Smart Molding International 2-2025

16 smart_molding international 2/2025 machinery ENGEL at K 2025: Efficiency, precision and AI – solutions for the future of plastics processing At K 2025, ENGEL will demonstrate how technological innovation, digital intelligence and sustainability can be effectively combined. The trade fair presentation focuses on industry-specific injection moulding solutions that enable companies to manufacture more efficiently, precisely and flexibly. ENGEL will showcase its technologies and solutions in practical operation – from the use of artificial intelligence in the running injectionmoulding process to highly integrated production cells for the automotive, medical, technical moulding and packaging sectors. Visitors are invited to gain a comprehensive overview of future-proof applications at ENGEL’s stand in Düsseldorf – and to witness the world premiere of a new electric tie-bar-less injection moulding machine. Automotive: Efficient mastery of function, lightweight design and new materials Where design meets function: rear- end-light modules with clearmelt and foilmelt without hardcoating ENGEL is demonstrating the highly integrated series production of innovative rear-end-lights on a high- performance duo 700 two-platen injection moulding machine with 7000 kN clamping force. The visible parts, measuring 600 x 240 mm, are manufactured using a combination of decorative foilmelt and functional clearmelt technologies in a vertical rotary table mould. In addition to design freedom, downstream processes are integrated into the injection moulding cell, and a separate hardcoating process is no longer required thanks to clearmelt. While the transfer the colour design from a decorative foil is applied to the component on one mould side by back- injection of thermoplastics (foilmelt), the opposite side is overflooded with polyurethane (clearmelt) to form a highly transparent and robust protective layer. A space-saving integrated automation systemwith a viper 40 linear robot enables short cycle times within a compact and efficient cell. The transfer foil is supplied by LEONHARD KURZ. At the partner’s stand, the component is further processed using an integrated LED function foil. With this application, ENGEL demonstrates how visible parts in the automotive sector can be both functionalised and decorated – economically, with high precision, and in a compact production process. Overmoulding with liquid silicone: precision seals for fuel cells A production cell with a vertical insert 150 injectionmoulding machine, offering 1500 kN clamping force, demonstrates the fully automated manufacturing of liquid silicone rubber (LSR) seals on Functionalised rear-end-lights are produced on the ENGEL duo 700 – with high precision and using clearmelt and foilmelt in a single integrated process with a compact footprint