Melting in the Heat? 6 Key Summer Maintenance Tips for Injection Molding Machines

Summer heat puts injection molding machines to the test. Proper maintenance is essential not only for stable operation, but also for production efficiency and product quality.

Knowing how to maintain your machine under high-temperature conditions can help extend equipment life and keep production running smoothly.

Let’s explore six key maintenance tips for injection molding machines in the heat.

01 | Hydraulic System Maintenance

• Check the hydraulic oil level
  Keep the oil at the recommended level. Low oil levels can allow air into the system, increasing the risk of cavitation and wear.
• Keep the oil tank and filters clean
  Clean the tank and filters regularly to prevent blockages and contamination from dust or metal particles.
• Control oil temperature
  Keep hydraulic oil between 30°C and 50°C for efficient and stable system performance.
• Keep the motor cooling system clear
  Hot weather can increase machine alarms. Dust and debris may block the pump motor’s air intake, causing overheating. Clean the air intake and fan regularly to maintain proper cooling.
• Check filters and cooling water flow
  Maintain an oil temperature of around 40°C. Clean or replace filters when needed and ensure unobstructed cooling-water flow to keep oil temperature within the normal range.

02 | Cooling System Check

• Clean the cooler regularly
  Remove scale and debris to maintain efficient heat transfer and cooling performance.
• Check the coolant
  Ensure the coolant concentration and condition meet requirements. Replace when necessary.
• Inspect every two weeks
  Check the cooling system approximately every two weeks. If issues are found, clean dust from the motor and inspect water flow to ensure effective cooling and stable operation.

03 | Lubrication System Maintenance

• Choose the right lubricant
  Use a lubricant suitable for high-temperature conditions and compatible with the machine materials and operating conditions.
• Replace regularly
  Follow the manufacturer’s recommended replacement schedule to prevent lubricant degradation from affecting machine performance.
• Handle alarms promptly
  If an alarm occurs, contact your local service representative for support to restore automatic production as quickly as possible.

04 | Electrical Component Protection

• Keep out of direct sunlight
  Position the machine away from direct sunlight to reduce heat exposure and premature aging of electrical components.
• Check control cabinet fans
  Regularly inspect the fans in the servo and control cabinets to prevent overheating and component damage.
• Clean servo fans regularly
  Check servo fan operation and remove dust buildup to keep airflow clear and prevent overheating, alarms, or damage.

05 | Mold Maintenance

• Clean and protect against rust
  Clean molds regularly and apply rust preventive before storage to prevent corrosion.
• Optimize mold temperature
  Adjust mold temperature according to material and product requirements to avoid overheating.

06 | Daily Inspection & Maintenance

• Inspect and secure components
  Regularly check and tighten hydraulic, electrical, and mechanical components to keep the machine running reliably.
• Maintain proper ventilation
  Evaluate and optimize factory airflow to maintain balanced temperature and humidity, helping prevent equipment issues and material degradation.

When your injection molding machine keeps running reliably through the heat, it’s more than production continuity—it reflects smart, professional equipment care.

Adapt your maintenance strategy to seasonal conditions to extend machine life and reduce the risk of downtime.

Stay tuned for more practical maintenance tips from Welltec.