Buying Multi-color Plastic Injection Molding Machine? Don't Miss These 3 Factors

As the plastic industry advances, manufacturers are looking to multi-color plastic injection molding as a means to expand business opportunities and produce innovative, high-quality products. With the growing demand for multi-color plastic injection molding, it is crucial to understand the factors in selecting the appropriate equipment. In this article, we will explore 3 key considerations to keep in mind when purchasing a multi-color plastic injection machine.

What is Multi-color Plastic Injection Molding ?

Multi-color plastic injection molding, also known as twin-shot plastic injection molding, is a process where two or more colors or materials are injected simultaneously into a mold, creating one or multiple components. Nowadays, in order to increase business opportunities, more and more manufacturers ask for multi-color plastic injection molding machines. This allows for greater design freedom and can help you stand out from your competitors.

Multi-Color Plastic Injection Molding Process

The process starts with an existing mold (or master tool) that has been designed for use with multi-component injection molding machines, which are capable of producing multiple components simultaneously within one cavity. Before beginning production on this type of machine, it's important to understand how twin-shot or multi-component injection molding works and what kinds of benefits it offers over traditional single-cavity processes like rotating or reciprocating screw machines (also known as "single shot").

3 Factors to Consider Before Purchasing a Multi-Color Plastic Injection Molding Machine

Virtually, the injection molding process remains the same as traditional injection molding. However, the integration of additional injection units is required. Commonly the number of the additional injection units can range from 2 to 6, one for each material or color. However, since there are more demands on multi-color, there are 3 critical factors you need to know before purchasing the equipment.

1. Diversity of product design

Due to multi-color injection molding technology has been used; the process, cost and quality of colorful plastic products have improved. However, with the growth of the plastic industry, many companies develop diversity of product design to strengthen their business. In order to make innovative and beautiful products, two-separated color, mixed color, strip pattern or pattern with special multi-color effect, many kinds of colorful products show up. Moreover, in some specific industries, multi-material is also a common requirement for plastic injection molding machines. For example, car light is a plastic product that needs not only multi-color but also multi-material to produce. Nevertheless, different types of multi-color/material products need different injection molding processes to support. Based on its type, the characteristics of material, temperature, injection speed and pressure are the factors to consider and adjust, which develop to multiple designs of injection units. Therefore, to identify your product design is essential.

2. More complicated mold design

Secondly, the design of molds for multi-color products tends to be complex. As mentioned earlier, there is a wide variety of colorful products. When designing the mold, it is crucial to consider not only the product's shape but also the injection layers. Since the mold design is closely tied to the injection molding machine and process, it is essential for them to be compatible. Otherwise, it can lead to increased production costs and defects. Based on our experience, the more comprehensive our understanding of the mold design prior to machine construction, the better the alignment between the mold and machine. Additionally, if you are planning to establish a new product line, it is advisable to engage in discussions with relevant vendors regarding your product design in order to create a suitable mold and plastic injection molding machine.

3. Different design of machine structure/injection units

Based on the previous two points, lastly, the structure of the machine or the design of injection units is a key factor that could directly affect the injection molding process. Overall, it can be divided as two types: separated injection and co-injection. Separated injection also known as two-shot injection or bi-injection, which means two injection units shot separately. It is usually used in multi-color products that the colors are separated. The position for extra injection units to add should match up the mold.

Sometimes, it will add a rotary table for precision due to the mold design. The degree for the rotary table to move can affect the precision. On the other hand, the co-injection design is used in mixed colors, patterns with special multi-color effect or special layers of products. Two injection units with a specially designed injection nozzle can lead to different effects, such as marble or striped pattern. Although there are certain designs of machine and injection units, considering your product design, mold design and cost, it could set up many kinds of injection processes. To find out the most valuable one is important.

Wide Range Applications

Multi-color plastic injection molding has a wide range of applications in various industries.

• Automotive industry

  One of the most common applications is in the automotive industry, where multicolor parts are used in car interiors, exteriors, and lighting systems.

  
  

  Read also: 5 Essential Features of Injection Molding Machine : Automakers Need to Know

• Consumer goods industry

  Another industry that benefits from multi-color injection molding is the consumer goods industry, where products such as toys, household appliances, and electronic devices are made.

• Healthcare industry

  Multi-color injection molding is also used in the healthcare industry for producing medical devices and equipment. In addition, the packaging industry uses multi-color injection molding to produce high-quality and visually appealing packaging products.

Overall, multi-color plastic injection molding has become a critical technology in many industries, where the demand for high-quality, visually appealing, and innovative products is increasing.

To sum up, multi-color plastic injection molding has greatly helped the plastic industry into pushing towards innovating their techniques in design and production, eventually leading to better quality products. As the plastic industry continues to grow, expect multi-color plastic injection molding machines to play a huge role in shaping the innovations in the industry.

Taking the Next Step : Exploring Our Multi-Color Plastic Injection Molding Machines

If you're ready to take your multi-color plastic injection molding process to the next level, we invite you to explore our wide ranges of multi-color injection molding machines. The machines we offer are designed specifically for companies and manufacturers looking to produce high quality parts in a variety of colors and materials. Ｏur TWR/TWIIR series multi-color/material plastic injection molding machine offers rotary table, separated injection and co-injection as selection designs for customers, which might be your ideal choice!

Read also: CLF TWR/TWIIR Machine Specification

If you have any questions or would like more information on how our machines can help your business succeed, please contact us!