Many US producers have led customers through the costing models, noting freight, quality, material variations, in transit losses, increased need for documentation and communications and increased management costs plus much more. Most guys will compete on an apples to apples basis, but quotes must be detailed for many to see the problems and the spreadsheets done for the purchaser to see the differentials.

if you are a seller, do you know what are the customer's mostly concern aspects on selecting an plastic injection molding maker in China? If you are a buyer, how do you select a reliable mold maker in China? You have to look at the part for starters. What is it, and what are the expectations on quality and use of the finished product. Obviously you would not want to use regrind product on a class a surface, or any type of show part that is not painted or plated in some form or fashion.

I would agree that Engel used to and still does make an excellent machine BUT I would not agree on easy. Back in the mid 90's their CC90 controller was very good and straight forward, truly excellent. Today the CC200 is just another German/Austrian user UNfriendly controller. Still a good machine, but this goes back to my original comment a couple of weeks ago. Have a processor and maintenance person with you when making your evaluations.

I've been in the custom injection molding business for 39 years, consequently have worked with and/or around all the popular brands of IMM's. Your specific criteria is: "the best general purpose machine for the buck" and "tonnage range is 100 to 1000 tons". This was the exact criteria I had when I decided to start my own molding business 15 years ago. We chose Nissei and have never regretted it. We have 1 all electric and 10 Hydraulics. One note the Hydraulics are much cleaner because they do not have the toggle clamp movement, which need constant lubrication. Also the Hydraulics are very precise and extremely robust. The next press we will purchase will be the Nissei Hybrid....An incredible machine!

Another consideration is the quality of the manufactures representative in your area. I have found that we get much better service with all our suppliers that have the most attentive and responsive manufactures representative. Personally my first choice would be Nissei...call their local rep and see if he calls you back and come to see you...if he/she doesn't then I'd call Toshiba and do the same. BUT stay away from all the China, Taiwan, Korea. They may be half the price, but will be 4 times the overall cost and be down more than up.