Injection Molding Machine – APSX-PIM V3
$13,500
The APSX-PIM makes plastic injection molding affordable and easy being an alternative to the traditional large injection molding machines.
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Technology:
PIM (Plastic Injection Molding)
On backorder
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Description
The APSX-PIM Automatic Plastic Injection Molding Machine makes plastic injection molding affordable and easy. Today, the APSX-PIM is an alternative to the traditionally expensive, overpowered and large injection molding machines used for production, R&D, prototyping, product design, education, research and other plastic part production environments. It is a perfect recipe for sustainable manufacturing. The PIM machine is capable of ejecting molded parts based on the type of mold you use. If you use a mold with ejector pins it will continuously eject (multi-mode). If you use a mold without ejector pins (like the test mold that comes with it) you will eject the part manually at the end of each cycle (60 secs, single-mode).
APSX-PIM Automatic Plastic Injection Molding Machine Advantages
OPTIMIZED RISK CONTROL
APSX Machines are engineered for simplicity in mind to maximize efficiency with minimal learning curve to save time and initial investment costs. APSX-PIM machines are user-friendly and intuitive, allowing your team to quickly adapt and operate them with ease. By minimizing the risk associated with complex machinery, APSX Machines empower your workforce to explore new product possibilities with no fear.
MINIMAL WASTE
APSX Machines facilitate eco-friendly production, promoting lean manufacturing and minimizing waste generation. We understand the importance of sustainability in today’s world, and our machines are built to reduce material waste during the production process.
PRECISION AND ACCURACY
APSX Machines ensure consistent industrial-quality outputs, delivering precise and accurate production results. Smaller doesn’t mean less capable. The repeatability is an important process parameter that most of the benchtop injectors can not offer. The APSX-PIM uses the latest available technology for precision and repeatability. The user screen offers multiple controls and is a user friendly one.
Compact Size
APSX Machines feature a space-saving and streamlined design, perfect for desktop or limited workspaces. A real injection machine without the typical compromises of desktop injection presses. The APSX-PIM is an automated injection molding machine and has the ability to make parts much more than a rough draft prototype plastic part. It can be moved into nearly any workbench and requires only basic 115VAC (US) or 230VAC (EU) wall outlet to operate. Standard mold size is 6″ by 4.8″ as it is stated for the Blank Mold available here. The mold installation process can be done in 15 minutes.
HIGH ADAPTABILITY
APSX Machines seamlessly adapt to flexible and responsive production needs with quick setup times. As a business, you understand the importance of being agile and responsive to market demands. APSX Machines offer the flexibility you need to switch between different production requirements with ease.
COST-EFFECTIVE PERFORMANCE
APSX Machines offer cost-effective performance by minimizing both initial and ongoing operational costs. Their small batch capabilities enable optimal production efficiency while maintaining cost control.
TIME TO MARKET FASTER
APSX Machines enable rapid manufacturing with a short learning curve and simple setup procedures, ensuring agility and fast time-to-market. In today’s competitive landscape, being the first to market can make all the difference. APSX Machines empower you to accelerate your production process, reduce lead times, and gain a competitive edge.
KEY FEATURES OF APSX-PIM
- Compact design (4 ft by 1 ft footprint)
- Strong body structure with stainless steel, hard anodized aluminum parts
- Stainless steel barrel and case hardened steel plunger with hard chrome plating
- All electric and no water-coolant system
- Full automatic (MULTI MODE) with precision sensors
- Auto Heat Off after 5 minutes inactivity
- Delay time control in between injection cycles
- Injection speed control for fill rate
- Electronic temperature control system
- Multi heat configurable zone control (330C max barrel temperature)
- User touch screen for operational control with injection performance chart (injection pressure/injection volume vs time)
- Typically 60 secs per injection cycle (clamp opens and ejects parts every 60 secs)
This plastic injection molder creates quality parts that are consistent, easily repeatable and affordably produced. You can create low-cost components rapidly without complex setup or large up-front costs. The complex plastic part features such as molding internal threads, micro molding, overmolding and thin wall molding can be made without high cost molds. The aluminum tooling is perfectly fine for niche applications such as medical device or other medical applications for the medical industry or other similar industries. The APSX-PIM can replace the cnc machining parts by using tough plastics such as Delrin and Polycarbonate for a better surface finish and much shorter cycle times.
MATERIAL TIPS WITH APSX-PIM
When utilizing the APSX-PIM injection molding machine to create plastic parts, it is essential to have a thorough understanding of the specifications provided by the manufacturers for the plastic materials. If you are just starting out we would recommend working with PP or HDPE/LDPE. Once you get more experience ABS is likely the next easiest option. ABS is very easy to mold and drying is also very easy—hot air oven is acceptable—plus it’s an amorphous material so it doesn’t really melt. It just continues to soften and has very low, predictable shrinkage (.6%). PA (Nylon) is less load on the mold because the melt viscosity is low (more like PP), but PA is more difficult to dry and process. We suggest avoiding POM (Delrin, Acetal) and PVC (Vinyl) unless absolutely necessary because both of these materials can cause unintended side effects of processing (POM is explosive + flammable gas; PVC is highly corrosive) and mixing the 2 of these at even a very small % will immediately create a toxic environment that could lead to fires and explosions as well as clouds of formaldehyde gas. There are so many nuances to molding, but most manufacturers of engineering materials have good process guides explaining drying, plasticizing, mold/gate design, etc specific for their materials and you can usually find this with a simple web search. A good resource is the free UL Prospector site which has a huge database of materials, data sheets, and process guides
Physical Properties
One critical specification is the Melt Flow Rate (MFR), measured in grams per 10 minutes using the ASTM D1238 (230C/2.16kg) test procedure. APSX-PIM performs best with materials having an MFR higher than 3. A higher MFR value indicates better suitability for the machine.
This article explains the Melt Flow Index concept in more detail: Assess the Flowability of Polymers.
Injection Properties
Drying temperature and drying time: Certain materials require a drying process before use. Failing to dry the material adequately can result in poor part quality due to moisture content. Using a small oven for drying is recommended. For further details on the drying process, refer to the provided resource.
This article also a helpful one to read about the drying process.
Processing Temperature: Each plastic material has a designated temperature range for processing. It is important not to exceed 310 degrees Celsius, as the APSX-PIM barrel temperature has a maximum limit. The majority of plastic materials used in injection molding fall within this range. However, exotic materials like Peek or Ultem may have processing temperatures close to 400 degrees Celsius.
End-Use Needs
When selecting a plastic material for injection molding, it is crucial to consider both the part design features and the specific requirements of the end-use application. This decision influences the mold design, which should accommodate the chosen plastic’s shrinkage ratio. It is important to note that molds cannot be universally used for all plastics; each material requires careful consideration and customized mold design to ensure optimal results.
Polypropylene (PP) is commonly recommended, while glass-filled Polypropylene (PP-GF) can be a suitable alternative for ABS-like properties. PP does not require drying and is considered user-friendly. HDPE, TPE, and TPO are also user-friendly choices.
For thin walls, high-flow materials like Nylon are recommended.
Delrin (Acetal) is a high-strength material suitable for replacing metal parts. Polycarbonate (PC) can be used for a clear appearance, but chemical resistance may be a concern.
Sourcing and Market Conditions
Market conditions, including oil prices, pandemics, labor shortages, and natural disasters, can significantly impact the cost and availability of raw materials. Choosing common materials provides flexibility and a wider range of sourcing options in case of shortages or market fluctuations.
Surface Finish Requirements
Consider the desired surface finish type when selecting a material. For example, a rubbery texture may be essential for parts like handles to ensure a comfortable grip.
Molecular Compatibility
When planning to paint, weld, or overmold the part, it is crucial to select a material that is compatible with these processes. Not all plastics can be painted or bonded effectively.
Environmental Exposure and Regulatory Requirements
For outdoor applications, consider environmental exposure factors. UV protection is often necessary. In cases involving food-related part production, regulatory requirements, such as FDA approval, must be met.
By considering these specifications and requirements for plastic materials, you can ensure optimal performance and high-quality production when using the APSX-PIM injection molding machine.
APSX-PIM Automatic Plastic Injection Molding Machine Application Examples
- Brand APSX
- Technology PIM (Plastic Injection Molding)
- Country of origin USA
- Piston Diameter 1in / 2.54cm
- Injection Volume 1.83cu-in / 30cu-cm
- Injection Pressure 5000psi / 345bar
- Clamping Force 11023lbs / 5tons
- Opening Stroke w/ & w/o Ejector Plate 5.5-7.0in / 13.97-17.78cm
- Plastic Materials for Injection Polycarbonate (PC), Acetal (Delrin), ABS, PC/ABS, Nylon (PA6), Polypropylene (PP), Polystyrene (PS), Polyethylene (PE), Thermoplastic Polyolefin (TPO)
- Max. Processing temp. 626°F / 330°C
- Standard Mold Size (W×H) 4.8×6.0in / 12.19×15.24cm
- Steel Bar Frame Diameter 1in / 2.54cm
- Tie Bar Top Clearance 5 in/ 12.7cm
- Min. Power Supply 115V
- Heating Power 1400 W
- Shipping Crate Dimensions 48×16×19in / 122×40.6×48.3cm
- Machine Dimensions (L×W×H) 43×10×15in / 109×25.4×38mm
- Weight 250lbs / 113kg
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