KraussMaffei Corporation Suppliers Showroom

Coinjection Technology Showcases Recycled Material Containment

At Fakuma, an all-electric PXZ Multinject machine sandwiches a black core made of mechanically recycled PC/ABS within an outer layer made of chemically recycled ABS.

KraussMaffei Adds to Pipe, Profile Sales Team

Fowler to handle sales for Southeast.

Nolan Strall to Step Down as President of KraussMaffei in the US

Brett Greenhalgh will take over for Strall as the leader of KraussMaffei Corp. in America effective Sept. 1.

NPE2024 Wrap-Up: Sustainability Dominates Show Floor News

Across all process types, sustainability was a big theme at NPE2024. But there was plenty to see in automation and artificial intelligence as well.

Lab System Targets Large Part, Process Development for Combo Injection Molding, PUR Coating

KraussMaffei has paired an MXW 4500 injection molding machine featuring more than 5,000 tons of clamp force with two RimStar polyurethane (PUR) metering systems and three different mixing heads in a new ColorForm lab line at its facility in Parsdorf, Germany.

Netstal Names New Americas’ Region President

The Swiss maker of injection molding machines has named Nadeem Amin the new president for Netstal Americas.

Processing Megatrends Drive New Product Developments at NPE2024

It’s all about sustainability and the circular economy, and it will be on display in Orlando across all the major processes. But there will be plenty to see in automation, AI and machine learning as well.

Compounding and Injection Molding Combined in Circularity Display

NPE2024: KraussMaffei aims to “make plastic green” with in-booth moldings and recycled plastics converted into other applications through a combination of injection molding, extrusion and inline compounding.

Krones Acquires Netstal

Krones adds PET preform injection molding to its bottle blowing and filling capabilities, as well as cap molding and expansion into medical, food and other markets.

Lab Extruder Easy to Operate, Performs Better

Relaunched machine offers higher efficiency, shorter delivery times and increased cost effectiveness.

KraussMaffei Names New Injection Molding Leader

Jörg Stech will be responsible for the company’s injection molding division with a focus on Europe and responsibility for the global development of the technology.

Netstal Unveils New Branding

The rebranding will include a new slogan, logo, color scheme, corporate website and the Axos 9 controller, all of which will be on display at Fakuma.

Microcellular Foaming Paired With Specialized Screw, Process Control Program

KraussMaffei will apply its APCplus dynamic process control technology and an optimized screw with the MuCell process in Friedrichshafen.

KraussMaffei and NIAR Propel Injection Molded Thermoplastic Composites

The maker of plastics processing equipment has placed a machine and an injection molding expert in NIAR’s ATLAS lab in Wichita, Kansas, to help molding, composites and aerospace take off.

KraussMaffei Nears Completion of Corporate Headquarters Move

The 185-yr old German maker of plastics processing machinery is shifting to a more than 200,000-m2 greenfield site in Parsdorf.

Large Scale 3D Printer Offered by Plastics Processing Machinery Company KraussMaffei

KraussMaffei launches PowerPrint, for product sizes up to 10 square meters.

Program Guides Operators Through Injection Molding Process

KraussMaffei says its new smartOperation digital service provides intuitive operator support, particularly for workers with little or no experience.

Netstal Relaunches Brand in Mexico

Netstal has named iTech, based in Querétaro, as its sales agency for Mexico.

Modular Screw Optimized for Microcellular Foam Molding

KraussMaffei says its HPS-Physical Foaming screw features a universal design and 30% higher plasticizing capacity for MuCell molding.

Netstal’s Sustainability Performance Recognized

In its first assessment by EcoVadis, the Swiss-based maker of injection molding machines was awarded a Bronze.

New Facility Refreshes Post-Consumer PP by Washing Out Additives, Contaminants

PureCycle prepares to scale up its novel solvent recycling approach as new facility nears completion.

KraussMaffei Corp. PTXPO Spotlight

KraussMaffei discusses the upcoming Plastics Technology Expo (PTXPO) March 28-30

Machine Intelligence Mobilized Against Waste

Part quality was naturally the first target of autonomous molding algorithms, but later developments have focused increasingly on preventing wasted time, energy, material and hardware maintenance.

Energy Efficiency in Focus at K 2022

As much as cycle time, kWh/kg was an oft-cited metric by injection molding machine suppliers at October’s big show.

New VP Global Service at Netstal

The Swiss maker of injection molding machines named Remo Heusi to the position, replacing Frank Arnold who will leave the company as of March 31, 2023.

KraussMaffei Group Announces Leadership Change

At the start of 2023, Li Yong will replace Michael Ruf as CEO of the plastics machinery equipment supplier headquartered in Germany and majority owned by China’s Sinochem since 2018.

KraussMaffei Launches Two Additive Manufacturing Lines at K 2022

Long established in injection molding, extrusion and polyurethane reaction process machinery, 184-yr-old KraussMaffei prepares to enter the industrial additive manufacturing market.

Green’s the Theme in Extrusion/Compounding

The drive toward circular economy is requiring processors to make more use of PCR. Machine builders at K—across all extrusion processes—will be highlighting innovations to help them do just that.

Mold, Hot Runner, Digitization and Process Monitoring at K 2022

The Barnes Group’s Molding Solutions division companies will highlight new mold and hot runner technologies at its own booth and at several machinery partners during K 2022.

Recycling Challenges Become Opportunities with the Aid of New Technologies

The latest recycling equipment on view at the K Show handles more materials, is more efficient and produces higher quality output than ever achieved before.

K 2022 Preview: Injection Molding Closes the Circle, Digitally

Because the market requires sustainability—and important component of which is the circular economy—and sustainability requires digitization, all three will be major themes at injection molding booths at K 2022.

KraussMaffei Names New VP Automation

Mike Gunner will serve as the VP of Automation for the global supplier of plastics processing machinery, joining the company from the Mikron Group.

Application Records, Displays all Sustainability Relevant Process Data

KraussMaffei (KM) says new software provides in-depth process data by capturing up to 500 machine signals in real time for carbon footprint measurement.

Automatically Optimizing Injection Molding Energy Efficiency

KraussMaffei says its BluePower servodrive controls, WeeklyTimer, EcoPac insulation and EcoButton promote sustainability via energy efficiency.

‘Learn to Embrace Variability’

Wait. What? Variability in raw materials is supposed to be the last thing anyone would want to ‘embrace.’ But if you substitute ‘circular economy’ for ‘variability’ and ‘manage with technology’ for ‘embrace’—then the mystery starts to clear.

Smallest Model in Hybrid Injection Molding Machine Line Optimized

Netstal has redesigned drive components of the hybrid ELIOS series, resulting in reduced dry-cycle times, lower energy usage, and a smaller machine, with the smallest unit in that line—the 460-ton press—now shorter.

New HDPE Pipe Processor Goes ‘QuickSwitch’ Route

Encoma of Canada installs KraussMaffei’s first-ever QuickSwitch line in North American to maximize pipe production flexibility, with more capacity on the way.

Injection Molding Live Demos to Highlight First-Ever PTXPO

Major suppliers will be running injection machines in the first plastics industry trade show in the Chicago area since 2009.

Robot Synchronizes Movement with Machine for Faster Takeout

The new “synchronous motion” function from KraussMaffei Automation reportedly shortens demolding time by up to 35% while allowing up to 6% faster cycles.

KraussMaffei Corp. Names New U.S. President

The German maker of plastics processing equipment named Nolan Strall as the new president of KraussMaffei Corp. North America (KMC).

Solvent-Based Recycling: Emerging Technology for Reclaiming & Purifying Polyolefins with Twin-Screw Extruders

Just now being applied commercially, solvent-based recycling turns colored polyolefin waste into clear, clean and even food-grade resin comparable to virgin—all while keeping the polymer structure intact. Specially engineered systems of tandem twin-screw or twin- and single-screw extruders can do the trick.

KraussMaffei Corp. Names Strall New President

Succeeds Rodgers as head of North American operations for builder of injection molding, RIM, extrusion and compounding machines.

KraussMaffei to Provide Extrusion Technologies for PureCycle

Two twin-screw extruders from KraussMaffei will melt the dry PP carpet scraps that are used as feedstock for the PureCycle process.

Netstal Brand Returns, KraussMaffei Transfers Machine Maker Into Independent Unit

In 2019, the KraussMaffei Group merged all its divisions and all previous brands—KraussMaffei, KraussMaffei Berstorff and Netstal—into a single KraussMaffei brand.

Flexible Twins for Profiles

Profile extrusion lines from KraussMaffei Berstorff are provided from single machines to complete production lines.

KraussMaffei Appoints New Sales Manager

KraussMaffei has appointed Michael Kreitner as its Western Michigan Territorial Sales Manager focusing on injection molding.

Industry 4.0 Communication Standard Adds Hot Runners, LSR Dosing

EUROMAP and the OPC Foundation’s joint working group issued a standardized data exchange communication protocol for hot runner devices and liquid silicone rubber dosing systems.

SABIC and KraussMaffei Collaborate on Development of Innovative Thin-Wall Packaging

The partners launched their collaboration at the newly expanded Thin-Wall Packaging Applications Center at KraussMaffei’s Swiss subsidiary and manufacturer of Netstal injection molding machines

New Package Concept Offers Relief from PP Shortages & Soaring Prices

A new IML approach that uses a thick paper label as most of the structure of a plastic container can slash resin use drastically—especially handy when resin supplies are tight and prices are soaring.

20 Good Things to Come Out of 2020—Part 4

Good news was there if you knew where to look for it—in the pages of Plastics Technology magazine or right here on our website. Here’s a review of headlines you can feel good about.

Injection Molding: PET Preform Molding Machine Switches to Side Entry

Netstal’s new PET-LINE has changed from top entry and post-mold cooling above the clamping unit to side entry and cooling alongside the press, offering compatibility to lateral removal tools and after-cooling stations.

Fakuma Exhibitors Drop Out as Covid-19 Impacts 2020 Plans

Engel joins KraussMaffei, Wittmann Battenfeld and Sepro Group as major injection molding centered exhibitors who have announced they will be skipping the injection-oriented event or curtailing their presence.

Netstal Machines Enable Lights Out Production of Coronavirus Antibody Tests

Coronavirus antibody test kits for Roche will be mass produced at an annual rate of 230 million units using three Netstal machines to clean room mold cups, pipette tips and racks to hold them.

Injection Molding: Faster, Smarter, More Efficient Machines Tackle Sustainable Molding at K 2019

Blazing speed plus shrinking energy consumption supported the “green” theme at the big show. Smarter controls and growing connectivity were another key focus.

Compounding: Quick-Color-Change Lab Twin

Throughout the exhibit, KraussMaffei ran nine different liquid colors, changing at the push of a button, to demonstrate time- and process-saving technology.

Rogers Named President of KraussMaffei Corp.

Twenty-year vet has worked for various industrial firms in his career.

K 2019 Preview: Green's the Theme in Extrusion & Compounding

Themes of sustainability and the Circular Economy will be visible at the booths of many suppliers of extrusion and compounding equipment—film, in particular.

K 2019 Preview: Injection Molding Goes for the ‘Green’

‘Circular Economy’ joins Industry 4.0 as common themes of injection molding exhibits in Düsseldorf.

Report from the K 2019 Preview: The Future of Plastics is Circular

During the K 2019 Preview in Düsseldorf, Germany, machinery and material suppliers discussed new initiatives and technologies dedicated toward incorporating sustainability into their offerings.

KraussMaffei Unifies All Its Brands

Netstal and Berstorff are now KraussMaffei.

KraussMaffei Launches Chinese-Made All-Electric Injection Machines, Twin-Screw Extruders and Robotics Line at Chinaplas 2019

The products, which are targeting the local market and export, will be supported by a new manufacturing site that broke ground in in Jiaxing, Zhejiang Province in March.

Are You Up on the Latest in IML & IMD?

New technology for decorative and functional in-mold decorating will be featured at Molding 2019 Conference.

Injection Molding: Adaptive Shot-Size Control Now Available for Thermosets

KraussMaffei control for uniform shot weight now can be used with granulated thermosets, BMC/SMC, and liquid or solid silicones.

Compounding: Extruders Now Come with Industry 4.0 Solutions

New systems allow for increased data collection and analysis.

Moldmaking in Mexico: A New Frontier

Advancing beyond repairs and maintenance, there is a growing Mexican moldmaking segment, giving local supply and support to the country’s burgeoning automotive sector, among others.

Headlines from Fakuma 2018

Integrating a special low-pressure process into machine controls; novel shop-floor quality-inspection technology; MES systems from machine and controls vendors; and sophisticated in-mold decorating.

KraussMaffei Rolls Out ‘Digital Service Solutions’

New e-service portal and AnalytiX cloud-based production monitoring are now available for all KraussMaffei Group products.

Double IMD + IML Injection Molding To Be Demonstrated at Fakuma

Patented Kurz system, demonstrated by KraussMaffei, allows two independent single-image foils to decorate two mold cavities.

NPE Wrap-Up: News in Primary Machinery, Part 1

Rounding up details from the Big Show not previously reported in all our other coverage, here’s more news in injection and blow molding, extrusion and compounding. Next month, we’ll conclude with recycling/scrap reclaim, robots, tooling, auxiliary equipment, materials and additives.

Compounding: Software for Twin-Screw Element, Barrel Configurations

Software houses library of 3000 screw elements and barrel housings from which to choose.

Injection Molding: Small Electric Press Debuts In LSR Micromolding

KraussMaffei adds 25-ton model to all-electric PX series of injection molding machines. First demonstrated in LSR micromolding. KM also introduces solid silicone feeder for bubble-free parts.

Rapid Heat & Cool Molding Evolves to Meet Industry Challenges

Technical capabilities of the process have advanced to erase former cycle-time penalties, and ongoing developments address creation of a materials database and new applications in hybrid composite injection overmolding.

NPE2018 New Technology Focus: Pipe, Profile, Tubing

Check out what’s new in pipe, profile and tubing extrusion.

NPE2018 New Technology Focus: LSR in the Spotlight

LSR remains a popular topic, visible at numerous molding demos at the show.

NPE2018 New Technology Focus: Do It in the Mold

In-mold labeling and decorating are applied to packaging and automotive parts at numerous booths throughout the show.

The Octex Group Introduces “Launchpad” For Faster Product Launches

A tightly integrated group with custom molding, toolmaking, and metrology operations works together to compress the tool-qualification and product-launch cycle.

NPE2018 New Technology Focus: Healthy Interest in Medical

Medical molding is a big presence at NPE.

Plastics Hall of Fame: 10 Inspiring Stories

Last evening, at the Linda W. Chapin Theatre, the Plastics Academy inducted 10 new members into the Plastics Hall of Fame. Meet these outstanding individuals with remarkable stories. Each one teaches a lesson of hard work and creative thinking.

NPE2018 New Technology Focus: The ‘4.0’ Revolution

Injection and blow molding and robot suppliers are making Industry 4.0 the most prevalent theme of the show.

Karlheinz Bourdon: At the Core of Machinery Technology

Dr. Karlheinz Bourdon entered into the Plastics Hall of Fame on Sunday. He has a prominent career in the plastics machinery industry, where he has contributed with cutting-edge developments in injection molding.

NPE2018 New Technology Focus: Multicomponent Injection and Blow Molding Demos

Multicolor and multimaterial molding includes composites, LSR, and even barrier preforms and bottles at this show.

Extrusion/Compounding at NPE2018: More…More…More!

More speed, flexibility and robustness. Across a gamut of extrusion applications, machine builders are introducing new machinery, components, and systems to dramatically raise the bar on productivity.

Rapid Heat/Cool Molding with Induction Heating Achieves ‘High Definition’ Mold-Surface Replication

At least three exhibits will show the benefits of rapid heat/cool molding with Roctool’s induction heating.

NPE Is U.S. Debut for Campetella Robotic Center

A major Italian supplier of linear and SCARA robots specializes in IML.

One-Step Color Masterbatch Production

KraussMaffei Berstorff Liquid Color Compounding Technology allows masterbatches to be run without the need for ‘mono-concentrate’ production steps.

High-Speed Packaging & Medical Demos from Netstal

Injection molding technologies for packaging and medical molding are on display, with an emphasis on Industry 4.0 functionality.

KraussMaffei’s Integrated Molding Cells Focus on Five Technologies

High-speed machines, LSR, composites overmolding, Industry 4.0 and more showcased.

Video: Workforce Development Panel at Molding 2018

A panel discussion during Molding 2018 centered on ways the plastics industry can collaborate and coordinate on bringing talented new people into its workforce.

Automotive Composites With a Soft Touch

Auto interior component marries continuous-fiber composite with hard/soft overmolding.

Flexible, Rugged Systems for Pipe, Profile

High-performance conical twin-screw extruder with calibration basket to change pipe diameter.

Injection Molding: Controlled Production Shutdown For PET Preform Molding

Netstal machine uses stored braking energy to maintain power during brief outages and allow controlled shutdown without short shots.

Where Do You Fall On Industry 4.0’s Adoption Curve?

Beyond the hype: how are injection molders applying industry 4.0 today, and what’s coming in the future.

'Engage, Innovate, Evolve': Future-Oriented Culture at Octex Group

Using science, technology, and talent to give high-tech customers unprecedented speed to market.

KraussMaffei Reaches Out to Help Harvey Victims

Company will deliver check of $121,600 to Red Cross thanks to the generosity of these processors.

Heat/Cool Molding Gets A Workout at Fakuma 2017

KraussMaffei will demonstrate extremely fine mold-surface replication and the wide range of decorative effects possible without secondary processes using RocTool heat/cool molding technology.

KraussMaffei and Roctool Sign Global Collaboration Agreement

KraussMaffei joins with Roctool to promote hot/cold molding technology with rapid induction heating to achieve smooth surfaces, superior mold replication.

KraussMaffei Invests in Future Plastics Professionals

KM is doing its part through machinery donations, as well as co-op and apprentice programs.

Augmented Auxiliaries At K 2016

Incremental improvements to existing technologies combined with altogether new advances at the giant show.

K 2016: Connectivity & Collaboration in Robotics & Automation

Besides a handful of new robots and pickers, the big themes were modular ‘plug-and-play’ automation, Industry 4.0 connectivity, easier programming, and safer collaboration with human workers.

K 2016 Injection Molding: Rapid Pace of Development

Servo drives dominate. Other trends include multitouch screens, adding materials data to process controls, and Industry 4.0 connectivity.

New Culture, New Capabilities, New Challenges

Over the last few years, Henkel has not only transformed what its Richmond facility does, but also altered how it operates in terms of culture.

Left & Right Door Panels from One Machine, One Mold, Twin Robots

Twin robot arms tend a stack-type mold.

New Use of Induction Heating in Composite Overmolding at K 2016

Induction heats the organosheet in the mold, as well as the injection mold itself.

INJECTION MOLDING: New Robots & Automation Solutions Coming to K 2016 Show

Look for modular automation systems, new controls, and new robots and pickers.

K 2016 Preview: Injection Molding

Adapting injection molding to the concept of Industry 4.0 is gaining momentum. At this show you’ll see that the interconnected, integrated “factory of the future” is almost here.

K 2016 Preview: Extrusion and Compounding

Regardless of what you might be extruding, the themes of speed and flexibility will loom large in extrusion at the giant show.

Europe’s Plastics Machinery Manufacturers Concerned Over "Brexit”

The United Kingdom is both an important export market for Europe’s plastics suppliers, as well as a location for independent subsidiaries.

KraussMaffei Celebrates 50 Years in U.S.

The U.S. has become the largest single-country market for KM.

China Reimagines Its Manufacturing Industry

Nearly 40 years ago, China’s “Open Door” policy revolutionized the country’s economy, particularly industry—Can “Made In China 2025” keep “the world’s factory” humming?

KraussMaffei Buy Another Sign That China to Stay a Tough Competitor

One hears talk lately about how China is supposedly losing its killer edge as a global exports powerhouse. It has an aging population, rising wages, slowing economic growth, a shift in emphasis toward internal consumption, and recent upsets in financial markets.

ChemChina to Buy KraussMaffei Group

German plastics machinery maker to remain in place after purchase by China's largest chemical group.

Adaptive Injection Control Aids IML Molding

Getting back on cycle after frequent interruptions for mold cleaning.

3D Printing’s Growing Presence Seen at Fakuma Show

Additive manufacturing appeared in tooling inserts, robot grippers, and molded parts.

Highlights of Fakuma 2015

A selection of the hottest news and molding trends at this “little brother” to the K Show.

Where Was 3D Printing at the Fakuma Show?

All over, and in a variety of roles.

INJECTION MOLDING: Sneak Peek at Fakuma News

News in LSR, micromolding, IML, medical technology, and more.

China Serves Up Stiff Competition in Table Tennis and Plastics Machinery

Table tennis as a commentary on China’s pursuit of Germany for global plastics machinery preeminence.

EXTRUSION AND COMPOUNDING NPE: Flexibility, Speed and Quality

Extrusion processors need more—of everything—to compete. And suppliers responded in force in Orlando.

INJECTION MOLDING AT NPE: Presses, Robots & Cell Automation

Everything molders need to compete in markets from automotive to medical was on display in Orlando. Besides a huge number of new machine models, there was emphasis on cell integration and automation.

KraussMaffei to Expand Local Production of Extrusion Lines in China

Starting in the second half of 2015, KraussMaffei will begin production of its ZE 52 Basic twin screw compounding lines at its recently expanded Haiyan facility.

Slideshow: The sights of NPE2015

Relive NPE2015 through photos taken by the Plastics Technology staff.

INJECTION MOLDING AT NPE: Molding Exhibits Show Off Cell Integration with Multiple Processes & Operations

If you’re interested in lightweight composites, IML, LSR, multi-shot, inmold assembly, barrier coinjection, micromolding, variotherm molding, foams, energy-saving presses, robots, hot runners, and tooling—they’re all here in force.

EXTRUSION AND COMPOUNDING AT NPE: The Word Is ‘More’

As in speed, power, quality, flexibility, layers, and efficiency. Those are the trends across all extrusion processes.

Mexico’s Auto Market Accelerates, Brings Plastics Along

Mexico’s booming automotive industry inevitably became part of the conversation with exhibitors at the country’s largest plastics trade fair, Plastimagen.

Key Themes from the Fakuma Show

Servo-hydraulics, servo sprue pickers, electronic water-flow monitoring/control, and exotic multi-process cells were the headliners in Friedrichshafen.

Integrated Multi-Process Cells Hum at Fakuma Show

Why not combine plastic injection with metal injection, or bead-foam molding, or laser printing?

Three Themes at Fakuma Show

Servo hydraulics are becoming standard; servo pickers proliferate; water flow monitoring and control are new focus.

Liquid Composites Molding Progresses at BMW and VW

With lightweighting and fuel efficiency as drivers, two German automakers pursue alternative technologies for structural parts.

VW Explores Thermoplastic RTM

Another German automaker pursues liquid reaction molding of structural composites.

Want a Machine with Everything?

Super-flexible lab development machine is equipped for a wide range of processes.

Machinery Systems for Thermoplastic Composites in Automotive

Three suppliers of injection machines and one of in-mold sensors will present the latest technology for injection overmolding of composites.

More Details on Molding the BMW i3 Electric Car

Massive machines paired up to mold body-shell components.

Why Thermoplastic Composites Are Hot in Automotive

A new conference brings together the leaders in this emerging field of technology.

What's the Fuss Over Thermoplastic Composites in Automotive?

Find out at a brand-new conference this June in Novi, Mich.

News in Robots from K 2013

Injection molding Cartesian robots are being made lighter and faster, but with greater payload capacity and vibration resistance. Six-axis articulated robots are being made easier to program.

Extrusion/Compounding at K 2013: Having It All

Extrusion processors no longer need to chose among speed, quality, and flexibility, based on exhibits at K 2013.

Injection Molding at K 2013: Doing More with Less

More productivity with less energy consumption and capital investment; more operations in the machine or manufacturing cell with less time, labor, energy, and capital—these were the common themes of injection molding exhibits at October’s K 2013 show.

K 2013 Preview: Extrusion, Compounding, Recycling

Across all extrusion technologies, expect to see new standards in speed, quality, flexibility, and efficiency in both energy and material usage.

K 2013 Preview: Injection Molding

Next month’s mammoth triennial plastics show in Düsseldorf, Germany, challenges injection molding machine builders to demonstrate technological leadership in addressing the needs of the marketplace.

Sustainable Medical Molding: For Nypro, It’s Good Business

“Why worry about sustainability?” asks Ed Cathey, controller of Nypro’s Mebane, N.C., injection molding plant.

The New Lightweights: Injection Molded 'Hybrid' Composites Spur Auto Innovation

A thermoplastic composite technology that emerged just a couple of years ago promises to make dramatic strides within the next two years in automotive mass production of structural components.

NPE: New Machines Exhibit Sophisticated Molding Demos

More speed, more power, more precision, and more automated functions accomplished in and out of the mold. That’s exactly what injection machinery suppliers were offering at NPE2012.

Injection Molding: Speed, Automation & Integration

Hot buttons at the show will be multi-component molding, in-mold labeling/decorating (IML/IMD), in-mold assembly, medical molding, liquid silicone rubber (LSR), micro-molding, and high-speed packaging.

Microcellular Foam Goes Really Big

The world’s largest injection machine equipped for the MuCell microcellular foam molding process (above) was started up in December at the technical center of Mürdter, a German molder and moldmaker in Mutlangen.

New Multi-Injection Approach to High-Barrier Packaging

At last month’s Interpack fair in Germany, Netstal of Switzerland and two partners demonstrated a new approach to injection molding high-barrier rigid containers.

Microcellular Foam with Heat-Cool Makes Class-A Glossy Parts

A high-gloss surface equivalent to automotive Class-A solid molding can now be achieved with the weight savings and other benefits of microcellular foam molding, thanks to a new licensing agreement between Trexel Inc., Waltham, Mass., and Ono Sangyo Co.

‘Organic Hybrid’ Composites Highlighted at K Show

One of the materials trends hailed at this month’s K 2010 show in Dusseldorf was the replacement of plastic-metal “hybrid” composites with all-plastic “organic hybrids” in structural parts for automotive and other markets.

K 2010- Injection Molding New All-Electrics & Hybrids Balance Performance & Economy

The world’s largest plastics show, coming up next month in Dusseldorf, Germany, provides ample evidence of the growing sway of electric drive technology in injection molding.

Progressive Injection Molder Pioneers in Thermoforming IML

When you’re a successful injection molder with more than 40 years under your belt and more than 50 presses producing 1.8 billion containers and lids for food-packaging containers annually, what do you do when you feel the time is right to expand?

Injection Molding at NPE 2003

Show goers will see an electric injection machine in nearly every press maker’s booth this year, and electric/hydraulic hybrids in several.

Hybrid Injection Clamps The Best of Both Worlds?

In between all-electric and hydraulic-powered injection machines, a new species of hybrid clamp has emerged. Advocates say it combines the best qualities of electric servos and hydraulics without their disadvantages.

New Presses at Fakuma Show Focus on Energy & Performance

Beltless direct-drive electric machines and upgraded electric/hydraulic hybrids were introduced at the 20th Fakuma trade exhibition in Friedrichshafen, Germany, last month.

On-Site: Injection Molding 'Outside the Box' at MGS Mfg. Group

Though it grabs a lot of headlines, multi-material, multi-shot processing still makes up only about 10% of injection molding activity in North America.

NPE 2009 Wrap-Up: New Machinery for Injection Molding

New injection machinery at the show ranged from all-electric units for high-speed packaging or bioplastic processing to hybrid presses ready for the cleanroom. Other units highlighted multi-component molding with LSR and thermoplastics or super-compact presses for small parts. Several new machines targeted specific applications such as caps and closures, PET preforms, LSR, or integrated long-glass compounding.

NPE News in Injection Molding

If a better machine can help your company beat challenging economic conditions, you’ll probably find it at NPE. And finding it will be easier, thanks to our editors’ efforts to sift out of some 2000 exhibits the most significant news in injection and blow molding, extrusion, compounding, and thermoforming.

Thermal Cycling of Injection Molds Boosts Surface Quality

In the injection molding process, tool temperature is an important factor in achieving high-quality parts.

Injection Molding Compounders Molders Get Control Of Their Materials

The combination of an injection molding press and a twin-screw compounding extruder represents a new paradigm for processors: They create their own materials as they mold them.

K 2007 Extrusion: Extrusion Outputs Go Through the Roof

Dramatic production demonstrations of cast and blown film set throughput records on the show floor in Dusseldorf.

K 2007 Compounding: New Approaches to Mixing, Pelletizing

In addition to the news reported in our September K Show preview (see Learn More), previously unrevealed developments in Dusseldorf include several ingenious devices designed to save energy, reduce wear, and safeguard compounded material properties.

K 2007 Injection Molding: Lots of New Machine Choices For Exotic to Everyday Molding

If you were looking for a new machine to mold micro- or mega-sized parts, multiple materials, long fibers, high-speed/high-cavitation packaging, exotic multi-material combinations with compounding on the machine, or just a cost-effective press for general-purpose use—K 2007 had it all.

Material and Process Developments Highlight SPE Automotive Awards

Custom backlighting with color-converting plastics and robotic extrusion of door seals won two categories of the 37th Innovation Awards presented in November by the SPE Automotive Div.

Injection Molding LSR: Three 'M's of Innovation: Mega, Micro, and Multi

Liquid silicone rubber is breaking out of its niche into a broader array of applications, helped by new developments in materials, machinery, and processing. Larger parts, micro-parts, foams, and multi-color or multi-material combinations are key areas of innovation.

What's New at the Show in INJECTION MOLDING

At the big “K” Show next month, top billing goes to new all-electric machines aimed at every segment of the market, from general-purpose to high-end.

What's New at the Show in COMPOUNDING

Compounding machinery news at the K Show next month focuses on more torque, more output, and sometimes both, for kneaders, mixers, and twin-screw extruders.

What's New at the Show in EXTRUSION

It’s all about higher speeds and higher outputs at this year’s “K” show in Germany.

New Injection Machines and Processes To Debut at K 2007

A brand-new line of all-electric machines priced on par with comparable hydraulic presses and the first public demonstration of insert molding RFID chips into plastic parts will be two highlights of the Engel display at the mammoth K 2007 show in Dusseldorf, Germany, this October.

Electric, Hydraulic, or Hybrid? What's the Right Injection Press for You?

If you were buying an injection molding machine 20 years ago, you had to decide between a toggle or fully hydraulic clamp and that was pretty much it.

First Direct Extrusion of Complex WPC Window Profiles

Wood-plastic composite (WPC) profiles are made by two main approaches.

In-Mold Assembly: The New Frontier for Multi-Shot Molding

The drive to eliminate secondary operations is pushing multi-shot injection molding a step farther—toward assembling separate components in the tool via snap-fits, welding, and co-molding of incompatible materials.

Rigid Packaging Goes Lighter, Thinner With Microcellular Foam

Molding higher volumes of a rigid thin-wall part typically means going to a larger press for increased injection and clamping capacity.

Long-Glass Thermoplastics and Blow Molding Grab SPE Automotive Awards

Long-glass reinforcements and structural blow molding accounted for four of this year’s nine SPE Automotive Innovation Awards, presented last month in Detroit.

Induction Heated Molds Produce Class A Thermoplastic Composites

Though not widely popular, induction heating has long had its advocates as an efficient method of heating plastics molds.

NPE 2006 News Wrap-Up: Brains and Brawn - New Robots Are Handier Than Ever

Injection molding robots introduced at NPE pushed the work envelope for speed, reach, payload capacity, ease of programming, and ability to handle more sophisticated tasks.

NPE 2006 News Wrap-Up: Injection Molding

Advances in electric drive technology were evident in nearly every injection machine builder’s booth in Chicago.

What to See at NPE 2006: Extrusion

The new factor in extrusion machinery at this NPE is the influx of Asian suppliers.

What to See at NPE 2006: Injection Molding

Energy-saving all-electric machines will continue to be a big draw at NPE, where new designs or upgraded models will be found in virtually every press maker’s booth.

Auto Glazing: Window of Opportunity for Molders

This emerging market promises to be big but challenging. Polycarbonate car windows require specialized machinery, high-end processing capability, premium polymers, advanced coating technologies, and innovative mold and runner designs.

Water Injection Molding: It's All Coming Together

Commercial applications in hollow-part molding with water—or water and gas—are starting to accelerate. They are driven by recent enhancements of process technology, equipment, and materials.

The Next Generation of Multi-Component Molding

Multi-shot and coinjection molding techniques are staking out new territory. Mach ines are getting larger and are combining more materials or colors in more sophisticated and imaginative ways.

Leading the Way in IML Packaging

Putting out the biggest volume of product isn't the only way to be a market leader, says Michael Spies, CEO of Spies Kunststoffe GmbH in Melle-Gesmold, Germany.

K 2004 Extrusion: Outputs Rise, Downstream Units Gain Flexibility

The show was packed with new equipment for pipe and profile, including extruders redesigned for higher outputs and/or lower cost, plus new ways to adjust die and calibrator diameters or switch dies and calibrators more quickly.

K 2004 Wrap-Up on Injection Molding: Spotlight on Electric And Multi-Component Machines

Molders were treated to a trove of injection machinery introductions geared toward applications from micro-molding to packaging to large parts.

Two-Material Automotive Part Is Cored Out with Water

A three-stage injection process involving nylon, polypropylene, and water assist was demonstrated at the recent K 2004 show in Dusseldorf, Germany.

Six-Axis Robots: Where They Fit in Injection Molding

Injection molded parts are typically demolded with simple pick-and-place automation—a top-mounted, gantry-style (also called Cartesian, linear, or traversing) three-axis robot.

K 2004 News Preview: Extrusion

At K 2004, at least a half-dozen European machine builders will show new direct-drive extruders running gearless—or nearly gearless—drives with substantially higher rpm and output rates than conventional extruders of the same size.

K 2004 News Preview: Injection Molding

The diversity of electric machines will be on display at this year’s show, with several new all-electric versions in direct-drive and belt-driven versions.

In-Mold Lamination: U.S. Auto Market Is Catching Up

Although more widely used in Europe, in-mold laminating is gaining a foothold in U.S. automotive interiors. Molders can choose from a handful of different process technologies that promise labor and other cost savings.

Thermoforming Shines in Exterior Vehicle Panels

Thermoformers are gaining a foothold in large exterior panels of specialized automobiles and utility vehicles.

Long-Glass Leader-How Faurecia Helped Put TP Composites In the Driver's Seat

Europe's third largest automotive molder, Faurecia, uses five different long-glass thermoplastic molding processes, more than any other molder in the world. It invented half of them, including the world's first in-line compounding- and-injection process.

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