Used injection molding machine

Market Dynamics of Used Injection Molding Machines

Market Overview: The used injection molding machine market is witnessing notable growth, driven largely by the robust performance of the broader plastic injection molding machine sector. According to 360iResearch™, the global plastic injection molding machine market grew from USD 9.67 billion in 2023 to USD 10.21 billion in 2024, with a projected CAGR of 6.32% expected to reach USD 14.86 billion by 2030. This growth indicates a rising demand for plastic products across various industries, including automotive, healthcare, and consumer goods, which in turn boosts interest in cost-effective solutions like used machinery. The increasing focus on sustainability and efficiency is also propelling manufacturers to seek out used injection molding machines, which can offer significant cost savings while still meeting production needs.

Consumer Behavior and Trends: The shift in consumer behavior towards more sustainable and cost-efficient manufacturing solutions is influencing the market dynamics for used injection molding machines. As industries expand, particularly in emerging markets such as India and China, the demand for reliable, pre-owned machinery is on the rise. The automotive sector, recognized for its high demand for lightweight plastic components, is projected to continue leading the market, with significant growth anticipated in the use of used machines. Additionally, the preference for direct sales channels over distributors is increasing, as manufacturers seek closer relationships with buyers to better meet their needs, which is expected to drive further engagement in the used machinery segment. This evolving landscape presents both opportunities and challenges for stakeholders in the used injection molding machine market.

Types of used injection molding machines

With the persistent demand of the plastic market, pre-owned machines are still doing a vital job in manufacturing various products at a lower cost. There are plenty of used vertical and horizontal injection molding machines for sale to meet the needs of individual buyers.

New technology developments have led to the rise of used injection molds that are cost-effective yet serve the same purpose. They include the following:

• Bothless: It uses direct heating for faster cycles and lower energy consumption.
• Multi: It uses a single injection unit to produce multiple items at once.
• Stack: It uses a vertically stacked mold to increase production capacity within a smaller footprint.
• Single: It has a single mold cavity that allows for greater flexibility in product design and rapid prototyping.

Every machine plays a big role in product manufacturing. Beside the ones mentioned above, other types of injection molds are used for the injection mold specialty:

• Blow: It creates hollow parts by injecting plastic into a mold and then using air to expand it.
• Insert: It incorporates a non-metal part into the plastic component during the injection process.
• Razzle: It produces complex geometries with multiple colors and materials through a single injection cycle.

Other injection mold specifications include:

• Cold runners: It's a system of channels that distributes molten plastic to multiple cavities within a mold. The runners are cooled alongside the mold, solidifying the plastic as it flows.
• Hot runners: It's like the cold runners, but the runner system remains hot to keep the plastic molten. This allows for more even distribution and faster cycling times.

Specification and Maintenance

Specifications

• Clamping Force: The clamping force of injection molding machines is from 500kgs to 50000kgs, which determines how effectively the molds are held together during the injection process.
• Injection Unit: This includes the type of injection (such as single-screw), the capacity of the injection unit, and its pressure and speed capabilities.
• Control System: This includes whether the control is full hydraulic, semi-hydraulic, full electric, or hybrid, as well as the type of control (PLC, microcomputer, etc.).
• Machine Size: This includes dimensions such as length, width, height, and weight. Machine sizes and weights range from small cabinet-sized machines that can be easily transported to larger industrial-scale machines whose dimensions and weight require installation in specialized facilities.
• Power and Hydraulic System: This includes the machine's power rating (typically measured in kW), hydraulic system capacity (if applicable), and hydraulic pressure. It also includes energy efficiency and carbon emission ratings for their environmental impact.
• Mold Compatibility: Injection molding machines are compatible with molds of various shapes and sizes depending on their type and design; the molds must also be fitted with mold-change systems.

Maintenance

• Regular Cleaning: The entire injection molding machine is cleaned on a daily, weekly, or monthly basis depending on the size of the machine and the frequency of its use. The cleaning of residual materials, mold release agents, and coolant and lubricants should be done timely to ensure product quality and mold life.

Clean the external and internal parts of the injection molding machine, including the clamping mechanism, injection mechanism, molds, heating and cooling systems, electrical controls, etc. Using a specially formulated cleaning agent will help avoid damage and corrosion to the machine parts. The operation is safer.

• Regular Lubrication: Lubricating oil should be replenished and replaced according to the specified intervals to ensure the smooth operation of the moving parts of the injection molding machine, such as bearings, sliding rails, gears, etc. The lubricants' anti-wear, anti-oxidation, and temperature adaptability should also comply with the requirements for injection molding machines.

Injection molding machines often comprise rail, gear, pulley, and other transmission parts. Therefore, it's imperative that they be greased with high-quality lubricants to ensure these parts' long-lasting and efficient operation. When storing, always keep the injection molding machine far away from moisture and dust. Injection molding machines are often equipped with moisture-resistant and dust-proof protective covers and bags for storage.

Scenarios in the used injection molding machines industry

Apart from the mentioned industries, many other industries find application for used injection molding machines:

• Aerospace: Injection molding can manufacture aircraft components, such as window frames, covers, nose cones, and ducting. These involve lightweight materials that are also strong.
• Automotive: The automotive industry is the largest user of injection molding machines. The used injection molding machine produces many vehicle parts, such as dashboards, door panels, bumpers, and trim.
• Electronics: Electronics devices are small and require precision. Used injection molding machines produce TV housings, mobile phone bodies, and computers.
• Medical: Medical instruments made by used injection machines include syringes, surgical equipment, and inhalers. The machines mold intricate shapes to make precision medical devices.
• Packaging: Packaging industries for used injection machines mold containers, closures, and bottles, among others.
• Household goods: A household good like toothbrushes or dust pans is made with injection molding. The process is efficient when mass-producing these plastic items.
• Furniture: An injection molding production line works to produce furniture like plastic chairs and tables and storage boxes.

How to choose used injection molding machines

Used injection molding machines are essential for creating plastic products of all sizes and complexities. When purchasing these molding machines, business buyers should consider models in demand. Some popular models include the bottleneck and core-back models. The bottleneck model creates large products with small constricted sections. It has a limited injection unit and a clamping force system that handles uncomfortable weight distribution. The core-back model employs a core that moves back and forth in the cavity to create hollow objects. It produces lightweight products and requires less material and energy to operate.

Check the machine's physical and operational state to ensure it functions well and can make products of good quality. Look at the intensity of used injection molding machines and prioritize those with a higher clamping force. A higher clamping force produces more complicated parts with better precision. Examine the technical certifications and consider the environmental impact of the machine. Consider the complexity of previous use. Some machines only worked on simple parts, while others were dedicated to single parts.

Consider the injection speed, which can affect the cycle time and productivity of the machine. Also, compare the standard of the control system in different machines. Look at customization options like programmable parameters and ease of operation.

Business buyers should research reliable suppliers with an extensive selection of used injection molding machines to ensure they get a good deal. Check customer ratings and reviews about the supplier's delivery of quality machines. Negotiate pricing and check additional costs like shipping and customs fees before concluding the deal. Find out more about payment methods and legal contracts to ensure a smooth transaction process. This includes knowing the refund policy if the delivered machine doesn't match the description.

Used Injection Molding Machine FAQs

Q1: What is the purpose of a second-hand injection molding machine?

A1: The purpose of a used injection molding machine is to shape and form plastic materials into desired products or parts.

Q2: What are the three main components of a second-hand injection molding machine?

A2: The three main components of a used injection molding machine are the injection unit, molding unit, and clamping system.

Q3: How does a second-hand injection molding machine work?

A2: The used injection molding machine works by heating the plastic material until it becomes molten, injecting it into a mold cavity, and then cooling and solidifying it to form the molded product.

Q4: What types of plastic materials can a used injection molding machine process?

A4: A variety of types plastics can be processed by a used injection molding machine, such as thermoplastics, thermosetting, and elastomers.

Q5: What are the advantages of a used injection molding machine?

A5: The benefits of a used injection molding machine include high production efficiency, accuracy in molding, flexibility in molding complex shapes, and cost-effectiveness for mass production.