models: Haitian 1600T, Fuqiangxin 1900T three-color machine
Capacity indicators: up to 4000 tons, injection volume exceeds 20kg
Application areas:
Automobile instrument panel (one-piece molding)
Yacht deck parts
Large turnover box (volume>1000L)
Innovative design: horizontal two-color machine (H type) with overlapping mold technology, production capacity increased by 70%
#cell-D3NF3Sn854EGgPg{order:0;}
Table: Comparison of injection molding machine tonnage and key parameters
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Tonnage range
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Clamping force (T)
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Injection volume (g)
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Screw diameter(mm)
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Typical mold structure
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Minicomputer
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30-100
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≤200
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25-40
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Toggle
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Medium-sized machine
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150-500
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300-2000
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45-70
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Toggle/Two-Plank
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Mainframe
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600-1000
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2500-5000
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75-110
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Two-plate
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Large Scale Machines
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>1000
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>5000
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≥120
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Two-plate enhanced
2. Core principles and application scenarios of tonnage selection
The cost of failed selection
Insufficient tonnage: product flash and size deviation (a mold that is stretched 0.1mm can lead to scrapping)
Tonnage is too large: energy consumption increases by 30%-50%, the risk of mold deformation increases, and mold exhaust difficulties lead to burning
Four-step scientific selection method
Calculate clamping force
Take the car bumper as an example: the projected area is 1200×600mm=7200cm², and the pressure in the PC mold is 400kg/cm²
Theoretical clamping force = 7200×400×1.2/1000≈3456T → Select the 3500T model
Test tolerance
Mold size ≤ tie rod spacing (such as the tie rod spacing of the 1000T machine is usually 1200×1200mm)
Mold thickness ∈ [minimum mold thickness, maximum mold thickness] (for example: the mold thickness range of 350T machine is 150-450mm)
Ensure demoulding space
Mold opening stroke needs to be > product height×2 + runner length (deep cavity parts need to add an additional 20% margin)
Match injection system
Finished product weight should be ≤ Theoretical shot volume × 75% (leave a safety margin)
For thin-walled parts, choose a small screw (high pressure and high speed), and for thick-walled parts, choose a large screw (high plasticizing capacity)
Industry scenario application
Electronic industry (below 100T): Connectors use a 30mm diameter screw, and the shot speed ≥300mm/s ensures filling
Home appliance industry (300-800T): Air-conditioning panels use hot runner molds + 650T machines to reduce runner waste
Automotive industry (>1000T): Door panels use a double-station turntable three-color machine to achieve one-time molding of substrate + soft glue + logo
Medical industry (50T fully electric): Syringe production is equipped with a Class 100 clean room to avoid hydraulic oil pollution
3. Future trends in technology evolution and tonnage selection
The selection of injection molding machine tonnage is undergoing three major technological changes:
Energy-saving drive
All-electric injection molding machines (such as FANUC Roboshot) replace hydraulic presses below 100T, reducing energy consumption by 60%; the penetration rate of hybrid technology in large machines increases (such as Haitian MA series)
Intelligent control system
IoT module monitors clamping parallelism in real time (deviation of >1000T machine needs to be ≤0.1mm/m)
AI algorithm dynamically optimizes the pressure holding curve, reducing the molding cycle of large-tonnage machines by 15%
Specialized development
Micro injection molding machine (<10T): used for medical microfluidic chips, injection accuracy ±0.002g
Multi-component large machine: such as Fuqiangxin FB-1900R three-color machine, turntable diameter 2250mm, serving the integrated molding of automobile lampshades
In the future, with the application of new materials (such as carbon fiber reinforced plastics), the clamping accuracy requirements for high-tonnage machines will be further improved, and modular design will make tonnage adjustment more flexible-by replacing the screw assembly, the same clamping unit can cover the injection range of ±30%.
4. Conclusion
The selection of injection molding machine tonnage is like deploying troops for a battle: too little will not be enough, and too much will be a waste of money and effort. From a connector the size of a fingernail to a car bumper several meters long, the difference in tonnage is the result of the deep collaboration of material science, mechanical design, and control algorithms. In the future, with the advancement of energy-saving technology and intelligence, tonnage selection will no longer be based solely on empirical formulas, but will be dynamically optimized based on real-time data, pushing plastic molding into a new era of "tailor-made".
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