Desktop Injection Mold Machine

The high cost and large size of industrial injection molding machines (IMMs) have historically limited their use to large-scale manufacturing, making them inaccessible for hobbyists and individual users. This project aimed to solve that problem by creating a functioning, desktop-sized IMM that could be used in a residential setting. The machine needed to be affordable, operate on a standard 120V power outlet, and be able to produce homogenous plastic parts with superior strength compared to 3D-printed parts. 

A compact, pneumatic-powered desktop IMM that met all of the core design requirements. The machine's frame was engineered to be manufactured using standard, aluminum extrusion, significantly reducing fabrication costs. Other components were designed to utilize materials on hand to limit iteration costs. To control the process, a custom control box with a PID temperature controller and 5-2 piston were used. The machine was designed to handle a variety of plastic polymers, giving the user flexibility. 

The final design successfully created a functioning, desktop-sized injection molding machine. It proved capable of heating and injecting plastic polymers and was able to produce homogenous plastic parts. The total cost of the machine was under $2,000. This project provided a complete, manufacturable design that demonstrated the potential to democratize the injection molding process for hobbyists and small businesses.