Injection Molding Robot Selection Guide: 3 Steps to Lock in the Best Model, Save Money and Worry!

In the highly competitive manufacturing industry, improving efficiency, ensuring quality, and reducing costs are the core goals pursued by every injection molding workshop. Equipping your injection molding machine with a suitable injection molding robot arm is undoubtedly a "stroke of genius" to achieve this goal. It not only frees workers from high-temperature and repetitive labor but also enables 24/7 non-stop production, significantly enhancing product consistency and production efficiency.  

However, faced with a wide range of robotic arm models on the market, many people feel confused: Which one should I choose for my injection molding machine?    

Don’t worry. Today, we will simplify the complexity and help you select the most suitable "capable assistant" step by step based on your core needs.

Step 1: First, Look at the "Partner" – The Tonnage of Your Injection Molding Machine Is Key   

The first step in choosing an injection molding robot arm is never to look at the robotic arm itself, but to look at its future "partner" – your injection molding machine. The tonnage of the injection molding machine directly determines the size of the mold and the weight of the product, and thus determines the "working space" and "load capacity" required for the robotic arm.  

 Based on the tonnage of your injection molding machine, we can quickly narrow down a general selection range.  

Small and Medium-Sized Injection Molding Machines (160t - 470t):This is the most common range, usually used to produce small and medium-sized products such as mobile phone cases, small household appliance components, and daily plastic products. For this range, robotic arms with a vertical stroke of 800mm-1200mm are the ideal choice.   

Medium and Large Injection Molding Machines (500t - 1600t): These machines produce larger parts, such as automotive interior parts and large logistics boxes. This requires robotic arms that are more stable, have a longer arm span, and a longer vertical stroke of 1000mm-1800mm.  

Large Injection Molding Machines (1200t - 2800t): Used to produce extra-large parts, such as automotive bumpers and large trash cans. It is necessary to choose robotic arms with a sturdy structure, extremely strong load capacity, and a vertical stroke of 1800mm-2000mm.  

In short, "a small horse matches a small saddle, and a large horse matches a large saddle" – matching the tonnage is the foundation of safety and efficiency.  

Step 2: Clarify Your Needs – What Results Do You Want to Achieve in Production?   

After determining the tonnage range, the next step is to ask yourself: What is the main problem I want to solve by introducing a robotic arm?   

1. Pursue ultimate efficiency and have one person manage multiple machines?  

2. The product structure is complex, requiring internal core pulling or complex placement?   

3. Simply replace manual labor to complete simple removal and stacking? 

Your answer will directly determine the "functional configuration" of the robotic arm. 

Step 3: Match the Right Option – A Detailed Explanation of Three Types of Robotic Arm Selection Plans 

Combining the above two points, let’s take a detailed look at the types of robotic arms prepared for you, their respective capabilities, and the scenarios they are suitable for.   

Plan 1: The "All-Rounder" with Precision and Efficiency (Suitable for 160t - 470t Injection Molding Machines)   

This type of robotic arm belongs to our well-developed servo robotic arm series. It is characterized by precise operation, high speed, and high repeat positioning accuracy, making it very suitable for scenarios with high requirements for production cycles.   

• 3-Axis Servo Robot    

       Features: Simple structure and high cost-effectiveness. It has basic functions such as product removal, in-mold placement, and finished product stacking.    

       Suitable Scenarios:Simple removal operations for single-variety, large-batch products. It is the first choice for replacing manual labor and realizing automation.  

• 3-Axis Dual-Arm Servo Robot 

  Features: Equipped with primary and secondary arms, which can work in coordination like human hands.  

  Suitable Scenarios: Production of products with inserts (such as nuts and metal parts). The primary arm takes out the finished product, while the secondary arm places the inserts at the same time; or it can take out the product and the runner simultaneously to maximize efficiency.  

  
  

• 5-Axis Dual-Arm Servo Robot   

  Features: Two additional rotation axes are added on the basis of the dual arms, enabling more flexible movements.

  
  

Suitable Scenarios: Coping with complex processes. For example, products that need to be rotated 180 degrees in the mold to prevent deformation, or products that need to be taken out obliquely from complex molds. It can also complete complex actions such as robotic palletizing and placing into material frames. 

Summary: If your main injection molding machine is below 500 tons and the product weight is within 10kg, there will always be a model that meets your pursuit of precision and efficiency, depending on the complexity of the process.  

Plan 2: The "Powerhouse" with Great Strength and Stability (Suitable for Medium and Large Injection Molding Machines Above 500t)

When the tonnage of the injection molding machine increases, the molds and products become larger and heavier, requiring a more stable structure to ensure smooth operation. The Transverse Mechanical Arm is characterized by strong rigidity, stable operation, and a long arm span, making it the standard configuration for large injection molding machines. 

• (Applicable to 500 - 1200t, load capacity 20kg): An ideal partner for medium-sized injection molding machines, it can stably handle larger parts such as computer casings and chairs.

• (Applicable to 500 - 1600t, load capacity 20kg): It has a wide coverage range and stronger adaptability, providing sufficient operating space for larger-sized molds.  

• (Applicable to 1200 - 2800t, load capacity 50kg): A true "giant" expert, specially designed for extra-large products and molds, ensuring reliability and durability in heavy-duty operations.  

  
  

Summary: For injection molding machines above 500 tons, the Transverse Mechanical Arm is the only choice to ensure stable production and equipment safety. You only need to select the corresponding model based on the specific tonnage and product weight. 

Summary and Purchasing Recommendations   

To facilitate your quick decision-making, we have summarized a simple table:  

We hope this guide can help you cut through the confusion and find the "key" to unlock the door to automation. Choosing a suitable robotic arm is not only an equipment purchase but also an in-depth upgrade of production efficiency.   

 If you still have questions about specific models, please feel free to contact our technical consultants. We will provide one-on-one professional selection suggestions based on your specific products and mold conditions!