Smart Molding International 2-2022

35 molding technologies www.smart-molding.com process. To obtain a special depth effect, a premium-quality, transpar- ent PUR surface is applied to these parts," explains Toni Luckner, Process Developer in Treuen (Vogtland). "Our customers, large OEMs from the automotive industry, have stringent requirements regarding quality. There must not be any deviations greater than 0.2 mm on any part of the trans- parent component. Using the MXW 1000 in combination with the RimStar Flex for PUR metering, we fully meet these requirements," says Luckner. Techniplas has had positive experi- ences with the ColorForm technol- ogy from KraussMaffei for many years now. At Techniplas, the technology is called "ColorFuse". The company cur- rently has four ColorForm systems in Treuen and one in Rüti, Switzerland. This system has been manufacturing ColorForm parts in series production since 2016. In addition, their in-house TechCen- ter in Treuen operates two more sys- tems. Production in the cleanroom "We run this production process un- der cleanroom conditions. Thus, not a grain of dust can sneak in between the coating and the substrate surface while the mold is open." Accordingly, the entire system is equipped with a cleanroom enclosure. "In this way, we achieve very low scrap rates", empha- sizes Luckner. Efficient and sustainable production Initially, ColorForm was developed for greater production efficiency and specific effects for vehicle interior components. At Techniplas, the MXW 1000 ColorForm system puts those qualities on full display. Today, how- ever, aspects such as workplace safety and the CO 2 footprint of the technol- ogy compared to other production methods are becoming more and more important. Again, the ColorForm process scores points here in multiple areas. Moreover, ColorForm compo- KraussMaffei supplied both the MXW 1000 injection molding machine and the RimStar Flex mixing and metering machine, including mixing heads for efficient production of components with a polyurethane surface Mission accomplished: Employees from Techniplas and KraussMaffei are happy about the successful commissioning of the MXW 1000 ColorForm for the production of smartbars for the automotive industry. From left: Peter Giessmann (KraussMaffei), Eric Jan Frijters (Techniplas), Philipp Strasser (KraussMaffei), Michael Fuchs (KraussMaffei), Rene Rudolf (Techniplas), Sarah Seidel (Techniplas)