Smart Molding International 2-2024

22 smart_molding international 2/2024 machinery KB Kunststofftechnik boosts its efficiency with production cells from WITTMANN More efficiency and sustainability – this is the target KB Kunststofftechnik has set itself for investing in new injection molding technology. Its most recent project – three automated production cells from WITTMANN to produce highly complex technical components – is a prime example. Author: Susanne ZINCKGRAF, Head of Strategic Marketing, WITTMANN Group “E fficiency and reproducibility were the decisive criteria in making our choice”, reports Iris Lan- genberg, CSR Manager at KB Kunststofftechnik in Gummersbach, Germany, during our visit. We are standing in front of three brand-new production cells from WITTMANN with precisely these attributes to strengthen the contract manufacturer’s competitiveness. At the heart of each of the three units are servo-hydraulic SmartPower injection molding machines, two with 38 tons and one with 60 tons clamping force. Moreover, two of the machines are equipped with the new WX90 sprue removal system fitted with rotary servo axis. The third cell operates with a Primus 16 pick-and-place robot – here in telescopic design, as the production hall offers only limited space for upward movements. High-precision machine movements for premium-quality parts KB Kunststofftechnik supplies a wide range of different components to numerous industries. The customer base for its products includes door and window manufacturers, as well as laboratory and dental technology, mechanical engineering and automotive industries. Iris Langenberg is holding a particularly complex component in her hands. To be precise, a complete assembly consists of 68 individual components. With few exceptions – such as circuit boards and switching elements – these are all thermoplastic parts, which are injection-molded in Gummersbach and Thanks to its servo drives, the WX90 offers highly precise, fluid movements (all photos: WITTMANN Group)