The price of an injection molding machine ranges from approximately 50,000 to several million RMB, depending primarily on the clamping force tonnage: small tonnage (50 tons) is about ¥86,000–170,000 ($12,000–23,400); small-to-medium (90–200 tons) is about ¥150,000–250,000 (a new 90-ton machine is around ¥220,000, based on industry data); medium (300–450 tons) is about ¥210,000–500,000; and large (500 tons+) starts at ¥500,000 (a 520-ton main unit is around ¥500,000, with brand-related price fluctuations of 10–15%)—determine the product weight first, then select the tonnage.
I. Pricing by Tonnage (Core Factor)
20–150 tons (connectors/caps/medical parts): $30,000–$120,000; 50 tons (product development/prototyping): $12,000–$23,400; 120 tons: $7,300–$7,500 (basic model); 200–280 tons: $12,500–$16,000; 300 tons: $29,000–$29,600; 520 tons: Main unit approx. $500,000 (brands like Haitian)—price scales roughly linearly with tonnage (100 tons: ~$100k–$200k; 500 tons: ~$500k–$700k).
II. Hydraulic vs. Electric vs. Servo
Hydraulic machines: Lowest cost (traditional, high energy consumption);
Servo energy-saving machines: 10–20% more expensive than hydraulic (40–60% electricity savings, mainstream choice); All-electric machines: High precision + energy efficiency + cleanliness (medical/electronic parts), 30–50% more expensive than hydraulic; Brands: Haitian/Chen Hsong/Yizumi (domestic) are 30–60% cheaper than Engel/Arburg/Fanuc (European/US/Japanese)—servo energy-saving machines offer the best value (electricity savings cover the cost difference within a few years).
III. Reasons for Price Differences
Brand: Haitian (world’s top seller) offers good value for money; Yizumi A6 precision high-speed series costs over 800,000 RMB; Chen Hsong MK6 focuses on cost-effectiveness. Configuration: Servo/all-electric/accumulator/rapid-cycle (high-speed machines are more expensive). Clamping Structure: Toggle-style vs. direct-pressure (direct-pressure is more expensive). Auxiliary Equipment: Robots, mold temperature controllers, and dryers are calculated separately (approx. 80,000 RMB). Second-hand: A used 320-ton machine costs approx. 195,000 RMB (near-new condition)—a 50% price difference for the same tonnage (determined by brand, drive system, and precision).
IV.
Total Investment for Setting Up a Factory
Example (520-ton single machine): Main machine 500,000 RMB + auxiliary equipment 80,000 RMB + 3 sets of molds 150,000 RMB ≈ initial fixed investment of 730,000 RMB (factory premises and overhead cranes calculated separately). Raw Materials: PP approx. 9 RMB/kg (0.6 kg/piece × 2,400 cycles/day ≈ over 10,000 RMB/day in material costs). Labor: Operators and technicians. Electricity: High-power motors (servo systems save 40–60%). Molds: Mold costs often exceed machine costs (precision molds range from tens of thousands to hundreds of thousands of RMB)—buying an injection molding machine is not the same as opening an injection molding factory (costs for molds, auxiliary equipment, raw materials, and factory premises must all be factored in).
V. Purchasing Recommendations
First, calculate clamping force (projected product area × cavity pressure, allowing a 30% margin); second, select the drive system (servo-driven energy-saving machines are the mainstream choice); third, compare prices based on identical specifications (clearly list tonnage, clamping structure, injection capacity, and control system); fourth, consider used equipment (near-new machines can save 40–50%); and fifth, inquire about after-sales service (brands like Haitian and Chen Hsong have extensive nationwide service networks). — Injection molding machine pricing: small tonnage (80,000–200,000 RMB), medium (200,000–500,000 RMB), large (500,000+ RMB); all-electric or imported models are priced separately.
Key takeaways: determine tonnage based on the product, prioritize servo-driven machines, and compare prices based on equivalent specifications.
