Injection Molding Machines Market

Market Overview:

The global injection molding machines market size reached US$ 11.7 Billion in 2023. Looking forward, IMARC Group expects the market to reach US$ 17.8 Billion by 2032, exhibiting a growth rate (CAGR) of 4.6% during 2024-2032. The rising demand for plastic products across industries, rapid technological advancements, integration of automation, robotics, and digital control systems, the implementation of various sustainability initiatives, and the growth of automotive and electronics applications are some of the major factors propelling the market.

Injection molding machines are advanced manufacturing tools used extensively in various industries for producing plastic parts and components. These machines operate by melting plastic resin pellets and infusing the molten material into a mold cavity under high pressure. Once inside the mold, the plastic cools and solidifies, acquiring the shape of the mold cavity. Injection molding is highly efficient and precise, capable of producing complex and detailed parts with minimal waste. These machines come in various sizes and configurations to accommodate a wide range of production needs, making them a cornerstone of modern plastic manufacturing processes.

The global injection molding machines market is mainly driven by the rising demand for plastic products across diverse industries, including automotive, packaging, and consumer goods. Besides this, injection molding machines offer efficiency, precision, and cost-effectiveness, making them the preferred choice for the mass production of plastic components, which creates a positive outlook for market expansion. Moreover, significant technological advancements in the industry, such as the integration of automation, robotics, and digital control systems, have enhanced production capabilities, reduced downtime, and improved product quality, further fueling market growth. In addition to this, the push towards sustainable manufacturing practices impelling the adoption of eco-friendly materials and energy-efficient machines is presenting lucrative opportunities for market expansion. Furthermore, the globalization of supply chains and the increasing trend of reshoring manufacturing operations are contributing to the growing demand for injection molding machines as companies seek local production capabilities to reduce logistical complexities and respond swiftly to market changes.

Injection Molding Machines Market Trends/Drivers:

Increasing demand for plastic products

The escalating demand for plastic products across various industries represents one of the primary drivers of the global injection molding machines market. The automotive sector requires plastic components for lightweight and improved fuel efficiency, while the packaging industry relies on injection molding for producing bottles, containers, and packaging materials, which is strengthening the market growth. Concurrently, the growing use of injection molding across the consumer goods sector for items such as toys, appliances, and electronics casings is favoring the market growth. The versatility of plastic materials and the ability to create complex shapes and designs have made injection molding machines indispensable in these sectors. As consumer preferences evolve and industries increasingly turn to plastics for innovative solutions, the demand for injection molding machines continues to grow.

Technological advancements

The injection molding industry has witnessed significant technological advancements that drive the market growth. Robotics, automation, and digital control systems have transformed the way injection molding machines operate. Automated systems enhance production efficiency by reducing human error, increasing consistency, and minimizing downtime. Robotics enable tasks, such as part removal and quality control to be performed more precisely and efficiently. Besides this, digital control systems provide real-time monitoring and adjustment of machine parameters, improving product quality and process efficiency. These technological enhancements boost productivity and reduce operational costs, making injection molding a competitive and attractive manufacturing method.

Sustainability and eco-friendly practices

Sustainability concerns are another critical factor driving the global injection molding machines market. With escalating awareness of environmental issues, there is a heightened focus on sustainable manufacturing practices. Injection molding machines contribute to sustainability by enabling the use of recycled and bio-based plastics. Many manufacturers are transitioning from traditional plastics to more eco-friendly alternatives. In line with this, energy-efficient injection molding machines help reduce electricity consumption during the production process, lowering greenhouse gas emissions. Governments and regulatory bodies worldwide are promoting sustainability by implementing stricter environmental regulations, which further encourage the adoption of environmentally friendly materials and technologies in injection molding, driving market growth in this direction.

Injection Molding Machines Industry Segmentation:

IMARC Group provides an analysis of the key trends in each segment of the global injection molding machines market report, along with forecasts at the global, regional and country levels from 2024-2032. Our report has categorized the market based on machine type, material, and application.

Breakup by Machine Type:

• Hydraulic
• Electric
• Hybrid
   

Hydraulic machine dominate the market

The report has provided a detailed breakup and analysis of the market based on the machine type. This includes hydraulic, electric, and hybrid. According to the report, hydraulic represented the largest segment.

The rising demand for hydraulic injection molding machines, owing to their unique advantages in specific manufacturing scenarios, is propelling the market growth. Hydraulic machines are known for their robustness and ability to exert high clamping forces, making them well-suited for applications that require molding of large and heavy parts. Industries such as automotive and aerospace extensively utilize hydraulic machines in the production of intricate and sizeable components, which is creating a favorable outlook for market expansion. In addition to this, the rising preference for hydraulic injection molding machines when dealing with materials that demand high viscosity and temperature control is fueling the product demand. Furthermore, their capability to maintain consistent pressure and temperature during the molding process in the production of quality parts in the electronics and medical devices industries is providing impetus to the market growth.

Breakup by Material:

• Plastics
• Metals
• Others
   

Plastics hold the largest share in the market

A detailed breakup and analysis of the market based on the material has also been provided in the report. This includes plastics, metals, and others. According to the report, plastics accounted for the largest market share.

The growing consumer preference for plastic products across consumer goods, electronics, and healthcare sectors is contributing to the increasing demand for injection molding machines. The versatility of plastics allows for the production of a wide array of products, from intricate consumer electronics casings to medical device components. Moreover, the COVID-19 pandemic has facilitated the adoption of plastic materials in personal protective equipment (PPE) and medical devices, further boosting the market demand. Apart from this, sustainability considerations are pushing industries to explore eco-friendly plastics and recycling solutions, spurring the need for advanced injection molding machines capable of handling these materials. As industries strive for greater cost-efficiency and shorter production cycles, injection molding machines continue to offer high precision, speed, and cost-effectiveness, making them indispensable in modern manufacturing across multiple sectors.

Breakup by Application:

• Automotive
• Consumer Goods
• Packaging
• Electronics
• Others
   

Automotive dominates the market

The report has provided a detailed breakup and analysis of the market based on the application. This includes automotive, consumer goods, packaging, electronics, and others. According to the report, automotive represented the largest segment.

The automotive industry's relentless pursuit of lightweighting is impelling the demand for injection molding machines in various applications. Automakers are continually seeking ways to reduce vehicle weight to enhance fuel efficiency and reduce emissions. Injection molding machines play a pivotal role in achieving this goal by enabling the production of lightweight yet durable components such as interior panels, bumpers, and structural elements. Concurrent with this, the surging popularity of electric vehicles (EVs) and hybrid vehicles is driving a heightened need for precision-molded, specialized components. These components encompass a wide array of plastic materials, including battery casings and interior trim, all meticulously designed to meet the distinct performance and aesthetic specifications of these vehicles. 

Breakup by Region:

• North America
  • United States
  • Canada
• Asia-Pacific
  • China
  • Japan
  • India
  • South Korea
  • Australia
  • Indonesia
  • Others
• Europe
  • Germany
  • France
  • United Kingdom
  • Italy
  • Spain
  • Russia
  • Others
• Latin America
  • Brazil
  • Mexico
  • Others
• Middle East and Africa
   

Asia Pacific exhibits a clear dominance, accounting for the largest injection molding machines market share

The market research report has also provided a comprehensive analysis of all the major regional markets, which include North America (the United States and Canada); Asia Pacific (China, Japan, India, South Korea, Australia, Indonesia, and others); Europe (Germany, France, the United Kingdom, Italy, Spain, Russia, and others); Latin America (Brazil, Mexico, and others); and the Middle East and Africa. According to the report, Asia Pacific accounted for the largest market share.

The Asia Pacific region's burgeoning population and rising disposable incomes are fueling the demand for a wide range of plastic products, including consumer goods, electronics, and packaging materials. This growing consumer base has led to increased production needs, thus driving the adoption of injection molding machines in manufacturing facilities across the Asia Pacific. Moreover, the thriving automotive industry in countries like China and India has been a significant market driver, with automakers continually seeking advanced injection molding technologies to produce lightweight components for vehicles, contributing to better fuel efficiency. In confluence with this, the region's emergence as a manufacturing hub for electronics, including smartphones and consumer electronics, has further propelled the demand for high-precision injection molding machines. Furthermore, the emphasis on sustainability and environmental regulations has led to the adoption of energy-efficient and eco-friendly injection molding machines in the Asia Pacific, aligning with the region's commitment to green manufacturing practices.

Competitive Landscape:

The competitive landscape of the global injection molding machines market is characterized by intense rivalry among key players striving to maintain their market positions. Prominent companies are continually engaged in product innovations to gain a competitive edge. These innovations include the integration of Industry 4.0 technologies, such as the Internet of Things (IoT) and artificial intelligence (AI), to enhance automation and productivity. Besides this, mergers, acquisitions, and strategic partnerships are prevalent strategies to expand market reach and diversify product portfolios. Regional players also play a vital role, particularly in emerging markets like Asia-Pacific, where local manufacturers leverage cost advantages. The market witnesses a growing emphasis on sustainability, with companies investing in eco-friendly injection molding solutions to align with global environmental regulations and meet the increasing demand for sustainable manufacturing practices.

The report has provided a comprehensive analysis of the competitive landscape in the market. Detailed profiles of all major companies have also been provided. Some of the key players in the market include:

• Arburg GmbH + Co. KG
• Chen Hsong Holdings Limited
• Engel Holding Gesellschaft mbH
• Haitian International
• Japan Steel Works Ltd.
• KraussMaffei (China National Chemical Corporation)
• Milacron Holdings Corp. (Hillenbrand Inc.)
• Nissei Plastic Industrial Co. Ltd.
• Shibaura Machine Co. Ltd.
• Sumitomo Heavy Industries Ltd.
• Toyo Machinery & Metal Co. Ltd.
• Ube Machinery Corporation Ltd. (Ube Industries Ltd.)

Recent Developments:

• In July 2023, Arburg launched energy-efficient two-component injection molding with the ALLROUNDER MORE 1600, crafting PBT and LSR containers using dual electric injection units.
• In August 2023, Miacorn Holdings Corp. announced the launch of Co-injection 101, which maximizes Post-Consumer Recycled (PCR) material utilization through advancements in co-injection multi-layer technology.
• In April 2023, Sumitomo Heavy Industries collaborated with Technische Hochschule Rosenheim on a cutting-edge research project, for which we have just recently delivered one of our all-electric IntElect machines.

Injection Molding Machines Market Report Scope:

Key Benefits for Stakeholders:

• IMARC’s industry report offers a comprehensive quantitative analysis of various market segments, historical and current market trends, market forecasts, and dynamics of the injection molding machines market from 2018-2032.
• The research report provides the latest information on the market drivers, challenges, and opportunities in the global injection molding machines market.
• The study maps the leading, as well as the fastest-growing, regional markets. It further enables stakeholders to identify the key country-level markets within each region.
• Porter's five forces analysis assist stakeholders in assessing the impact of new entrants, competitive rivalry, supplier power, buyer power, and the threat of substitution. It helps stakeholders to analyze the level of competition within the injection molding machines industry and its attractiveness.
• Competitive landscape allows stakeholders to understand their competitive environment and provides an insight into the current positions of key players in the market.