Injection Moulding Machine for Plastic Trays
Plastic trays are moulded on horizontal injection moulding machines from PP, PS, ABS or HDPE, one or two trays per shot. The flat footprint sets clamping force, since projected area is large and the wall is shallow. Flatness matters most, so cooling balance and underside ribs count for more than deck thickness.
For trays, machine selection centres on clamping force for a wide, flat mould, space between the tie-bars and an even fill across the deck. Pratishna Engineers supplies horizontal injection moulding machines for serving and utility trays and can recommend a configuration, with larger trays discussed on request.
Manufacturing Plastic Trays?
Share your tray size, finish, material and output, and Pratishna Engineers will suggest a suitable machine.
Machine Requirements for Plastic Tray Moulding
Trays cover a large area with a thin deck, so machine size and acceptance both come down to footprint and flatness. Points to plan for:
- Clamping force sized to the full tray footprint
- Platen area and tie-bar spacing for a wide mould
- Underside ribs for stiffness in place of a thicker deck
- Balanced cooling so the deck stays flat after ejection
- Polished or textured cavity finish chosen by tray type
- ABS drying before moulding gloss serving trays
Recommended Machine for Plastic Trays
Small serving and utility trays fit the E Series (75-180 T). Mid-size and large trays, where the footprint pushes clamping force up, are placed on the C Series (140-320 T) and the H Series (120-350 T), which give more platen area for wide moulds. Trays larger than this are discussed on request.
Not Sure Which Machine You Need?
Share your tray dimensions and finish for a machine suggestion.
Why Choose Pratishna Engineers?
- Application-Based Machine Selection
- In-House Engineering & Manufacturing
- Multiple Machine Series
- Production-Focused Solutions
- End-to-End Technical Support
- Industry-Specific Solutions
- Machine Lifecycle Support
Injection Moulding Machine Buyer Resources
Download practical resources to help you select, size and specify the right machine.
Horizontal Injection Moulding Machine Selection Guide
A step-by-step guide covering the key inputs needed to select the right machine: product weight, projected area, number of cavities, plastic material, required clamping force, shot / injection capacity, mould dimensions, production quantity, cycle time and automation requirement.
Download PDFPDF · 265 KB
How to Calculate Clamping Force for an Injection Moulding Machine
A clear methodology that explains how clamping force is calculated, covering projected area, injection pressure, safety factor, number of cavities and material considerations.
Download PDFPDF · 363 KBHousehold Products Components & Machine Guide
A guide to Household Products components, covering buckets, mugs, tubs, storage boxes, casseroles, hangers, bins, baskets and kitchen containers. It explains PP and HDPE, food-contact use, recycled material, mould height, and how to match each part to a suitable machine.
Download PDFPDF · 204 KB
FAQs / Buyer Questions
Points tray makers usually check before ordering a machine.
Which Injection Moulding Machine Is Used to Make Plastic Trays?
Tray footprint decides it. Small trays run on the E Series, mid-size and large trays on the C or H Series where clamping force and platen size are higher, and bigger trays are discussed on request.Do Serving Trays and Utility Trays Need Different Moulds?
Yes. Serving trays are cosmetic and need a polished cavity for gloss, or in-mould decoration or printing. Utility trays can use a textured or plain finish that hides flow marks and scuffs, so tool cost differs.Why Do Flat Trays Warp After Moulding?
Uneven cooling between core and cavity, or a deck thickened for stiffness, leaves stress that bends the tray as it cools. Ribs under the deck, a balanced gate layout and matched cooling on both halves keep it flat.
Which Material Suits Which Kind of Tray?
PP and HDPE suit tough utility and food trays. PS gives a stiff, glossy serving tray at low cost but is brittle. ABS suits trays that need a hard, glossy surface with more impact strength.Can Pratishna Recommend a Machine for My Plastic Tray?
Yes. Share the tray drawing or sample, material, finish, part weight, mould dimensions, cavity count and monthly output, and Pratishna Engineers will suggest a suitable machine.Does the Machine Suit Other Serving and Storage Products Too?
Yes. The same series can mould plastic bowls, fruit and vegetable baskets, cutlery trays and storage boxes, subject to mould size and clamping force.
Technical Disclaimer
Disclaimer: The information provided in this webpage is for general informational and educational purposes only. It is based on technical references and industry information available at the time of preparation and may be subject to change. It does not constitute engineering, technical, commercial or professional advice, nor does it constitute a quotation, specification, warranty or contractual commitment by Pratishna Engineers.
Actual injection moulding machine and process requirements vary according to the component design, material, mould, production volume, machine configuration and operating conditions. The information, examples, calculations and recommendations provided should be independently evaluated and verified for the specific application before making any equipment, process or production decision. Information obtained from third-party sources remains subject to the accuracy and limitations of those sources.
Limitation of Liability: Pratishna Engineers makes no representation or warranty, express or implied, regarding the completeness, accuracy or suitability of the information for any particular application. To the extent permitted by applicable law, Pratishna Engineers shall not be liable for any loss, damage, cost or consequence arising from reliance on or use of the information contained in this webpage. Final machine selection, configuration and application suitability should be confirmed with Pratishna Engineers based on complete and accurate project requirements.
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Planning a New Injection Moulding Project?
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