The tremendous growth potential of China's plastics processing industry has created a massive opportunity for the press industry to expand rapidly. Among these, injection molding machines dominate the market, accounting for nearly 50% of the entire plastics sector, with over one-third of all plastic products being manufactured using this technology. In the export market, injection molding machines make up about 60.4% of total exports, showcasing their strong international presence. However, despite being one of the fastest-growing segments in China’s press industry, there remains a significant gap between China's overall capabilities and those of industrialized nations. While the technological gap is relatively small, most high-end products are still dominated by foreign manufacturers.
In recent years, companies in developed countries have continuously introduced advanced injection molding machines with enhanced features. Meanwhile, many Chinese manufacturers have relied on imitation rather than innovation, often using outdated production and testing equipment. This has hindered the development of high-performance machines, leading to an oversupply of low-end models and a shortage of high-tech alternatives. To bridge the gap, domestic companies must invest more in research and development, focusing on high-precision, high-tech solutions. Only through independent innovation can they truly catch up.
Industry experts emphasize that simply importing technology isn't enough — it must be adapted and improved. The imported technology is typically at least 10 years behind, so reinventing it is essential. However, R&D in this field is time-consuming and costly, often taking 5–10 years from concept to commercialization. Many companies struggle due to limited resources, technical challenges, and a lack of skilled personnel. Despite these obstacles, forward-thinking firms should not abandon long-term innovation for short-term gains. Instead, they should focus on improving stability, efficiency, and energy consumption through continuous improvement and adaptation of imported technologies.
Some leading manufacturers in regions like the Yangtze River Delta have made progress by adopting advanced foreign technologies and management practices. For example, Ningbo Haida has invested heavily in R&D, developing several innovative machines, including a direct-pressure injection molding
Machine included in the National Torch Plan. Haitian has produced China’s largest injection force machine for automotive parts, while Zhenxiong has developed specialized models for optical discs and PET preforms. Another company, Ningbo Haihang, has introduced a super-large energy-saving injection molding machine that uses only half the energy of traditional models. These efforts show that some companies are beginning to move toward the mid-market.
However, the majority of Chinese injection molding machine manufacturers remain at an early stage of development, with limited innovation and reliance on generic, low-end models. This has led to a saturated market filled with homogenized products. As global injection molding technology continues to advance, new trends include greater computerization, automation, multifunctionality, and ease of maintenance. Specialized machines for precision applications — such as preforms, CDs, magnetic materials, and thin-wall products — are becoming increasingly important. Currently, many high-end injection molding machines needed for critical sectors are still imported, with over 90% of large-scale, high-speed, and precision models coming from abroad.
To compete effectively, Chinese companies must accelerate product upgrades and diversify their offerings. They should focus on improving automation, reducing energy consumption, and expanding into specialized and large-scale injection molding. Developing custom solutions for plastic alloys, thin-walled, and embedded components will help meet evolving market demands. According to reports from the China Chemical Market Research (2004–2005), the demand for advanced machinery and presses remains strong, with many old systems being replaced by high-tech alternatives. As the market becomes more specialized, the need for high-tech injection molding machines is growing. To capture a share of this expanding market, China must continue to push forward with independent innovation and technological advancement.
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