Injection Molding Machine Selection: A Complete Guide from Requirements to Optimal Solutions
Selecting the right equipment is half the battle when it comes to producing high-quality plastic products. Whether you're a seasoned expert in injection molding or a business venturing into emerging fields like medical, electric vehicles, or sustainable materials, choosing the right injection molding machine will directly impact production efficiency and product quality.
Why Is Machine Selection So Crucial?
Many customers, when introducing a new production process, may only have a product concept or a sample drawing without clearly defined equipment requirements. In areas such as high precision, short lead times, or sustainable material applications, standard machines may not be suitable. In such cases, you need an experienced equipment partner to provide professional guidance.
With over half a century of expertise in injection molding, FCS leverages its extensive database and technical team to help you select the right machine, configure peripherals, or upgrade to a smart manufacturing management system—creating a customized solution tailored to your needs.
Key Information to Prepare Before Selecting a Machine
- Product Information: Dimensions (L × W × H), weight, surface requirements, etc.
- Plastic Materials: Are you using single or multiple materials? Are they high-flow, eco-friendly, or specialized composites?
- Mold Requirements: Mold size, thickness, weight, hot runner systems, or special mechanisms?
- Molding Conditions: Production speed, surface appearance, tolerance accuracy, etc.
- Special Application Needs: Do you require an accumulator, closed-loop control, micro-foaming, or injection compression functions?
- Budget and Space Constraints: Equipment layout and floor space planning requirements.
Seven Steps to Select the Right Injection Molding Machine
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| Choose the Right Type | Determine the machine series (hydraulic, electric, two-component, two-platen, etc.) based on the product and material characteristics. |
| Fits the Mold | Check tie bar spacing, mold thickness range, minimum mold size, and platen size. |
| Ejects Smoothly | Ensure the opening stroke and ejection stroke are sufficient for part removal based on mold and product dimensions. |
| Clamps Firmly | Calculate the required clamping force (tons) based on the product's projected area and injection pressure. |
| Enough Shot Volume | Determine the required injection volume and screw diameter based on product weight and number of cavities. |
| Good Injection Quality | Select suitable screw compression ratio, injection pressure, and plasticizing capacity based on material properties. |
| Fast Enough | Ensure the injection rate and speed meet the required cycle time and output demand. |
FCS Offers More Than Just Equipment—We Deliver Solutions
From single-color, two-color, and multi-component molding to micro-foaming, carbon-fiber composites, lightweight materials, low-carbon solutions, and smart manufacturing, FCS provides a full range of machines and pre-sales consultation to help you accelerate mass production, improve yield and quality, and move toward a high-efficiency, low-carbon manufacturing future.
📌 Further Reading
▶ Introduction to iMF 4.0 Smart Injection Management System
▶ Learn About MuCell Micro-Foaming Technology
📞 Contact Us
Need help selecting a machine? Contact us and our specialists will assist you in clarifying your needs and finding the right configuration.
