TPT March 2013

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Industry News
March 2013 25
Enjoying a successful Fakuma
THE KraussMaffei Group reports that
it enjoyed a very successful Fakuma
2012. Both the visitor figures and the
trade fair orders increased considerably
in comparison to the previous year. In
particular, the visitors and customers
seemed impressed by the premium
quality of the machines and the
powerful applications for efficient
production processes.
The feedback to the GX series from
KraussMaffei, which was showcased
for the first time at a trade fair, was
particularly positive. The GX 450-
3000 produced a so-called telephone
cradle for an automotive interior using
CellForm technology with physical
foams (MuCell). “Fakuma confirmed its
successful introduction. Furthermore,
the worldwide demand and the sales
figures to date exceed our expectations,”
said Frank Peters, vice-president sales.
KraussMaffei also showed potential for
more efficient processes and production
flows, which offer plastics with their
options for function integration. The 3-K
process with metal injection moulding
on a CX 160-750 machine was a visitor
magnet. “This technology shows very
clearly what potential lies in combined
processes for the production efficiency
and design of plastic parts with integrated
functions,” stated Mr Peters. “We are
delighted with the very high influx of
customers at Fakuma. This is why
Fakuma is and remains one of the most
important trade fairs for us.”
For the first time Netstal showcased
the newELION 3200 at a trade fair. Using
a complete system for the manufacture
of thin-walled lids for cream cheese
packaging, customers and visitors were
shown a prime example of maximum
production efficiency. The innovative
hybrid drive concept and the new drive
unit Eco-Powerunit for a noticeable
improvement in energy efficiency
were rated positively. “We were able
to significantly increase the number
of orders and conducted high-quality
customer discussions. We are very
satisfied,” stated Dr Hans Ulrich Golz,
president, injection moulding machinery.
Also, KraussMaffei Berstorff looks
back on an extremely positive Fakuma.
“Our expectations were well exceeded;
we were also able to welcome many
visitors from neighbouring countries
and Eastern European states,” said
Dr Jens Liebhold, business unit
manager at KraussMaffei Berstorff.
Very specific requests were received
for pipe extrusion, where the trend
for complex system solutions and
complete systems for the production of
peroxide crosslinking hot water pipes
or polyurethane-insulated pipes, or the
extrusion of large pipes for example
remains unbroken.
Detailed requests were also received
for the areas of film and foam extrusion,
and high-fill and glass fibre reinforced
compounds; some products should
already be realised within the next six
months.
KraussMaffei Group – Germany
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