Many factors influence the real and commercial value of a press which, if not considered, could lead to numerous problems

The used press market is perhaps one of the most prosperous and active in the world among plastics production machinery in the world.

Even in injection presses for plastic materials , technological evolution has taken on a fundamental role, not only in terms of working performance, therefore speed, dimensions of the moldable pieces, accessories and many other things, but also in the field of energy saving and the reduction of maintenance costs.

The life of injection molding machines is quite long, and this is why the used market has taken on an important dimension in the plastics sector.

For those who intend to purchase a used injection press for plastic materials, it is important to understand the qualitative status of the machine they are interested in, so as not to waste money and, not to be overlooked, find themselves with a production plant in the company that does not respect the required expectations.

Therefore, evaluating the quality and value of a used plastics baler requires a combination of visual inspections, mechanical and documentation tests.

How and what to evaluate in a press for plastic materials

There are some important steps to take in order to evaluate the quality of a press you want to purchase:

Documentation and History of the Machine

- Check the presence of manuals, maintenance records and certifications

- Check the construction date and the operating life of the machine expressed in hours worked

- Examine any previous problems or repairs

Visual inspection

- Examine the exterior for wear, cracks, rust or other signs of damage

- Make sure all panels, covers and guards are in place and in good condition

- Check that there are no oil or other fluid leaks.

Functional test

- Turn on the machine and operate all its components, checking that it works without problems or strange noises.

- Check pressure, temperature and other specifications to ensure they are within specified ranges

Components and Accessories

- Examine the condition of key components such as cylinders, screws, motors and electronic systems

- Check the availability and condition of included accessories, such as manipulators or extractors.

Software and Controls

- Check that the control software is updated and working

- Make sure all controls and displays are working properly.

Economic Evaluation

- Compare the asking price with the current market value of similar machines

- Consider the current supply and demand in your local market.

Verification of Compliance

- Make sure the machine complies with local regulations and standards for safety and energy efficiency.

In general, the condition, age, brand, technical specifications and demand in the market determine the value of a used plastic baler.

What parts of a used injection molding machine cost the most if worn?

Plastic injection molding machines are complex machines, and some of their components are particularly expensive to replace or repair if worn or damaged.

Let's see some of the parts of an injection molding machine which, if worn, can lead to significant costs:

Lamination Unit

Injection Screw . It is responsible for injecting the molten material into the mold cavity. A used or damaged screw can affect the quality of the finished product and the consistency of the process.

Injection cylinder (or channel) . It works in tandem with the screw. If corroded or used, it can affect the quality of the lamination and, therefore, the product.

Closing Unit . If deformed or damaged, they can affect the correct closure of the mold, causing problems such as material leakage or the formation of non-compliant pieces.

Hydraulic system

Hydraulic Pumps . They power the movement of many parts of the injection molding machine. If they are used or damaged, they can compromise the entire operation of the machine.

Electrical Systems

Control Panel . It is the operational brain of the press. If damaged or obsolete, it can be expensive to replace, and without it, the machine may not function properly. Also make sure that all screens, buttons and levers are working properly and check for any signs of burns or damage.

Servomotors and Drives . These components are essential for the precise movement and functionality of the machine. If they fail, they can be expensive to repair or replace.

Cables and Connectors . Examine the wiring for any signs of wear, damage, or burns.

Sensors and Transducers . Check that the temperature, pressure and position sensors are working properly and are calibrated.

Cooling Systems

An inefficient cooling unit can lead to overheating and potential damage to other parts of the machine. Replacing or repairing the cooling system can be expensive.

Security systems

While essential for operational safety, replacing advanced safety systems can be costly.

It is always important to keep in mind that prevention through regular and proper maintenance can often avoid costly damage and extend the life of your machine.

If you are considering purchasing a used injection molding machine , it would be wise to do a thorough inspection of these critical parts or have an experienced technician perform the evaluation.