YJPT-260 vs. YJPT-318 vs. YJPT-360: A Comparison Guide for PET Preform Lines

Choosing among the YJPT-260, YJPT-318 and YJPT-360 from Yongjiang is not simply a choice between heavier and lighter frames. Machine selection must be based on four linked values: clamping force, tie-bar spacing, screw barrel diameter and shot weight. The PET preform injection machine you select has to close and hold the mold, accept the mold footprint, supply enough melted PET for every cavity, and do it repeatedly on a hot-runner cycle.

Yongjiang, formally Ningbo Yong Jiang machine co., Ltd., has produced injection molding equipment since 1985. The manufacturer operates a 130,000 m² site and reports an annual output of 2,000 units, with 59% of production exported. Its YJPT models are a specialized PET preform injection molding machine family positioned for high-speed bottle preform manufacturing.

PET bottle preform lines are sized by clamp force, tie-bar space, screw barrel and shot weight.

Problem definition: tonnage is only one side of the decision

Buyers often assume that a higher tonnage automatically means more output. In PET preform injection, tonnage is necessary but not sufficient. A 360-ton machine cannot increase output if the mold, screw recovery or preform cooling process is the limiting factor. At the same time, a smaller machine may not have enough tie-bar clearance or enough melt delivery per cycle for a planned hot-runner mold.

Before comparing models, it helps to define what each specification controls.

• Clamping force is the force that keeps the mold closed during injection. Insufficient clamping force can cause flash; excessive clamping force adds cost and floor weight.
• Tie-bar spacing defines the usable space between machine tie bars. A planned preform mold must fit inside this envelope.
• Screw barrel diameter influences plasticizing capacity and, together with screw design, affects melt consistency and recovery rate.
• Shot weight is the maximum amount of melted polymer that can be delivered in one injection cycle. It must cover the total weight of all preforms in the mold, plus normal hot-runner allowances.

Industry background: preform machines and PET packaging growth

PET preforms are the intermediate product for most plastic water bottles, beverage bottles, edible-oil bottles and a wide range of packaging containers. The global PET preform machine market is estimated at USD 9.9 billion in 2025 and projected to reach USD 17.3 billion by 2035, according to Future Market Insights. Injection molding technology still dominates this market with a 66.4% share in 2025.

Asia Pacific holds around 41.2% of the regional revenue share for injection molding machines, with China as the leading country, according to Grand View Research. For buyers outside China, this makes it important to compare not only the manufacturer name but the exact specification sheet, compliance evidence, after-sales support and ability to customize the machine for a specific voltage or plant requirement.

Yongjiang builds a broader range of injection molding machines with clamping force from 40T to 1600T. The YJPT family, however, is the line that focuses on PET preform injection. The 260, 318 and 360 models are the three YJPT sizes covered in this buying comparison.

Detailed solution: treat model selection as a system

Every PET preform injection line combines four hardware groups: injection clamp, injection unit, hot-runner mold, and downstream preform handling. The three YJPT sizes create different boundaries for the injection unit and the mold. They do not replace mold design work; they define what kind of mold can run productively.

The machine records describe all three units as high-speed PET preform machines for PET preform manufacturing. The differences are in the scale of the injection unit and the mold envelope. A larger YJPT model in this series is not merely a heavier version of the smaller one; it is also the version with more tie-bar space, a larger screw barrel and a larger shot weight.

These are the main reference points from the product data:

Step-by-step breakdown: sizing a YJPT machine for water, beverage or oil bottle preforms

Use the following sequence. It starts with the bottle and preform design, then narrows the machine choices.

Step 1: Define the target preform and bottle

The starting point is the finished bottle volume, neck finish and required preform weight. A preform that weighs more will increase the total shot weight required for each cycle. The same preform may be used for water bottles, beverage bottles or packaging containers, but the mold layout can still change the machine size needed.

Step 2: Estimate a working cavity configuration

The number of cavities controls output per cycle and should be selected together with the mold maker. More cavities mean more preforms per shot, but also require a larger mold envelope, a larger hot-runner manifold and a higher total shot weight.

Step 3: Calculate preliminary shot weight

A practical first calculation is:

The injection unit must deliver this amount within a normal cycle. A hot-runner manifold may add some melt volume, so the final value should be discussed with the mold designer. The machine rated shot weight should be above that working value with an appropriate safety margin.

Step 4: Compare the shot-weight envelope of each YJPT model

YJPT-260 supports a rated shot weight of 1,400 g. YJPT-318 moves up to 1,900 g. YJPT-360 provides 3,450 g. If the planned working shot is close to or above a machine rating, the next model in the series should be evaluated.

Step 5: Check tie-bar clearance

The model layout must fit inside the machine tie-bar area: 580 x 580 mm on YJPT-260, 620 x 620 mm on YJPT-318 and 680 x 680 mm on YJPT-360. These values are reference figures; actual usable mold-opening and fitting clearance should be checked against the machine drawing and the mold supplier drawing.

Step 6: Confirm clamping force needed by the mold

Mold designers use projected cavity area and expected cavity pressure to calculate clamp-force demand. The available clamp ratings in this comparison are 260 tons, 318 tons and 360 tons. This is the stage where the phrase high tonnage starts to translate into the ability to hold large, high-cavity hot-runner molds closed.

Step 7: Review motor power, heat power and machine weight

YJPT-260 is specified with 42 kW motor power and 35 kW heat power. YJPT-318 and YJPT-360 are specified with 80 kW motor power and 65 kW heat power. Machine weights are 9 tons, 13 tons and 16 tons respectively. This affects electrical supply, floor loading, packaging, cranes and installation planning.

Step 8: Include OEM voltage and logo requirements

OEM buyers should confirm electrical voltage, labeling and documentation in the machine specification. Yongjiang technical services include voltage and logo customization, and OEM production services are available. For project buyers, the minimum order is 1 unit, the standard delivery term is FOB Ningbo, and each machine is tested before shipment.

Use cases: water, beverage and oil bottle preform lines

The following use-case notes are starting points. The final machine size must always be confirmed by the mold calculation and output target.

PET bottle preform machine for water bottle production

Water bottle preforms are the most documented application for this machine family. In a Yongjiang case installation, 20 units of PET preform injection machines are used for PET preform making and water bottle making. The clients span multiple countries, including Ethiopia, Spain, France and Hungary. For a single-site water bottle project, the YJPT-260 can be sufficient when the preform shot weight and mold footprint stay inside the machine envelope. As output targets grow and the hot-runner mold becomes larger, the YJPT-318 and YJPT-360 provide more space and melt capacity.

PET preform machine for beverage and carbonated drink applications

Beverage bottles and carbonated soft drink bottles often require preforms that are heavier than light water bottle preforms because the containers must hold pressure after blowing. The YJPT-318 gives buyers a midpoint between the 260 and 360 models, while the YJPT-360 adds meaningful capacity with a 95 mm screw barrel and 3,450 g shot weight. For a multi-cavity hot-runner mold that produces beverage preforms around the clock, these two dimensions can be more critical than the tonnage label alone.

PET preform injection machine for oil bottle packaging

Oil bottle preforms tend to be heavier than single-serve water preforms, especially when the final pack size is large. Among the three models, YJPT-360 offers the largest screw barrel, shot weight and tie-bar spacing. Buyers planning large oil-bottle preforms should therefore evaluate the 360-ton model first. If the oil bottle preform is small enough that the total shot stays below the 260 or 318 envelope, one of the smaller machines may be more cost-effective.

PET preform injection machines are often installed in factories that make both preforms and bottles.

Comparison table: YJPT-260 vs. YJPT-318 vs. YJPT-360

The comparison table shows a clear scale: YJPT-260 is the entry point in this three-model group, YJPT-318 adds a step in tie-bar area and shot weight, and YJPT-360 provides the largest envelope with the largest screw barrel and the widest possible use across heavy preform applications.

Frequently asked questions

Conclusion

The YJPT-260, YJPT-318 and YJPT-360 are three different production envelopes in the same Yongjiang YJPT series. The most reliable way to choose is to compare total shot weight, mold tie-bar area, required clamping force and utility capacity before deciding. Tonnage alone should not drive the purchase.

Start with the final bottle and preform weight, multiply by the intended number of cavities, then map that number to the 1,400 g, 1,900 g and 3,450 g shot-weight ratings. Use the tie-bar spacing figures to confirm the mold will fit, and use the clamping force options to make sure the machine can hold the mold during injection.

Download the Yongjiang brochure

For the full machine range and factory profile, download the Yongjiang injection molding machine brochure: Download PDF.

For a specific YJPT-260, YJPT-318 or YJPT-360 quotation, send your project parameters to the Yongjiang team.

Name: Steven
Email: yongjiangimm@gmail.com
Tel / WhatsApp: +86 18958305290