Plastics and injection molding equipment appraisals.
A plastics machinery appraisal from Lukes & Lukes is an independent, USPAP-compliant opinion of value for the molding floor: injection molding presses by clamp tonnage and control generation, extrusion lines, blow molding, thermoforming, and the auxiliary equipment that keeps them running. Tonnage and controls lead, all-electric and newer servo machines hold value better than older hydraulics, and screw and barrel condition is a real, inspectable driver. Tooling and molds are usually appraised separately. Built to withstand lender, SBA, IRS, audit and legal review.
What we appraise
The molding floor, press by press.
We value the full plastics fleet, from a single press to a multi-line plant, and we value the presses and their auxiliaries on their own markets. A press is only productive with the chillers, dryers and handling around it.
- Injection molding: presses across the tonnage range, hydraulic, servo-hydraulic and all-electric.
- Extrusion: single- and twin-screw extruders and downstream lines.
- Blow molding and thermoforming: extrusion and injection blow, and forming lines.
- Auxiliaries: chillers, dryers, granulators, conveying, blenders and feeders.
- Automation: take-out robots, sprue pickers and end-of-arm tooling.
What drives the number
Tonnage, controls, and screw-and-barrel wear.
Clamp tonnage sets the class and control generation sets the rest: a current control with servo or all-electric drive holds value, while an older hydraulic with an unsupported control trades below it, on energy cost and parts availability. Screw and barrel wear is an inspectable driver, since replacement is expensive. Brand and the depth of the secondary market for that size class matter. Auxiliaries are valued in their own right. Molds are often the most valuable items on the floor but are frequently customer-owned, so we confirm ownership and appraise tooling separately where it is in scope.
Which value applies
The right premise for the situation.
The same plant carries different numbers depending on why you need the appraisal. We determine and defend the premise your situation requires.
Common questions
Answers, up front.
What drives an injection molding press's value?
Clamp tonnage sets the class, then control generation and drive type: current servo-hydraulic or all-electric machines hold value, while older hydraulics with unsupported controls trade below them. Screw and barrel condition is a real, inspectable driver, along with brand and the depth of the secondary market for that size.
Are molds and tooling included in the value?
Usually appraised separately. Molds are often customer- or product-specific and ownership frequently sits with the customer, not the molder. We confirm what is owned and value tooling on its own where it is in scope, rather than folding an assumed mold value into the presses.
Do you value the auxiliary equipment too?
Yes. Chillers, dryers, granulators, conveying and robots are valued in their own right, because a press is only productive with them and they trade on their own market.
Are these appraisals accepted by lenders, the SBA and the courts?
Yes. Reports are USPAP-compliant, prepared by a NEBB-certified Machinery & Equipment Appraiser (CMEA), and built to withstand lender, SBA, IRS, audit and legal review.