Vertical versus horizontal injection moulding for plastic components operates based on the same general concept of injection moulding. The injection moulding for plastic components works by injecting liquid plastic into a mould which takes the form of the mould cavity just as the material hardens. Each injection moulding machine offers unique benefits and has application suitability.
The main difference between vertical versus horizontal injection moulding for plastic components is the movement of the mould and its configuration.
The vertical injection moulding for plastic process
In vertical injection moulding, the movement is such that the two halves of the mould move vertically, up and down, to open and close. It is on top of the mould where the injection mechanism is generally located. The mould cavities are filled through gravity which has a main role to play in addition to the injection pressure. This helps with the filling time and consistency.
The vertical injection moulding machine is designed with open clamps and rotary tables. This facilitates work with multiple moulds and simultaneous operations. They include pre-moulding, injection moulding, and post-moulding. The outcome would be less need for manual operation and intervention, further resulting in higher efficiency, increase in productivity, and reduction in costs.
One primary difference between vertical versus horizontal injection moulding for plastic components is that in vertical injection moulding machine pieces do not automatically fall out of the mould after being ejected and in vertical moulds, the ejected pieces must be extracted by hand or robotic arm which is not the case of horizontal moulds in the horizontal injection moulding machine.
The vertical injection moulding machine for plastic components is used for multiple concurrent operations: and to insert and in overmoulding.
The advantages of vertical injection moulding machine are:
They have a more consistent material flow and temperature distribution.
Beneficial for insert moulding mainly in comparison with older or more basic horizontal moulding machines.
These machines can be manually operated easily and used with revolving tables to create inlays and combination parts.
The typical horizontal moulding machines are twice the size of the machine footprint.
There is low pressure and low clamping force required as gravity has a main role in the process.
The disadvantages of vertical injection moulding machine
It is time-consuming to perform manual part removal.
During removal by robots or human operators, the parts may be damaged.
Removal timing must be precise, which is more difficult in a manual process.
Manual removal steps can make for inconsistent cycle times.
Horizontal injection moulding machine for plastic components has categorically been the more commonly used type of injection moulding; however; it is not considered to be essentially superior. On examination it is determined that each method has distinct applications, each having its own set of pros and cons.
The mould opens and closes along a horizontal axis in horizontal injection moulding.
This configuration has features of being consistent and filling the mould cavities, ensuring proper packing and cooling, and the right injection pressure is required.
The horizontal moulds are typically built with more cavities than their vertical counterparts and are thus able to produce more parts per cycle.
The horizontal injection moulding machine is most suitable for cylindrical parts and they are generally used for higher-volume production runs. It is beneficial for standard moulding that does not need inserts or overmoulds
The advantages of horizontal injection moulding machines are:
It exhibits efficiency in parts produced per cycle.
These horizontal injection moulding machines are a more common type of machine, with various options available that include hydraulic or electric options.
It has consistent cycle times and displays continuous operation.
The disadvantages of horizontal injection moulding machines are:
Here the insert moulding is inefficient and a lot more difficult.
When compared to vertical moulding machines these machines take a larger footprint.
In the case of these machines, each process has unique strengths and scenarios for which it is suitable. For example, the right choice for insert moulding is vertical injection moulding always.
Wizaps’s injection moulding machines are highly reliable. Our machines ensure long-term and high-performance operation. Wizaps’s injection moulding machines manufacturing process uses superior quality components.
Our high-quality and high-durability components ensure that there is no requirement for frequent maintenance, repair, or any other hassles.
Wizaps’s Plastic Injection Moulding Machine is of high quality & displays high efficiency.