How to inspect and accept the purchased used injection molding machine

Author:J           Date:2025-10-10

Phase 1: Document and Static Inspection (at the equipment's current location)

Document Verification:

Technical Documents: Request the Operation Manual, Maintenance Manual, Electrical Schematics, and Hydraulic Schematics. These are the foundation for future repairs.

Historical Records: Review past maintenance records to understand the replacement history of wearing parts (such as screws, barrels, and seals).

Spare Parts List: Verify that all included spare parts (such as oil filters, fuses, and tools) are complete.

Static (Power-Off) Inspection:

Structural Integrity: Inspect the four main tie rods for cracks, strain, or weld repairs. Inspect the movable and fixed platens and hinges for visible cracks or deformation.

Hydraulic System:

Oil Tank: Open the tank cap and check the hydraulic oil condition. The oil should be clear or light yellow. If it is milky white (water content) or dark black (oxidation), it indicates poor maintenance.

Leaks: Carefully inspect the oil pump, cylinder, valve block, and all pipe joints for signs of oil leaks.

Electrical System:

Electrical Box: Open the electrical box and inspect key components such as the mainboard, driver, and power supply for signs of burning or corrosion, and check the wiring harness for neatness and signs of rat gnawing.

Controller: Test the buttons and screen for sensitivity and integrity.

Core Components - Screw and Barrel:

Radial Clearance: Manually shake the screw head to check the radial clearance between it and the barrel. Excessive clearance (usually exceeding 3-4mm) indicates severe wear, poor plasticizing, and the need for expensive repairs.

Inner Wall Wear: Shine a flashlight on the inner wall of the barrel to check for deep grooves or scratches.

Phase Two: Dynamic and Performance Acceptance (Must be tested with power on and material present)

This is the core of the acceptance process for used injection molding machines and must be tested using general-purpose plastics such as PP or PS.

No-Load Operation:

Motion: Test all movements, including mold opening and closing, ejection, and shot table movement, to observe whether they are smooth and stable, and whether there are any hitches or unusual noises.

Noise: Start the oil pump motor and listen for any unusual squealing or banging sounds. A normal sound should be a steady rumble.

Heating and Temperature Control System:

Start the heater coils and observe the temperature rise rate. Use a portable thermometer to verify that the displayed values ​​on each temperature control gauge are consistent with the actual values ​​(the error should be within ±5°C).

Injection and Plasticizing Performance:

Injection: Perform the injection motion and observe whether the injection is linear and smooth, and whether there are any pressure fluctuations or creep.

Screw Rotation: Perform pre-plasticization, listen for any unusual friction noises during screw rotation, and observe whether the screw retracts evenly.

Holding Pressure: Test the holding pressure function and check whether the pressure gauge pointer is stable.

Clamping Force and System Pressure Test:

Clamping Force: Place "pressure test paper" or a soft lead strip in the mold and clamp the mold at the rated clamping force. Remove and inspect the indentation to determine whether the four tie rods are evenly loaded and whether the mold plates are parallel.

System Pressure: Test the equipment to the rated system pressure to check whether it can be reached and maintained stably. Also, observe the hydraulic system for leaks.

Phase 3: Final Confirmation and Document Handover

Trial Production: If conditions permit, conduct a small-batch trial using your own molds and materials. This is the ultimate test to verify the machine's ability to consistently produce qualified products.

Final Document Handover: After acceptance, ensure all agreed documents and spare parts are packaged with the equipment.

Signed Equipment Acceptance Report: Detailed documentation of the acceptance process and test data is included. After confirmation by both parties, the report is signed and stamped as proof of contract completion.

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