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Bettesworth Construction
desktop manufacturing

MicroMolder Puts an Injection Molder on a Desktop: Models, Materials, and Limits

ShopBotix’s current MicroMolder lineup includes the Evo and MicroMolder+, desktop machines for thermoplastic prototyping and low-volume work. Their capacities, materials, and tooling fit vary by model, and original-model crowdfunding specifications are historical.

By Bettesworth Construction Team 5 min read
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MicroMolder brings thermoplastic injection molding to a workbench, but the name now covers different machines. ShopBotix currently describes the MicroMolder Evo and MicroMolder+; specifications and prices reported for the original crowdfunding-era MicroMolder are historical, not current model details. The lineup is aimed at prototyping and low-volume work—not continuous factory production.

What MicroMolder is—and which generation you mean

ShopBotix describes MicroMolder Evo and MicroMolder+ as automated desktop injection molding machines for small-scale plastic production. The manufacturer says they use standard 120 VAC or 220 VAC power and have a 7-inch touchscreen and universal platen arrangement. These are manufacturer descriptions, not independent performance test results. Current product information was accessed October 8, 2026; confirm details with ShopBotix before ordering.

The original MicroMolder featured in 2021 crowdfunding coverage is a separate, earlier machine. That launch-era report gave a 5.75-by-5.75-inch platen, a one-ounce shot, 8.5 tons of clamping force, and a starting crowdfunding pledge of $3,599 with expected shipment in April 2021. Those figures and terms do not describe the current Evo or MicroMolder+.

An older ShopBotix manual for an earlier revision gives related but not identical figures: 5.75-by-5.75-inch platens, a maximum one-ounce shot for 3D-printed tooling or 0.75 ounce for aluminum tooling, and approximately eight tons of clamping force. It lists a 90-pound machine and 120 VAC/60 Hz or 220 VAC/50 Hz power. Do not apply these manual specifications to a current model without checking its applicable documentation.

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#1 Best Overall
ICZW Vertical Injection Molding Machine Semi-Automatic Pneumatic Plastic Extruder 20g 110V
  • Maximum Injection Amount (theoretical): 0-20g/time
  • Cost Saving:This injection molding machine uses a simple hand-disassembled mold to complete the injection molding, and the mold can be replaced to achieve multiple uses of one machine.
  • Heating Temperature: 0-350°C(0~662°F). The temperature can be adjusted. PEPP temperature 200-240°C, ABS 180-210°C, PS 180-200°C
  • Pneumatic Plastic Extruder: You need to prepare the air pump, and a 30L 500W or higher power air pump is recommended, and the air pressure requirement is between 0.65-0.85
  • Application: Soft plastics such as PP, PE, ABS are the most suitable, and PS, PA, PET, TPU, and PVC can also be used. Only a small amount of sample is needed for easy extrusion. Capable of test piece production and small batch production.

How the Evo and MicroMolder+ differ

The manufacturer distinguishes the models by machine architecture and intended workload. The Evo uses a single-stage rotating screw to melt and inject plastic, while the MicroMolder+ uses a plasticizing screw and a separate injection piston. The product pages list the following specifications and buying details; all are manufacturer claims, not independently verified measurements.

Feature MicroMolder Evo MicroMolder+
Architecture Single-stage, rotating screw melts and injects plastic (manufacturer FAQ) Two-stage, plasticizing screw plus separate injection piston (manufacturer FAQ)
Maximum injection volume 1.0 oz (28 g), depending on material (manufacturer product page, accessed October 8, 2026) 2.0 oz (manufacturer product page, accessed October 8, 2026)
Force figures Not stated on the current product page in the supplied source material 7,000 psi injection force and 20-ton clamping force (manufacturer product page, accessed October 8, 2026)
Tooling described 3D-printed, resin, or aluminum molds Aluminum, steel, or 3D-printed tooling (manufacturer FAQ)
Listed price and availability $6,499; built to order, with an estimated ship date of October 23, 2026 (manufacturer listing accessed October 8, 2026) $14,499; appeared out of stock in manufacturer search results accessed October 8, 2026

The Evo listing’s price and ship date are a dated snapshot, not a quote or delivery commitment. The MicroMolder+ price and stock status can also change; ask the manufacturer for current terms, lead time, and the correct power configuration for your location.

What these machines are suited to make

ShopBotix positions the lineup for creators, makers, prototypers, artisans, small businesses, schools, and hobbyists. Its FAQ describes the intended work as prototyping, testing, and low-volume batches. It explicitly says MicroMolder systems are not intended for continuous high-volume production or 24/7 operation.

Rank #2
ICZW Vertical Injection Molding Machine Manual Plastic Extruder with Bench Vise and Test Mold 110V
  • Maximum Injection Amount (theoretical): 0-10g/time
  • Cost Saving:This injection molding machine uses a simple hand-disassembled mold to complete the injection molding, and the mold can be replaced to achieve multiple uses of one machine. Furthermore, compared to pneumatic injection molding machines, it uses lower pressure and allows for the use of 3D printed molds to create products, making it suitable for DIY projects.
  • Heating Temperature: 0-350°C(0~662°F). The temperature is adjustable according to material. PEPP temperature 200-240°C, ABS 180-210°C, PS 180-200°C
  • The plastic injection machine comes with a test mold and bench vise. It can be used by connecting the power supply. Don't need to connect the air compressor. It is easy to use and simple to operate without take much space.
  • Application: Soft plastics such as PP, PE, ABS are the most suitable, and PS, PA, PET, TPU, and PVC can also be used. Only a small amount of sample is needed for easy extrusion. Capable of small batch production and test

A desktop machine can be useful when a team wants to iterate a thermoplastic part using an injection-molding process and suitable tooling. It is not, by itself, evidence that a part will meet a particular production specification, cycle time, or repeatability target. No independent performance study or test result is established in the sources cited here.

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Materials: thermoplastic pellets, with model-specific limits

MicroMolder machines process thermoplastics in pellet form. ShopBotix’s materials overview says it has tested polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), ABS, styrene, polycarbonate (PC), polyoxymethylene (POM), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), and thermoplastic elastomers (TPEs). The model-specific FAQ narrows that general list and makes clear that suitability depends on resin behavior and part setup.

  • Evo: The manufacturer identifies ABS, PP, PE, polystyrene (PS), and TPU as common materials. Nylon, PC, and some filled materials may work with significant limitations depending on flow. High-temperature or very low-flow resins are not ideal for this model.
  • MicroMolder+: The manufacturer describes broader support that includes nylon, PC, polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), and glass-filled resins.

These are manufacturer compatibility guidelines, not a guarantee for every grade or part. Temperature, viscosity, flow rate, mold design, and geometry affect whether a resin fills a cavity successfully. Thermoplastic elastomers are not liquid silicone: ShopBotix warns that liquid silicone is not appropriate feed material for this plastic injection line and can damage the equipment.

Rank #3
IntXanth 110V Manual Commercial Desktop Plastic Injection Molding Machine, 0.035-0.7oz Thermoplastic Sample Making Injection Machine
  • High-Speed Manual Injection & Capacity Specs:Operating at 110V with a 400W driving power, this injector delivers a fast 1m/s injection velocity using a 0.79" (20mm) plunger and a 0.1" (2.5mm) nozzle. It is perfectly suited for injection molding small products weighing 0.035-0.7oz (1-20g), with a typical optimal weight of less than 3 grams.
  • Powerful 1000W Heating & Precise Temperature Control:Designed for high-temperature durability, this machine features a 1000W heating system with precise temperature settings ranging from 0℃ to 350℃.
  • Versatile Compatibility with PE Plastics:This machine is specifically optimized for processing Polyethylene particles, including both HDPE and LDPE. It serves as an irreplaceable assistant in the workshop for creating custom plastic parts with excellent material consistency.
  • DIY-Friendly with Large Mold Capacity:Focused on DIY enthusiasts and small business owners, this vertical injection molding machine is easy to install, operate, and maintain. It accommodates molds with a height of up to 550mm, offering great flexibility for producing a wide variety of plastic components.
  • Plug-and-Play Convenience:Enjoy a hassle-free setup with a design that requires no air compressor. Its straightforward manual operation makes it an ideal choice for small batch processing, prototyping, and starting your own plastic parts business.

Mold choice and part fit

The Evo product page describes compatibility with 3D-printed, resin, and aluminum molds; the FAQ also lists steel tooling for the MicroMolder+. Tool material affects more than purchase cost. ShopBotix notes that 3D-printed tooling generally has longer cycle times than aluminum because it conducts heat less effectively. Actual cooling and cycle times vary with the resin, part size, mold design, and setup.

A machine’s maximum shot size or platen envelope does not establish that a particular part will work. The usable shot must account for the cavity plus the runner and sprue, and successful filling also depends on resin flow, mold temperature and cooling, gate and vent design, and ejection. The manufacturer’s basic guideline is for total cavity volume, including runner and sprue, to be at least 15% below maximum shot size. ShopBotix cautions that meeting this guideline does not guarantee a successful part.

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  • Check the full mold dimensions against the applicable machine’s platen and clamping arrangement.
  • Include the runner and sprue when estimating shot volume, rather than counting only the finished part.
  • Evaluate whether the selected resin can flow through the planned gate and fill the geometry under the mold’s temperature and venting conditions.
  • Plan for cooling and ejection; a mold that fits the machine can still produce poor results if these are not designed for the material and part.
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Power, ordering, warranty, and safe operation

The manufacturer’s overview describes standard 120 VAC or 220 VAC operation, while the Evo listing specifies single-phase 120 V or 220 V. Confirm the exact electrical version before purchase. ShopBotix says it ships worldwide; its FAQ places import duties and eligibility checks on the buyer, so verify shipping and import terms for your destination.

Rank #4
1PC 20g Vertical Injection Molding Machine - Desktop Polymer Plastic Injection Molding Machine for PE, PP, ABS, PVC(220v)
  • Achieve personalized production of plastic products with ease using our 20g Vertical Injection Molding Machine, suitable for various materials like PE, PP, ABS, and PVC.
  • Features a user-friendly control panel with precise temperature environments, allowing you to customize heating needs for optimal results in your plastic parts manufacturing.
  • Automatic return function enhances efficiency by allowing the handle to return to its original position after each extrusion, saving time and labor for seamless operation.
  • Constructed with a well-made structure, including a robust clamping clamp, ensuring durability and convenience during operation for better productivity.
  • Compact design (20 * 20 * 80cm) with a maximum mold size of 15 * 15 * 14cm, making it an ideal choice for small-scale production and hobbyists in the plastic molding industry.

The manufacturer warranty page describes a 12-month limited machine warranty and separate three-year coverage for specified Teknic components. Coverage has exclusions and conditions, including use of non-thermoplastic materials. Review the current warranty terms and confirm that your planned material and application are covered.

Injection molding involves heated material and moving clamping equipment. The manual for an earlier machine revision lists a safety door, emergency stops, temperature shutdown, fume exhaust, and hopper-level detection. Those historical features should not be assumed to describe a current Evo or MicroMolder+; obtain the manual for the exact machine and verify its safety provisions. Plan for suitable fume extraction, safe material handling, mold alignment, and clear access to emergency stops.

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.

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