Smart Molding International 1-2026

32 smart_molding interna onal 1/2026 molding technologies Opening new avenues to efficiency with groundbreaking innovations At K 2025, Oerlikon HRS ow was showcasing its STARgate HRS hot runner technology A t K 2025, Oerlikon HRS owwas showcasing its ground - breaking STARgate HRS hot runner technology, which enables precise control of melt injec on into the mold cavity through a revolu onary Valve Gate concept. Another new development presented was the Glow HRS solution, which allows for the direct injec on of aesthe c parts in amor - phous materials. Systems from the global hot runner special - ist were also running live at partner companies, including an injec on molding tool for automo ve parts that delivers a awless surface andminimizes secondary opera ons. Beyond, visitors could expect to see interes ng developments in ap - plica on-speci c solu ons for mul -cavity systems. These in - cluded the Up Nozzle series, which was speci cally engineered for compact, ght-space applica ons with low shot weights, and new solu ons designed for luxury and eco-friendly parts in the beauty and personal care industry. K 2025 presentation was organized in close cooperation with Oerlikon HRSflow’s sister brand, Oerlikon Balzers, highlighting the group's integrated approach to innovation and excellence. A radical change in injec on molding - patented solu on With its newly developed STARgate HRS hot runner technology, Oerlikon HRSflow presented its revolutionary concept for the injectionmolding industry to the public for the first time at K 2025. This technology is a groundbreaking development in the injection molding of PP, PE, PS, and other amorphous thermoplastics. Compared to conventional designs, production, assembly, and maintenance of various components are unnecessary; cycle time is significantly reduced; color changes are easier; and power consumption and pressure loss are reduced. Additionally, the thickness of the back plates can be reduced. STARgate HRS hot runner technology also enables short filling and packing times. At K2025, this technology was on display at BMB, an Italian injection molding machine manufacturer, during the production of a bucket. This project was made possible by Oerlikon HRSflow, the Dutch plastics processors Dijkstra Plastics, R&D Plastics, BMB, Oerlikon Balzers and Piovan. Avoiding halos Another innovation unveiled for the first time at K 2025 was the patent-pending GLOW HRS technology, which enables the production of high-quality parts by direct injection, avoiding halos. With precise surface temperature control and a compact design, this cutting-edge solution easily adapts to a wide range of applications. Paint-free, premium automo ve parts At the booth of injection molding manufacturer Haitian International Germany, Oerlikon HRSflow gave a live demonstration of how the FLEXflowHRS servo-controlled needle valve technology can be used to get high-quality automotive parts directly from the mold. This was illustrated by the manufacturing of a car wheel arch. Developed in collaboration with DNP Group (producer of automotive decoration film printing) and Inevo (mold maker), this joint project impressively demonstrates that the painting of large-format injection-molded parts can be eliminated, minimizing the need for expensive post-processing, even when using recycled materials. Other advantages of FLEXflow HRS technology include quick color changes and reduced material waste. MULTI ow HRS: New nozzle series and PET thick wall solu on now available With its compact gate-to-gate pitch (down to 15 mm), the new Up Nozzle series from Oerlikon HRSflow was specifically Oerlikon HRSflow's new STARgate HRS® hot runner technology uses a diaphragm-like element in the gate plane to manage melt flow into the cavity. (all pictures: Oerlikon HRSflow)