5 Essential Features of Injection Molding Machine : Automakers Need to Know
Injection molding machines are used as the key equipment of automotive parts production lines for the production of plastic parts. A reliable operation and durable performance of these machines are very important for vehicle quality. Automakers should pay more attention to a series of customized requirements to the injection molding machines based on the actual situation so as to carry out stable, efficient and flexible operations of their production lines. Based on CLF’s experiences, we list 5 features of injection molding machines for automotive manufacturers as the tips.
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Light-weight：Bigger mold with smaller clamping force
The automotive industry has been trending towards more light-weight parts, which is good for the industry. The problem is, some of these parts are still big in size, so they need to be made with large injection machines. This means that OEMs prefer buying large equipment with small clamping forces or exchanging smaller screw/injection unit, which could save money.
This can be remedied by making sure that your mold size matches up with the right clamping force for your application. If you're making a bumper, then buy an injection molding machine with a large tonnage but small clamping force. If you're making something like an engine cover or other similar part where weight isn't an issue, then buying an injection molding machine based on your product size and weight would be fine.
With more and more demands showing up, CLF has developed TWII series as an exclusive injection molding machine for wide, deep or long mold products.
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Light-weight：Using composite material
In order to achieve light weight and increase strength, many automotive parts are made from composite materials (CM).
In order to ensure that the CM does not stick in the screw or barrel of your injection machine, we recommend a special process for the surface of your screw. This process will ensure abrasion resistance and make sure that the surface of your product is smooth.
Moreover, due to high viscosity and low fluidity of material, you need an injection molding machine with high injection pressure. If the pressure is too low, the surface of the product would not be smooth. Take car lights as an example, to certify excellent quality, we use optical PC PMMA specific barrel set with a smooth surface that the FRP can easily pass through. This solution makes sure that the CM won’t get stuck in the screw or barrel that might cause black specks.
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Productive efficiency：Multiple manufacture-processing in one machine
Some interior parts such as the dashboard and door panel need special or multiple processing in production. Now, with improving techniques and flexible customization, CLF has dedicated itself to combining the processes in one machine. We help customers to save production time and increase productive efficiency.
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Product diversification：Multi-colored/Co-injection injection molding machine
Flexible and creative product design causes product diversity, increases brand image and brand awareness, and also brings business opportunities. We have been asked to adjust the injection machine to meet the production requirement for multicolored products. We see opportunity in the trend where more and more auto parts are not only functional but also beautiful.
In terms of this customization, the production of car lights would be a good example. CLF has developed 2 color 2 stage, 3 color 2 stage, 3 color 3 stage, 4 color 4 stage, 4 kinds of multi-color injection machines for a car light manufacturer.
Read also : Two Platen Plastic Injection Molding Machine for car light
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Space-saving：Two-platen injection molding machine
We all know that space-saving is the demand trend that more and more auto part makers need for their injection molding machine. CLF two-platen injection molding machines are designed to save space, but still give you the flexibility of customization that you need. We have several successful cases of using this series to produce multi-color car lights and then reordering more.
Read also : 3 Tips to Plastic Injection Molding for Auto Parts
Custom Injection Molding Machine with CLF
If you're an automaker, you know that the competition is fierce and your customers are always demanding more. Injection molding machines can help you meet those demands by providing high-quality products in a timely manner. In order to provide the best possible products and services, it's important to have the right equipment.
Lightweight is a big concern for automotive manufacturers, and the best way to achieve lightweight is through composite materials. Automotive manufacturers also want products with colorful designs and diversification capabilities. For this, you'll need a multi-color/co-injection molding machine. Finally, if you have limited space or other restrictions on the size of your machine, it's important to be aware of those limitations so that you can get the most efficient production possible.
To learn more about our all injection molding machines, check out our product page, Horizontal Injection Molding Machine, or reach out to the team today.
