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Two-platen injection molding machines trends and development
The injection molding machine market is projected to reach USD 4.86 Billion by 2021, registering a CAGR of 2.2% between 2016 and 2021. The market is driven by the rapid growth of the automotive and packaging industries in the Asia-Pacific region. Among various machine types, the application of two-platen injection molding machines have grown particularly fast due to the fact that they are highly compact and energy efficient. For the past few years, many Chinese injection machine makers have already focused on the development of two-platen injection molding machines. The two-platen injection molding machines have become the mainstream for medium-and-large sized parts production.
Greater clamping force
Two-platen injection molding machine is usually under developing for the tonnage of over 1000 ton (clamping force over 10000KN). Now two-platen injection molding machines have become more commonly used because they attain a number of great features, for instances, lighter in weight smaller in size, better daylight and larger stroke maximum, etc. They are more energy saving and very suitable for injection molding larger parts. In addition, their speed can be as high as the traditional three-platen toggle injection molding machines. And in fact with years of development, the two-platen machine`s is getting much faster and more precise than three-platen one.
Hydraulic + electric powers
Two-platen injection molding machine adopts hybrid electro-hydraulic technology, combining advantages of both electric and hydraulic powers. The machine equips electric motors for plasticizing and injection while hydraulic powers for clamping and other processes. In addition, the combination of these two powers allows the machine to achieve high precision, fast, energy-saving, environmental friendliness. In the coming future, the hybrid technology will be further optimized so as to improve the overall performance of the machine.
Multi-material injection
Multi-material injection molding is becoming increasingly popular across multiple industries. The process is based on the injection of two or more materials in a single mould and process. Its advantages include increased production, enhancing the product’s value, improving the aesthetic design and products, increase in mechanical features, reduction of part assembly, which allows for a cheaper product, as well as high personalization of the final results.
More intelligent
The typical injection molding machine is focused primarily on producing parts of sufficient quality while limiting costs. However, many manufacturers and molders who embrace the broad concept of intelligent manufacturing or Industry 4.0 are upgrading their fundamental practices so that the process can be optimized and molding capacity can be utilized most effectively to ensure a healthy profit.
Machines have become more intelligent or smarter. They can easily integrate peripherals, analyze and regulate process parameters, centralize data management, and provide far-reaching assistance and support functions. Although there is still quite a long way to go before achieving those objectives completely, progress is being made every day.
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