To remain competitive in plastic production, companies must make wise investment decisions. A used injection molding machine has the capability of providing the same quality output as a new machine at a very low cost. A injection molding machine is a strategic decision to save money and time, mainly for small and medium enterprises. 

For instance, this article will look at how to use a used injection molding machine with appropriate injection mold tooling. how injection mold technology upgrades can assist manufacturers to become very competitive in the competitive injection molding of plastics.

Understanding the Injection Molding Process

Injection molding of plastics is the most important manufacturing process to make various plastic parts, i.e., automobile parts and consumer electronics. Essentially, the concept is based on melting plastic pellets and injecting molten material into a mold to manufacture parts with complex geometrical tolerances and accuracies.

Injection molding of plastics does not vary with the injection molding machine being a new or a used injection molding machine. More importantly, this machine has the capacity to produce constant pressure, temperatures, and cycles. This guarantees the production of quality parts with minimal defects. With injection mold tooling, a used machine can achieve high quality again, which makes it a good option to use among most manufacturers.

The Financial Advantage of Buying a Used Injection Molding Machine

Buying a new plastic injection molding machine is characterized as being fairly expensive. On the other hand, a used injection molding machine is 40-60% less expensive than a new one and saves a huge amount of money without an impact on the functionality. Such savings help manufacturers to reinvest in some critical aspects such as production molding, model development, and recruiting qualified employees.

In addition, the manufacturers also save the cost of a new machine whilst still being able to maintain the quality of their production by utilizing used machines. Moreover, they deliver faster investment paybacks (ROI) in short- to mid-volume production molding.

Reliability of Used Injection Molding Machines

The other myth about used injection molding machines is that they are not very reliable. Contrary to common belief, they are well-kept machines that work as well as new ones. Technicians can properly inspect the hydraulic pumps, electrical controls, and mechanical parts to ensure the pump remains usable for many years.

In buying a used injection mold molding machine, therefore, checking on what state the injection mold tooling is in is a very important point. The presence of these essential parts in excellent condition ensures the reliability and performance of a machine in carrying out the more complicated activities like insert molding.

Matching with Injection Mold Tooling

The compatibility of the used equipment with the existing injection mold tooling is one of the issues when buying the used equipment. Not all machines accept all molds. For this reason, ensure compatibility of mold size, tonnage, and ejector system.

Examples include the fact that production molding can be ineffective in case of tooling mismatch. The platen size has to be the same, as well as the clamp strength and ejector piston stroke of a machine with the injection mold tooling, to have a trouble-free production process. Otherwise, mismatched tooling increases changeover time and retrofit costs and inefficient processes.

Can Used Machines Support Inserts in Injection Molding?

Yes, used injection molding machines can support inserts in injection molding operations. Inserts in injection molding involve embedding components like metal parts or threads into a plastic part during the molding process. Manufacturers can effectively carry out this mixed manufacturing process using older machines that control temperature, pressure, and time well.

Insert molding is done on many Injection molding machine cost, and the final product is not affected by the fact that it was used. Such work can be carried out by machines with current injection mold tooling and automation aids, and therefore machines that are considered used machines can be as effective as new machines in the line of work.

Calculating the Production Value of Used Machines

In production molding, the consistency is the important thing. A used injection molding machine, when cleaned, well-maintained, and fitted with new controls, can immensely help manufacturers produce standard parts with high output. Such machines might lack advanced functionality, such as IoT connectivity or energy monitoring; however, manufacturers can equip them with third-party devices or software updates.

In judging the production value of used equipment, consider the capacity of high output, minimal downtime, and potential of upgrading the older system to new technology, e.g., upgrading of servo motors or retrofitting the control panel.

Environmental and Business Sustainability

Using used injection molding machines contributes to sustainability efforts in the manufacturing industry. Extending the life span of old devices helps a manufacturer to cut down on garbage and save resources and lower carbon footprint. It is of special concern when businesses seek to work towards an eco-certification or participate in sustainability efforts.

Used machines also help manufacturers meet production schedules without wasting time waiting for new equipment, which can take a long time to arrive. Such operational efficiency assists the businesses in remaining competitive and more environmentally responsible.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid When Purchasing a Used Injection Molding Machine

While buying a used machine can be beneficial, there are pitfalls to avoid. For Example

• Not Testing the Machine: When buying the machine, do a test run or a demonstration every time.
• Ignoring Critical Parts: Gloves on clamps, heaters, and electrical controls should be checked.
• Neglecting Tooling Compatibility: Ensure the injection mold tooling is compatible with the machine before making the purchase.
• Ignoring Spare Parts Availability: See whether the availability of spare parts is also easy in your vicinity.

Who Should Consider Buying a Used plastic Injection Molding Machine?

Used injection molding machines can offer attractive solutions to manufacturers of all sizes. Some of the companies that ought to consider purchasing used machines include:

• Startups: They do not have to invest massively in plastics.

• Established Manufacturers: Expanding capacity or replacing old equipment.
• Specialized Producers: Needing a backup machine for specific product lines.
• R&D Teams: Testing new tooling or plastic formulations with minimal investment.
  

Case Study: Scaling Efficiently with Second-Hand Machines

In one case, a toy factory in Southeast Asia bought three secondhand machines of 100 tons capacity to cope with seasonality in production. These were well-maintained machines, and after carrying out a slight retrofitting, they were incorporated into the work system within the firm.

In a span of one year,

• The production capacity will be increased by 45%.
• The ROI of the installation is also 8 months.
• Under 2% downtime per month.

The current success story explains why used injection molding machines can be used to attain high production growth goals without incurring vast expenditures on some new machines.

FAQs

What are the key things to consider when you are purchasing a used injection molding machine?

Check hydraulics, wear on the screw and barrel, life of the control unit, condition of the platen, and the service history.

can I bring my own already made Injection Mold Tooling with a used machine?

Yes, provided the platen size, clamp force, and ejector stroke align with your tooling.

Can insert molding be done using a secondhand machine?

Yes, provided that the machine can control pressure and time accurately.

Are machines of old age able to deal with the heavy production?

Yes, most of the well-maintained used machines work efficiently in the high-volume production circumstances.

Between refurbished and as-is machines, which will be the best choice?

The refurbished machines are more reliable, but they cost more. In the case of purchasing as-is, be sure to have a thorough inspection and testing.