Key Takeaways
- Used IMMs save 40–60% over new while delivering years of reliable production from premium brands
- Top brands: Arburg, Engel, and Husky lead in resale value; Sumitomo Demag, Milacron, and Nissei are strong alternatives
- Three drive types: all-electric (best precision/efficiency), hydraulic (best value), hybrid (balanced)
- Pricing spans $15k to $300k+ based on tonnage, brand, drive type, and condition
- Always inspect screw/barrel, platens, tie bars, hydraulics, controls, and request shot-consistency tests
Buying Used Injection Molding Equipment: What to Know
Used injection molding machines can save 40–60% over new while providing years of reliable production. The key is buying from a reputable dealer, selecting the right brand and specifications for your application, and thoroughly inspecting before purchase.
Meadoworks specializes in used plastics processing equipment with inventory from Arburg, Engel, Husky, Milacron, Sumitomo, and other leading manufacturers. Our team can help you find the right machine for your needs.
Browse Injection Molding MachinesDrive Types: All-Electric vs Hydraulic vs Hybrid
All-Electric
Servo motors drive every machine motion. Cleaner, faster, and more precise than hydraulic — with 30–50% lower energy use.
- 30–50% energy savings vs hydraulic
- Cleanest operation (clean room friendly)
- Highest precision and repeatability
- Higher upfront cost; specialized service
Hydraulic
Hydraulic pumps drive clamp, injection, and ejection. Lower upfront cost and broader service availability than electric machines.
- Most affordable, broadest used inventory
- Excellent for demanding/heavy applications
- Wide service network — easy to support
- Higher energy use than electric
Hybrid
Combines servo-electric injection with hydraulic clamp (or vice versa) — captures most of the energy and precision benefits at lower cost.
- Energy savings near electric machines
- Lower cost than full all-electric
- Good precision and cycle times
- Compromise between two platforms
Top Injection Molding Machine Brands
Arburg
German precision specialist with the broadest product range. ALLROUNDER series and Selogica control deliver industry-leading precision and longevity.
Engel
Austrian innovator behind tie-bar-less Victory machines. Industry leader in automation integration and large-tonnage / multi-component capability.
Husky
Canadian leader in PET preform systems and high-speed packaging. HyPET and NexPET platforms set the benchmark for cycle times and energy efficiency.
Sumitomo Demag
All-electric pioneer combining German engineering with Japanese precision. Energy efficiency and clean-room readiness for demanding applications.
Milacron
American manufacturer with a broad product range and widespread service network. Solid value and a familiar choice across U.S. shops.
Nissei
Reliable Japanese builder known for the two-platen design and strong value across small-to-medium tonnage applications.
What to Inspect & Red Flags
Key Inspection Points
- Screw & barrel: Check for wear, measure flight depth. Worn screws affect shot consistency.
- Platen parallelism: Uneven platens cause flash and uneven parts. Critical for precision molding.
- Tie bars: Look for stretch marks, pitting, or damage. Expensive to replace.
- Hydraulic system: Check for leaks, listen for pump noise, verify pressure stability.
- Control system: Verify all functions, check for error codes, test cycle consistency.
- Overall condition: Cleanliness indicates maintenance care. Check for modifications.
Red Flags to Watch For
- ✕Unknown history: No maintenance records or uncertain ownership.
- ✕Heavy wear: Excessive grease buildup, damaged guards, neglected appearance.
- ✕Inconsistent operation: Erratic cycle times, temperature fluctuations, strange noises.
- ✕Non-running condition: "Was running when pulled" often hides real problems.
- ✕Obsolete controls: Old controls are hard to service and limit capabilities.
- ✕Price too good: Suspiciously low prices often indicate hidden issues.
Typical Used Injection Molding Machine Prices
Prices vary significantly based on brand, age, condition, and features. These ranges represent typical market prices for machines in good working condition.
Small Tonnage
50 – 150 ton
$15,000 – $60,000
Budget brands lower; Arburg / Engel at top of range.
Medium Tonnage
200 – 500 ton
$30,000 – $150,000
All-electric and premium brands command higher prices.
Large Tonnage
600+ ton
$75,000 – $300,000+
Two-platen designs and specialty machines can exceed this.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best brand of used injection molding machine?
Arburg, Engel, and Husky are generally considered premium brands with excellent reliability and resale value. Sumitomo Demag, Milacron, and Nissei are also well-regarded. The 'best' depends on your application—Husky excels in PET preforms, Arburg in precision, Engel in large tonnage and multi-component molding.
How much does a used injection molding machine cost?
Prices vary widely based on tonnage, age, brand, and condition. A used 200-ton machine might range from $25,000-80,000, while a 500-ton press could be $50,000-150,000. Premium brands like Arburg and Engel command 20-40% more than comparable Asian-made machines. All-electric machines typically sell for more than hydraulic equivalents.
Should I buy hydraulic or all-electric injection molding machine?
All-electric machines offer lower energy costs (30-50% savings), cleaner operation, faster cycles, and higher precision. However, they cost more upfront and require specialized service. Hydraulic machines are more affordable, handle demanding applications well, and have broader service availability. Hybrid machines offer a middle ground.
What should I inspect when buying a used injection molding machine?
Key inspection points include: screw/barrel condition and wear, platen parallelism, tie bar stretch and condition, hydraulic system (leaks, pump noise), clamp mechanism, shot consistency tests, control system function, and overall cleanliness. Request cycle time records and maintenance history.
Where can I buy used injection molding machines?
Reputable sources include industrial equipment dealers like Meadoworks, manufacturer certified pre-owned programs, and industrial auctions. Dealers typically offer inspected equipment with some warranty. Auctions can provide good values but are sold as-is. Avoid unverified private sellers for major purchases.
Find Your Next Injection Molding Machine
Browse our current inventory of used injection molding machines from Arburg, Engel, Husky, Milacron, and more. All equipment inspected and ready for production.
