Horizontal silicon injection machine

Types of Horizontal Silicon Injection Machines

Generally speaking, the classification of horizontal silicon injection machines can be divided into the following:

• based on the material supply system

  Machines with a cold-runner system do not have heated channels bringing the melt to the molds, while those with hot runners do. Both systems have specific advantages, and selecting them depends on the kind of products the machine is making.

• Based on clamping force

  The machines with low clamping forces are those with forces below 20 tons. They are for making small items and using molds with less pressure. The medium ones, with forces between 20 and 100 tons, are for average use with many types of items. Machines with high clamping forces above 100 tons are for working with large, heavy molds that need more force to hold them.

• Based on complexity

  Fully automatic horizontal silicon injection machines provide more production efficiency, and operators do not have to be there all the time. They are more expensive and used for large-scale production. Semi-automatic machines need some manual work to assist in the process, but they are still more productive than manual ones.

Specification and Maintenance

The specifications of a horizontal silicon injection molding machine vary depending on the machine model and type. Below are some key silicon injection machines' spec details and their maintenance requirements.

• Capacity

  This refers to the volume of liquid silicone the machine can hold.

• Clamping Force

  This is the amount of force, usually measured in tons, applied by the injection machine to hold the mold together during the injection process.

• Temperature Control

  This refers to the machine's ability to regulate the temperature of the liquid silicone within a specific range. The temperature is crucial for controlling the viscosity of the material during injection.

• Mold Size

  Horizontal silicone injection molding machines have a range of mold sizes that can accommodate different shapes and configurations.

• Power Consumption

  This refers to the amount of electrical energy the machine uses during the injection process.

• Vacuum System

  The vacuum system on the machine creates suction within the mold to hold the liquid silicone in shape while it cures. The force and size of the system varies depending on the vacuum pump model used with the injection molding machine.

Maintenance

Horizontal silicone injection molding machines need routine maintenance to continue operating optimally. Below are some general maintenance tips to keep the machines in good condition.

• Follow the manufacturer's maintenance schedule: The manufacturer provides the recommended service intervals for the machine in use. Operators should always follow this schedule to prevent untimely breakdowns and ensure the injection machine works optimally.
• Regular cleaning: Constant exposure to liquid silicone can cause buildup on the injection machine. To keep the machine in good condition, operators should always clean it regularly to prevent material buildup. This prevents the hassle of frequent, extensive cleaning processes.
• Use the right lubricant: Molding machines are often equipped with moving parts that need lubrication to function optimally. Operators should use the recommended lubricants for the injection machine model.

Scenarios of horizontal silicon injection machines

A few ordinary applications of the horizontal silicone injection machine in the mold-making sector are as follows:

• The medical sector employs silicone because of how easy it is to sterilise and how biocompatible it is. Silicone has a natural resistance to bacteria and fungi, making it an ideal material for medical devices. Silicone devices used in the medical industry can be produced quickly and in great quantities using horizontal injection moulding methods. Examples include valves, gaskets, and tubing connectors.
• The horizontal silicone injection machine is primarily used in the auto industry for making rough-edge-pulling automobile parts. Auto interiors, such as knobs, bumpers, and dashboard parts, frequently utilise these parts. Horizontal silicone injection machines are perfect for producing complicated forms with little seams like these because they provide many design flexibility and exceptional precision.
• Kids' toys and other toys have to be tough enough to withstand rigorous play and often fall. Silicone is a great material for ensuring durability. Also, because of its strength, moulding toys need to be done efficiently, horizontally or otherwise. This is why the horizontal injection machine is used for moulding since it guarantees excellent output, is essential for toys with precise details, and can produce goods quickly and effectively.
• In sports, athletes desire shoes that are elastic enough for them to run but strong and light enough to give them comfort. The sole is usually made of silicone, which is not only pleasant but also waterproof. Because great comfort is needed, horizontal machines are used to inject these soles. They operate quickly and precisely, and shoes with complicated forms can be produced with little scrap material.

How to choose horizontal silicon injection machines

When choosing a horizontal silicon injection machine for investment, buyers need to look at the production capacity of the machine. They need to choose a machine with sufficient production capacity to meet their production needs. To achieve this, they can calculate their production needs based on the quantity of the produced silicone products and the frequency of the machine's use.

Additionally, buyers need to evaluate the quality of the machine. They can do so by researching the manufacturer's reputation and product reviews. Buyers should also choose a machine that is easy to operate and maintain. Considering the complexity of the injection machines, buyers will need to look for models with straightforward operating processes and well-documented maintenance guidelines.

Moreover, buyers should choose a machine that fits the specific type of silicone they intend to use. Some machines are designed to handle particular grades or viscosities of silicone, so compatibility is essential to ensure optimal performance and product quality.

Furthermore, buyers' production volume will significantly influence the ideal type and size of the silicone injection machine. Buyers who produce small to medium batches may consider a tabletop or smaller standalone unit, while those that produce large volumes will need to invest in larger machines with greater capacity and faster cycles.

Finally, when choosing a horizontal silicone injection machine to purchase, buyers will want to consider the available factory space to determine the dimensions of the machine they can accommodate. They will also want to consider the energy efficiency of the machine they want to buy, as this will help to reduce operating costs.

Q&A

Q: What are some benefits of horizontal injection molding machines for silicone rubber?

A: Horizontal injection machines are more energy efficient because the horizontal position of the cylinders requires less force to push the material through the heated barrel and into the mold. Cooling time is usually shorter for horizontal molds, which means shorter production cycles and greater output. Horizontal injection molds are easier to load and unload, and automation makes it simple to integrate horizontal injection molding machines into existing production lines.

Q: Are horizontal or vertical injection molds better for maximizing space in a facility?

A: Vertical injection molding machines are more space efficient in a production facility because they have a smaller footprint compared to horizontal molds. Consider vertical injection molding machines if maximizing space for other essential functions is a high priority.

Q: Do horizontal injection molding machines work with all types of silicone materials?

A: Horizontal injection molding machines are most suitable for using liquid silicone rubber (LSR). Because of its high viscosity, using it for other materials like solid or paste silicone is better with horizontal machines.

Q: When is it ideal to use machines that inject silicone foam horizontally?

A: A horizontal injection molding machine is preferable if the production requires high-volume output of identical silicone parts. These machines are better for large production runs where speed and automation are essential. Consider horizontal machines if the ideal part design has undercuts that require a more complex formation method or if large, lightweight parts are ideal.