Injection molding is a relatively simple concept in terms of design from Eden Hamilton's blog

At least a portion of any product available on the market today is comprised of items created through injection molding; it is one of the most efficient manufacturing methods available because of its ability to mass-produce plastic objects at a low cost. Products made through injection molding can be found everywhere, from bottle caps to plastic smartphone housings.

A mold is made, usually out of aluminum, and then molten plastic is forced into the mold and allowed to cool before being reused. Once the plastic has hardened, the mold is opened and the part is carefully removed from the cavity. After that, the mold is ready to be reused. When using larger molds and machines, each mold can often produce multiple items at the same time, resulting in an incredibly fast and efficient method of reproducing components.

DIY options are also becoming more readily available with a little elbow grease. Our favorite desktop injection molding machines will be discussed in detail in this article. We'll share with you what you should be looking for in order to determine which ones are the best fit before we get to our recommendations!

Factors to consider
Several factors should be taken into consideration when purchasing or building your own {anchor} machine. These include:

Cost: Injection molding machines can be quite expensive, but the availability of DIY options has made them more affordable for hobbyists in recent years. The cost of the machines we've included ranges from $200 to $5,500, depending on their features.
Essentially, this is the maximum amount of plastic that can be used by your machine to produce a single batch of molds. Larger shot sizes require larger {anchor} machines, which in turn require larger molds to accommodate larger shot sizes.(It is also necessary to increase the amount of energy expended.)
The ease with which it can be used:Injection molding is by its very nature straightforward:In a microwave, heat the plastic and spray it into the mold. The machines should be just as simple to operate as they are to operate.
Heat range: The temperature range of an injection molder determines the types of plastic that can be used in the machine. All of the machines on this list will operate at a maximum temperature of at least 400 degrees Fahrenheit (205 degrees Celsius), making them suitable for processing materials such as PE, PP, PS, acetal, acrylic, EVA, TPE, PLA, and ABS. Other plastics can only be processed in machines that operate at higher temperatures.

As a result, we know what to look for; let's go check out some machines!
Buster Beagle 3D is a computer-generated character.
If you're looking for a well-documented and reliable option, the Buster Beagle 3D build was inspired by the LNS 150A and the Galomb B100, both of which we'll cover later in this list, and is a good choice. The Buster Beagle 3D injection molder is a completely DIY solution that is built around a drill press frame and utilizes common off-the-shelf components to deliver a durable injection molding experience to the user.

The heater electronics enclosure and stainless steel chamber and plunger are both available for purchase from Buster Beagle 3D's online store for a reasonable $115. 3D printed files for the heater electronics enclosure are also available. Despite the fact that it costs a tenth of the price of many commercial options, this machine's simple press design is capable of producing parts quickly and efficiently.

In terms of instructions, BeagleBone3D has uploaded a comprehensive video tutorial that goes over the design as well as helpful hints on how to construct this machine. Safety considerations and modifications are also covered in the tutorial, and a number of videos on topics such as mold creation and plastic recycling can be found on the YouTube channel. There is also a Facebook group for anyone who is interested in building this machine and would like to share their progress or ask questions about it.

Plastic that is extremely valuable
Their injection molding machine has an impressive capacity, with a shot size of 146 grams of polypropylene and a very large shot size. This press has a shot size that is nine times larger than the other machines on this list, allowing it to produce much larger items such as phone cases and plant pots. Four independent heaters are used to maintain a stable temperature throughout the entire heating chamber, which is necessary for such a large shot volume.

As a result, this machine isn't the most beginner-friendly project on the market today. Precious Plastic, on the other hand, hosts a community bazaar where you can purchase parts for your machine, or even the entire machine. The Precious Plastic community is extremely welcoming and would be delighted to assist you in setting up a plastic recycling station in your own neighborhood.

Galomb B-100 is a bomber with a 100-pound payload.
Despite the fact that the design is very similar to the LNS 150A, the Galomb B-100 is constructed of a solid cast iron frame, making it extremely durable. Some other enhancements have been made, such as a non-stick coating on the injection plunger and a cleaning kit that is included. Due to the fact that this machine is capable of reaching temperatures of up to 315 °C, it opens the door to working with more demanding materials such as nylon and PET.

In addition to several pre-made molds, Galomb's website offers a variety of resources for those interested in doing their own injection molding projects.