Small-series manufacturing This compact injection moulding machine fits on the workbench

The APSX-PIM V3 from the United States is designed to close the gap between concept and production. The benchtop injection moulding machine enables prototype and small-series production of thermoplastic components without requiring companies to invest in large-scale production systems at an early stage.

According to APSX, its benchtop injection moulding machines are aimed primarily at original equipment manufacturers, development departments, start-ups, educational institutions and smaller manufacturing companies. For German OEMs, such systems could enable in-house production at a project stage when conventional injection moulding machines are not yet financially viable. When companies need realistic plastic parts before investing in expensive production tooling, a benchtop injection moulding machine can provide a practical middle ground between manual moulding and industrial injection moulding technology. According to the manufacturer, even small to medium-sized models of the latter cost around 31,000 to 53,000 euros.

Small injection moulding machine for key thermoplastics

With a footprint of around 1.2 × 0.3 metres, the compact injection moulding machine can be installed on a workbench or worktable. According to APSX, it offers many of the production capabilities usually expected from larger injection moulding systems. These include repeatable injection cycles, consistent part quality, automated operation and controlled injection and clamping functions.

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The machine can process thermoplastics only. These include polypropylene (PP), polyethylene (PE), polyamide (PA), polycarbonate (PC), polyacetal (POM), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) and compounds made from corresponding polymers, provided they meet the melt index requirements.

Injection moulding system for prototypes and small series

According to APSX, benchtop systems also serve as practical training platforms. Operators can use them to gain a better understanding of material selection, mould sourcing and processing parameters. They can also support cycle optimisation, part quality assessment and basic fault prevention.

This makes the APSX-PIM V3 suitable, according to the manufacturer, for small-series production, pilot production, product validation and in-house part manufacturing. Companies do not require high initial investment, extensive space, complex utility infrastructure or complicated operating processes.

What the APSX-PIM V3 offers

The APSX-PIM V3 measures 109 × 25 × 38 centimetres and does not require a water-cooling system. The small injection moulding machine is operated via a standard power outlet. The system runs automatically and features multi-mode operation, precision sensors, electronic temperature control, injection speed control, delay control between cycles, a touchscreen and chart-based visualisation of injection performance. Pressure and volume are displayed over time.

The machine is designed for aluminium moulds that can be produced using standard CNC milling machines. It also supports rapid reworking for dimensional optimisation and, according to the manufacturer, can also be used with 3D-printed test inserts for validation in early development phases.

Injection moulding optimisation within a few hours

With a properly designed aluminium mould, users can begin production and assess the results on the same day, according to APSX. They can then update the CAD model, for example, or rework the cavity. The injection moulding process can then be resumed within a few hours.

Mould installation is also said to be relatively straightforward. According to the manufacturer, users can produce their first parts shortly after setup. Once the relevant injection moulding process has been optimised, the machine is said to be capable of producing hundreds of parts per day. The components require only minimal post-processing and can be further processed, packaged or shipped within minutes of being ejected from the mould.

Findings transferable to series production

During production with the APSX-PIM V3, users gain practical experience in injection moulding thermoplastics. According to the manufacturer, these findings can be transferred to production-ready machines once the prototype phase has been completed or the transition to series production begins.

For start-ups, R&D teams, product design offices, educational institutions and small manufacturing companies, the combination of affordability, repeatability and easy accessibility can help bridge the gap between concept development and production.

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