A hand-operated device transforms plastic resin into molded components. This involves manually clamping the mold halves, injecting molten plastic using a hand lever or screw mechanism, and then manually ejecting the finished part. A simple hand-operated injector might be used for producing small prototypes or low-volume parts, for example, buttons or small toys.
These devices offer a cost-effective entry point into plastic molding, especially beneficial for small businesses, educational institutions, or hobbyists. Their simplicity makes them easy to learn and operate, requiring minimal training. Historically, they represented an important step in the evolution of injection molding technology, preceding automated and computerized systems. They remain relevant today for specialized applications where automation is not economically feasible or necessary.