How to choose shoe injection molding machine?

The size of the injection molding machine required for manufacturing shoes can vary significantly depending on the specific type of shoe components being produced, such as soles, uppers, or complete shoe assemblies. Generally, for the production of shoe soles, which is a common use of injection molding in the footwear industry, machines with certain tonnage and specifications are required. Here are some key points:

Types of Injection Molding Machines for Shoes

1. Sole Injection Molding Machines:
- Typical Tonnage: Machines with a clamping force ranging from 200 to 400 tons are commonly used for manufacturing shoe soles. The exact tonnage depends on the size and complexity of the sole design.
- Applications: These machines are used for producing soles made of materials such as thermoplastic rubber (TPR), polyurethane (PU), and ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA).

2. Full Shoe Injection Molding Machines:
- Typical Tonnage: For complete shoe production, machines may range from 300 to 600 tons or more, depending on the size and type of the shoe.
- Applications: These machines are often used for producing injection-molded shoes like sports shoes, casual shoes, and sandals.

3. specialised Footwear Machines:
- Dual-Density Machines: Machines that can handle dual-density molding are particularly useful for creating shoes with varied hardness in different parts, such as softer uppers and harder soles.
- Rotary Injection Machines: These are specialized for high-volume production, often seen in the manufacturing of certain types of sports shoes and casual footwear.

 Example Specifications

- Clamping Force: For shoe sole production, a typical machine might have a clamping force of around 250 to 300 tons.
- Shot Size: Depending on the size of the shoe sole, the shot size can vary, but it generally needs to accommodate larger volumes of material.
- Mold Dimensions: The size of the mold used in the machine needs to fit within the platen dimensions and have the necessary mold height.

 Considerations for Choosing the Right Machine

1. Production Volume: High-volume production may require larger, more robust machines to ensure efficiency and consistency.
2. Material Type: Different materials (TPR, PU, EVA) require specific processing conditions, which can influence the choice of machine.
3. Product Design: Complex designs with intricate details may necessitate machines with precise control and advanced features.
4. Energy Efficiency: Modern injection molding machines often come with energy-saving technologies, which can be a significant factor in reducing operational costs.


For shoe manufacturing, the size and type of injection molding machine are critical to ensuring efficient production and high-quality products. Machines ranging from 200 to 600 tons are commonly used, with specific features tailored to the type of footwear being produced.

For more detailed specifications and advice on selecting the right machine for your specific needs, consulting with manufacturers like Deepblue Smart Equipments or industry experts is recommended. They can provide tailored solutions based on your production requirements and goals.

Model Comparison: 250 Ton Injection Molding Machines

a comparison of different models of injection molding machines. For the sake of this example, let's compare three different models from various manufacturers, including one from Deepblue Smart Equipments.