Top 10 Injection Molding Machine Brands

Top 10 Injection Molding Machine Brands

In the article “What is Injection Molding,” I mentioned two indispensable tools in the injection molding process: the injection mold and the injection molding machine. Today, let’s get acquainted with some of the world’s top brands of injection molding machines. We will also provide a comprehensive introduction to some of the main parameters and types of injection molding machines.

An Injection Molding Machine of The Traditional Brand JSW

Top 10 Injection Molding Machine Brands Worldwide

Major Injection Molding Machine Brands

There are many injection molding machine suppliers around the world, including those that are well-known locally or globally. Let’s start by listing some of the more famous injection molding machine suppliers:

Austria: Engel, Wittmann Battenfeld

Switzerland: Netstal(Krones AG)

Germany: KraussMaffei, Sumitomo (SHI) Demag, Arburg

Italy: Negri Bossi

USA: Milacron

Canada: Husky

Japan: Nissei, JSW, Fanuc, Toyo, Toshiba, Kawaguchi, Mitsubishi, Sumitomo, Sodick, Niigata

China: Haitian, Chen Hsong, Yizumi, FCS, Borche

Top 10 Injection Molding Machine Brands

Selecting the top ten injection molding machine manufacturers involves numerous criteria, with company revenue often being the first metric that comes to mind. I spent an entire day collecting annual financial report data from these suppliers. Many online articles mention company revenue data that significantly deviates from the real figures. Moreover, many injection molding companies’ official latest annual reports are still from the past few years, some even dating back to before 2018, making them unreliable for reference.

Additionally, the diverse business structures of each company do not accurately reflect the real capabilities of their injection molding machines.

Taking into account comprehensive factors such as the production quality of brand injection molding machines, injection speed, shot ratio, clamping force, and tonnage model, I have compiled a list of the top ten brand injection molding machines that truly reflect their capabilities.

1. Engel

Official website: https://www.engelglobal.com/

Established in Austria by Ludwig Engel in 1945, Engel began its journey. In 1952, the company rolled out its first injection molding machine. Since then, it has evolved into a leading provider of high-end solutions across various sectors such as automotive, electronics, packaging, and medical industries worldwide. It offers a diverse range of process solutions.

Company foundation1945 by Ludwig EngelManagementStefan Engleder (CEO), Gerhard Stangl (CPO), Simon Zeilberger (CFO), Gerhard Dimmler (CTO)Current employeesapprox. 7,400 worldwideExport quotaapprox. 95%

Major production models:

e-mac: The compact system for near-standard applications.

duo: Two-platen injection molding system for large and demanding components.

e-victory: The tie-bar-less machine for precision parts.

e-duo: Suitable for large precision parts

2. Husky

Official website: https://www.husky.co/

Husky caters to its core market clientele by offering molds, systems, and services. It designs and manufactures various types of injection molding machines, hot runners, robots, molds, and integrated systems.

Major production models:

HYPET5E® SYSTEMS

HYCAP™4 SYSTEMS

HYLECTRIC 4.0® SYSTEMS

NEXPET™ SYSTEMS

3. KraussMaffei

Official website: https://www.kraussmaffei.com/

The KraussMaffei brand traces its roots back to 1838, founded by Swabian in Munich. In 1930, Krauss merged with Maffei. In January 2016, the company was acquired by China National Chemical Corporation. It boasts five injection molding machine series: AX, CX, EX, GX, and MX, with clamping forces ranging from 35 to 5500 tons. Power sources include hydraulic, hybrid, and fully electric drives.

Major production models:

CX 160-750: High-performance injection molding system for automotive and packaging applications.

GX 650: Two-platen injection molding system for high precision and productivity.

MX 850: Hybrid injection molding system for a wide range of applications.

PX 320-2000: High-performance injection molding system for thin-walled packaging.

4. Arburg

Official website: https://www.arburg.com/

Arburg, a German mechanical manufacturing company, stands as the world’s foremost manufacturer of plastic injection molding machines. Its applications span across various sectors such as automotive, communication and entertainment electronics, medical technology, household appliances, and packaging, for the production of plastic components.

Arburg employs around 3700 employees worldwide and has a presence at 36 ARBURG locations and with trading partners in over 100 countries.

Major production models:

Allrounder 370 S: Injection molding system for precision parts.

Freeformer 200-3X: Additive manufacturing system for functional parts and prototypes.

Multilift V: Robotic automation system for injection molding machines.

SELOGICA: Control system for injection molding machines.

5. Demag

Official website: https://www.sumitomo-shi-demag.eu/

Demag is an injection molding machine brand under the German company Demag Plastics Group. In 2008, it was acquired by Sumitomo.

Demag operates four production bases in Germany, the United States, Japan, and China, employing over 2,000 experts and staff. It develops and manufactures a series of all-electric, hybrid, and hydraulic injection molding machines, with clamping forces ranging from 180 kN to 20,000 kN. Sumitomo (SHI) Demag’s products are distributed across global markets.

Major production models:

EL-Exis SP: High-performance injection molding system for a wide range of applications.

Systec SP: Hybrid injection molding system for high precision and productivity.

IntElect: Injection molding system for precision parts.

Ergotech: Injection molding system for a wide range of applications.

6. Sumitomo

Official website: https://www.shi.co.jp/

Sumitomo injection molding machines are products of Sumitomo Heavy Industries, Ltd., known for their high quality, high yield, efficiency, and low noise. They utilize precision control, high-speed heating, and energy-saving hydraulic systems to enhance production efficiency, quality, and reliability while being environmentally friendly.

Major production models:

SE-HSZ Series

SE-HDZ Series

SED-CI Series

SDI Series

SE-DUZ Series

7. WittmannBattenfeld

Official website: https://www.wittmann-group.com/

Wittmann Battenfeld, founded in Czech Republic in 1876, specializes in the production of hydraulic, electric, micro, and multi-color injection molding machines.

Wittmann-Battenfeld’s expertise lies predominantly in molding applications weighing just a few grams or less. These machines, considered leading precision molding solutions in the current market, boast high speed and precision.

Major production models:

SmartPower

MacroPower

MicroPower

EcoPower Xpress

Vertical R Series

8. Netstal

Official website: https://www.netstal.com/

Established in 1857 in Switzerland, Netstal originated as a foundry machinery company. In 1945, it ventured into the field of injection molding. The company’s headquarters are located in Nafels, Glarus Canton. In 1992, Netstal was acquired by KraussMaffei.

Their injection molding technology finds major applications in the beverage, packaging, and medical technology industries, particularly for the production of technically demanding and thin-walled plastic components. Netstal provides cutting-edge injection molding solutions worldwide, positioning its machines at the forefront in terms of technology, manufacturing, and product quality.

Major production models:

ELION 1750: High-performance injection molding system for a wide range of applications.

EVOS 3500: Hybrid injection molding system for high precision and productivity.

PET-Line 2400-4000R: Injection molding system for PET preforms.

SynErgy 1750: Injection molding system for high-performance applications.

9. Milacron

Official website: https://www.milacron.com/

Milacron is a US-based company that provides a full range of injection molding, blow molding, and auxiliary equipment. Additionally, they offer plastic processing machinery and hot runner solutions, along with fluid technologies.

Major production models:

Magna T Servo

Magna V Servo

Magna Toggle Servo

Magna Vertical

Maxima Servo

10. Fanuc

Official website: https://www.fanuc.com/

Fanuc Corporation was founded in 1956 and is a global leader in the research and manufacturing of numerical control systems. It produces all-electric injection molding machines and is a leading player in the worldwide market for electric injection molding machines.

Major production models:

Roboshot Alpha-SiA series

Roboshot S-2000i series

Roboshot S-2000i-B series

Roboshot S-2000i-B-Servo series

Roboshot S-2000i-B-Servo Alpha

Types of injection molding machines

We can see that each brand of injection molding machine has different specifications and models. Let’s take a look at the various types of injection molding machines.

By Different Clamping Methods:

Injection molding machines are classified based on their clamping methods, which can include hydraulic, mechanical, and electric types.

Hydraulic: Hydraulic machines have historically been the only option available for molders until Nissei Plastic Industrial Co., Ltd. introduced the first all-electric injection molding machine in 1983.

Mechanical: Mechanical machines use a toggle system to establish tonnage on the clamp side of the machine.

Electric: Electric injection molding machines have been proven to be quieter, faster, and more precise, but they are also more expensive.”

Different Plasticizing Methods:

Injection molding machines are classified based on their plasticizing methods, which can include plunger plastic injection molding machines, reciprocating plastic injection molding machines, and screw type plastic injection molding machines.

Plunger: This type of machine has poor mixing and plasticizing properties and often requires the installation of a shuttle device. It is now rarely used.

Reciprocating: This type relies on a screw for plasticizing and injection, offering good mixing and plasticizing properties. It is the most commonly used type nowadays.

Screw: This type relies on a screw for plasticizing and a plunger for injection, with the two processes separated.

Different Structural Forms:

Injection molding machines are classified based on their structural forms, which can include horizontal injection molding machines, vertical injection molding machines.

Horizontal: In this type, the clamping unit and injection unit are on the same horizontal centerline, and the mold opens horizontally. Horizontal injection molding machines have a low profile, making them easy to operate and maintain. Their low center of gravity ensures stable installation.

Additionally, gravity facilitates automatic ejection of molded products, enabling easy implementation of fully automated operations. Currently, this type is widely used in the market.

Vertical: The clamping unit and injection unit in this type are on the same vertical centerline, and the mold opens vertically. As a result, it occupies less floor space and is easier to fit components. Mold loading and unloading are more convenient, and materials falling into the hopper can undergo more uniform plasticization.

However, molded products are not easily automatically ejected and must be manually removed, making fully automated operations difficult. Vertical injection molding machines are suitable for small-scale injection molding machines, especially those below 60 grams.

Working principle of an injection molding machine

The working principle of injection molding machines resembles that of syringes. It employs the thrust of a screw (or plunger) to inject molten plastic into a closed mold cavity, resulting in the formation of products after solidification.

Injection molding is a cyclical process comprising metered feeding, melting, injection, cooling, and ejection. After retrieving the plastic part, the mold closes again for the next cycle.

Initially, granular or powdered plastic is added to the barrel, heated by the screw’s rotation and the barrel’s outer wall. The machine then moves the mold and injection seat forward, aligning the nozzle with the mold’s gate. Pressure oil is introduced into the injection cylinder, driving the screw forward to inject the molten material into the cooler closed mold at high pressure and speed. After a period of pressure holding and cooling, the product is removed from the mold. Pressure holding prevents material reflux and ensures product density and dimensional tolerance.

Parts Of An Injection Molding Machine

The injection molding machine consists primarily of the following units:

Injection Units

This core component injects molten plastic material into the mold. It comprises the plasticizing device and the power transmission device. The plasticizing device includes the feeding device, barrel, screw, and nozzle assembly, while the power transmission device includes the injection oil cylinder, injection seat, moving oil cylinder, and screw drive device.

Clamping Units

This system fixes the mold. After mold closure, it provides sufficient clamping force to resist the pressure generated by the molten plastic entering the mold cavity, preventing mold opening and product defects.

Hydraulic Units

This vital power source comprises hydraulic pumps, hydraulic motors, pressure valves, etc. It converts hydraulic fluid pressure into mechanical energy, facilitating various machine operations.

Electrical Control Units:

This critical control system includes PLC, touch screens, electrical components, etc. It enables precise control and data feedback for the injection molding machine.

Heating And Cooling Units:

This system controls the temperature of the plastic in the mold, consisting of heaters, cooling water circuits, cooling fans, etc.

Lubrication Units

This system reduces friction and wear during machine operation.

Safety Protection and Monitoring Units

This system ensures operator safety and equipment normal operation.

Key Technical Parameters of Injection Molding Machine

Injection Volume

Defined as the maximum weight of PS plastic injected into the mold. When the material of the plastic product differs from PS, the injection volume is calculated as m = cb/1.05 (where b is the density of the plastic, and c is the injection volume represented by PS plastic). It’s advisable to keep the product’s total weight within 85% of the injection volume. For amorphous plastics, the maximum value can be taken, while for high-viscosity plastics, a smaller value is preferred.

Clamping Force

Defined as the final clamping force exerted by the template on the mold when the mold closes and the melt is injected into the cavity. Clamping force is usually calculated by multiplying the average pressure inside the cavity by the projected area of the cavity. The average pressure inside the cavity is typically 20-40 MPa.

Injection Pressure and Injection Rate

Injection pressure in the specifications of the injection molding machine refers to the highest pressure inside the barrel during injection, not the highest pressure of the injection system oil. The relationship between injection pressure and oil pressure is inversely proportional to the ratio of the screw cross-sectional area to the shot cylinder area.

Injection rate refers to the amount of molten material ejected from the nozzle per unit time, with the theoretical value being the product of the cross-sectional area and speed inside the barrel.

Mold Thickness and Maximum Opening Stroke

The specifications of the injection molding machine generally include maximum and minimum mold thickness, representing the thickness of the mold that the injection molding machine can accommodate.

The mold opening stroke of the injection molding machine is limited, and the opening distance required to take out the product must be less than the maximum opening stroke of the injection molding machine. For single-parting surface injection molds, the opening stroke is S >= H1 + H2 + 5~10 (mm), where H1 is the demolding distance (usually equal to the height of the mold core), H2 is the height of the product (including the gating system).

For three-plate double-parting surface injection molds, the opening distance needs to be increased by the separation distance between the fixed mold and the gate plate.

Relevant Dimensions of Mold Mounting Parts

The length and width dimensions of the mold should match the dimensions of the injection molding machine template and tie-bar spacing to ensure smooth installation of the mold on the template.

During positioning, considerations should include:

Alignment of the center of the main runner on the mold with the centerline of the barrel nozzle;

Alignment of the dimensions of the locating ring on the mold with the dimensions of the locating hole on the fixed mold plate of the injection molding machine, using a clearance fit;

Alignment of the spherical radius of the injection machine nozzle with the spherical radius at the beginning of the main runner on the contacting mold;

Matching of the mold foot dimensions before and after with the arrangement of threaded holes on the moving mold of the injection molding machine.

Ejection Stroke

The ejection stroke should be reasonably selected based on the shape of the product and the design structure of the mold. Generally, the ejection stroke of the machine is fixed, and when ordering the machine, a larger ejection stroke is preferred to accommodate a wider range of products.

Conclusion

The above has provided a detailed explanation of some knowledge related to injection molding machines. However, we haven’t delved into the prices of injection molding machines. Suppose you’re a businessman planning to invest in purchasing injection molding machines for injection molding. In that case, it’s advisable to visit the official websites of different brands or consult local distributors to compare prices.

For injection molding machine factories, each purchased brand of injection molding machine comes with relevant company personnel to provide on-site guidance for usage. Since injection molding machines require regular maintenance, factories also consider the convenience of machine maintenance while considering accuracy. Therefore, the rankings above are not the final criteria for your purchase of injection molding machines.