3 Essential Types of Auxiliary Equipment for Injection Molding

Introduction

Injection molding is the backbone of modern plastics manufacturing, producing everything from automotive components to medical devices. However, the efficiency, consistency, and quality of molded parts depend not just on the injection molding machine (IMM) itself but also on the auxiliary equipment that supports it. These machines ensure optimal material handling, temperature control, and automation, improving productivity while minimizing waste.

As an injection molding unit owner, I’ve personally experienced the impact of integrating auxiliary equipment into production. From investing in a hopper loader to optimize material handling to using a mold temperature controller for high-temperature resins, these tools have made a substantial difference in efficiency and product quality.

It is also essential to know the injection molding capacity before selecting the right auxiliary machine. Calculate the tonnage of your machine here.

This blog explores the three primary categories of auxiliary equipment used in injection molding:

1. Pre-Injection Molding Equipment

2. During Injection Molding Equipment

3. Post-Injection Molding Equipment

1. Pre-Injection Molding Equipment: Material Handling & Preparation

Before the injection molding process begins, raw materials must be properly stored, conveyed, dried, and blended to ensure consistent part quality. The equipment used in this phase plays a crucial role in eliminating moisture, contamination, and material inconsistencies.

Key Equipment for Pre-Injection Molding

Personal Experience: Upgrading to a Hopper Loader and Dryer

At my injection molding facility, we primarily mold nylon, which is highly hygroscopic—meaning it readily absorbs moisture. Initially, our workers manually loaded material into the machines, which was time-consuming and labor-intensive. We decided to invest in a Shini Hopper Loader, an automatic material loading system.

The impact was immediate:

• Increased productivity: Workers no longer had to manually load raw materials, reducing downtime.

• Better moisture control: The system ensured a steady and consistent feed of properly dried nylon.

• Higher part quality: Our final products had fewer defects due to moisture-related inconsistencies.

This one upgrade alone significantly improved efficiency and part consistency while reducing labor efforts.

2. During Injection Molding: Process Stability & Temperature Control

Once the material is melted and injected into the mold, maintaining precise temperature control is essential to achieving high-quality molded parts. Improper mold temperatures can cause defects such as warping, sink marks, or incomplete filling.

Key Equipment for During Injection Molding

Personal Experience: Using a Mold Temperature Controller for PPS

One of our customers required parts molded from Polyphenylene Sulfide (PPS), a high-heat engineering thermoplastic. Unlike standard plastics, PPS requires high mold temperatures, meaning that molds cannot simply be kept at room temperature. Instead, heated oil must be circulated through the mold to maintain consistent heat levels.

To address this, we invested in a Mold Temperature Controller (MTC). This decision led to:

• Improved part quality: The MTC ensured that our PPS parts had the right structural integrity and surface finish.

• Consistent cycle times: The system maintained the mold at the optimal temperature, reducing variations.

• Reduced scrap rates: By avoiding temperature fluctuations, we minimized defects, saving material and cost.

Without this upgrade, molding PPS parts would have been nearly impossible while maintaining efficiency and quality.

3. Post-Injection Molding: Automation & Scrap Management

Once a part is molded, auxiliary equipment helps automate the removal, handling, and recycling of finished products and scrap materials. This stage is crucial for minimizing labor costs, improving efficiency, and maximizing material reusability.

Key Equipment for Post-Injection Molding

Personal Experience: Implementing a Robotic Arm

With increasing labor shortages especially in Mumbai, manually removing parts from the molding machine became inefficient and inconsistent. We decided to integrate a robotic arm for part removal, and the results were remarkable:

• Higher efficiency: The robotic arm consistently removed parts without errors, reducing cycle times.

• Lower labor dependency: We no longer needed to allocate workers for repetitive part-picking tasks.

• Improved quality control: The automation ensured gentle and precise part handling, reducing cosmetic defects.

This investment streamlined our production, allowing us to meet higher demand without additional labor costs.

Before investing in a robotic arm, it is critical to design the mold correctly keeping in mind the considertions of the movement of the arm. Read this to design the mold correctly.

Conclusion

Auxiliary equipment is the unsung hero of injection molding, ensuring raw materials are properly prepared, processes remain stable, and finished parts are handled efficiently. My personal experience integrating these tools into my manufacturing unit has proven their value firsthand.

Make us of this experience and get the quality right the very first time. Contact Plast Fab and get a free quote in just one day!

By investing in the right auxiliary equipment—whether it's a hopper loader for material handling, an MTC for temperature control, or a robotic arm for automation—manufacturers can significantly enhance their efficiency, part quality, and overall productivity.

If you're in the injection molding industry, upgrading your auxiliary equipment could be the key to staying ahead in an increasingly competitive market.