Slide Table Vertical Injection Molding Machines machine image

Slide Table Vertical Injection Molding Machines

Slide table machines bring the lower mold platen toward the operator, giving insert loading and part removal a dedicated position outside the clamping area.

Single and double slide layouts should be compared by loading time, output target, mold access, and how much operator handling the process requires.

Table Configuration

Move the mold to the operator - safer access, faster loading

In a slide table configuration, the lower platen travels on linear rails between two positions: a molding position under the clamping unit and a loading position in front of the operator. Instead of the operator reaching into the clamping area to place inserts and remove parts, the mold comes to the operator.

This separation of loading and clamping zones improves operator safety - hands stay clear of the mold closing area - and makes insert placement more ergonomic, especially for multi-cavity molds or complex insert geometries that require careful positioning.

  • Operator stays clear of clamp Mold moves out for loading - hands never enter the clamping zone during operation
  • Two capacity levels Single slide for batch work, double slide for alternating higher-output workflows
  • Better ergonomics Open access to the mold at a comfortable working height and position
  • Flexible insert handling Suitable for manual and semi-automated loading across a wide range of insert types

Single Slide Table

One platen. Slide out, load, slide in, mold. Repeat.

The simplest moving-table configuration. After each molding cycle, the lower platen slides out on linear rails to the loading position. The operator removes the finished part, places inserts, and the platen slides back under the clamping unit for the next cycle. One operator manages the full sequence.

1. Slide Out
The mold is fully accessible - operator can reach all cavities without leaning into the machine.
2. Load
Better ergonomics and clearer sight lines than reaching into the clamping area to load inserts.
3. Slide In
Mechanical stops and alignment guides support consistent positioning cycle after cycle.
4. Clamp & Inject
The slide mechanism stays locked during injection - clamp force is delivered through the frame, not the rails.

Why single slide

  • - Lower equipment complexity: One slide mechanism and one platen create a simpler layout than double slide or rotary configurations.
  • - Typical fit for batch production: When production runs are measured in hundreds or low thousands rather than continuous high volume, single slide balances loading access and equipment complexity.
  • - Complex insert placement: Full mold access at the loading station - operators can carefully position multiple inserts per cavity without time pressure from the molding cycle.
  • - DA Series exclusive: Available on DA Series from DA-150S to DA-2100S (9 models, 150-2,100 kN). DC and DK Series do not offer single slide - their slide table offerings are double slide only.

Double Slide Table

While one platen molds, the other is loaded - no idle time

Two lower platens alternate positions on a shared rail system. While Platen A is under clamp for injection, Platen B is at the loading station for part removal and insert placement. When injection completes, the platens swap - A moves out for unloading, B slides in for molding. Loading time overlaps with molding time.

Station A | Molding

  • - Platen A under clamp
  • - Material injected
  • - Part molded & cooled

Station B | Loading

  • - Finished part removed
  • - New inserts placed
  • - Ready for next cycle

Making the Choice

Single slide or double slide - how to decide

Both move the mold to the operator. The deciding factor is whether your insert loading time is long enough to benefit from overlapping it with the molding cycle.

Sequential cycle

Single Slide Table

Platens
1 moving lower platen
Workflow
Load -> Mold -> Unload (sequential)
Operator
1 operator manages full cycle
Cost
Lower equipment investment
Availability
DA Series only - DA-150S to DA-2100S (9 models)

Often reviewed for small-to-medium batch production, complex insert placement where loading time varies per part, and operations where one skilled operator handles the complete molding cycle.

Alternating cycle

Double Slide Table

Platens
2 alternating lower platens
Workflow
Load -> Mold (parallel, alternating)
Operator
1-2 operators can work simultaneously
Cost
Higher investment, faster payback at volume
Availability
DA (8 models), DC (4 models), DK (5 models) - 17 models across all series

Often reviewed for higher-output insert molding where loading time is a significant portion of the cycle, operations that benefit from two operators working in parallel, and applications where loading efficiency is a major constraint.

Compatible Series

Slide tables across the Deboge platform

All three series offer slide table configurations, but model availability differs. DA Series is the only platform with single slide. Double slide is available across DA, DC, and DK.

Each series page includes complete slide table specification tables - model numbers, clamp force, screw diameter, shot weight, and machine dimensions. Full 25-parameter data sheets are available on request.

Typical Applications

Applications that benefit from slide table access

Slide tables are the most widely applicable moving-table configuration. They are recommended when the operator needs clear access to place inserts, when insert geometry is complex, or when manual loading is the primary production method.

Choosing Your Configuration

Slide table fits between fixed platen and rotary - here's when to choose each

The three table configurations form a spectrum from simplest to most continuous. Slide table is the middle ground - more loading efficiency than fixed platen, less equipment complexity than rotary.

Simplest

Fixed Platen ->

Table stays still. Best when inserts are easy to place without moving the mold.

Middle ground

Slide Table

Table slides out to operator. Best when insert loading benefits from moving the mold - single for batch work, double for higher output.

You are here

Most continuous

Rotary Table ->

Table rotates stations. Often reviewed for high-volume production where loading and molding run in parallel.

Frequently Asked Questions About Slide Table Machines

What is the difference between single slide and double slide table?
A single slide table has one moving lower platen - loading and molding are sequential: slide out, load, slide in, mold, repeat. A double slide table has two alternating lower platens - while one platen is under clamp for injection, the other is outside for part removal and insert loading. Double slide overlaps loading and molding time for higher output, at a higher equipment investment than single slide.
Which series support slide table configurations?
DA Series supports both single slide (9 models, DA-150S - DA-2100S) and double slide (8 models, DA-150DS - DA-1600DS). DC Series offers double slide (4 models, DC-450DS - DC-1200DS) with tie-bar-less open access. DK Series offers double slide (5 models, DK-1200DS - DK-3000DS) with horizontal injection for larger shot sizes. Single slide is currently exclusive to DA Series.
When should I choose a slide table over a fixed platen?
Choose a slide table when your insert loading workflow benefits from moving the mold to the operator. If inserts are simple to place and the mold is accessible without table movement, a fixed platen is the simpler choice. If operators need to reach deep into the mold, place multiple inserts per cavity, or work with complex insert geometries, a slide table improves ergonomics, safety, and loading speed.
How does slide table compare to rotary table?
Slide table moves the platen linearly in and out - sequential by nature, good for manual loading where one operator handles the full cycle. Rotary table rotates stations - parallel by nature, good for higher-volume production where multiple operators or automation equipment work at different stations simultaneously. Slide table typically has a lower equipment cost. Rotary table yields higher throughput at volume.
How do I decide between single slide and double slide?
Single slide works well for small-to-medium batch production where one operator manages the full load-mold-unload cycle. Double slide is the right choice when insert loading time is a significant portion of the total cycle - by alternating two platens, loading happens during molding rather than after it. Double slide is also useful when insert placement is complex and needs more time than the injection and cooling phases.
Does the slide mechanism affect clamping precision?
The slide mechanism guides platen movement but does not carry clamp force. During injection, the platen is locked in position and clamp force is delivered through the machine frame and tie-bars (or C-frame for DC Series). Mechanical stops and alignment guides support consistent positioning between cycles.

Not sure whether single or double slide fits your production?

Send your insert type, mold layout, operator workflow, and target output so the engineering team can review the slide table configuration path for your application.

Request Slide Table Machine Recommendation