Smart plastics manufacturing: KraussMaffei focuses on intelligent and autonomous production solutions

New side-entry concept with LRXplus SE linear robot integrated into the space-saving production cell of the new all-electric PX 160 with a 96-cavity mold for protective caps for insulin pens.

•    AQCplus: Quality parameter enables autonomous process control in real time

•    LRXplus SE: Side-entry concept sets new standards for space savings

•    Compact production cell of new all-electric PX series

(Parsdorf, September 2, 2026) At Fakuma 2026 – Booth 7303 in Hall A7 – KraussMaffei will present solutions for greater process efficiency, higher quality, and reduced resource consumption in plastics processing. The focus will be on the new all-electric PX series with the new autonomous quality control solution AQCplus, as well as the concept premiere of the LRXplus SE for high-cavaty and cleanroom applications. KraussMaffei will also showcase system and service solutions covering the entire value chain of plastics production.

“Requirements for resource efficiency, automation, quality, and service are constantly increasing. With this year’s Fakuma highlights, we are showcasing specific solutions that make production processes more autonomous, smarter, and cost-effective”, says Markus Bauer, Managing Director of KraussMaffei Technologies.

With the new AQCplus (Autonomous Quality Control), KraussMaffei is introducing a digital solution for autonomous quality control in the injection molding process.

AQCplus – Quality parameter enables autonomous real-time process control

The key quality parameter of AQCplus is the part weight. After each injection molding cycle, the weight is measured by a scale and fed directly back to the machine control system. Deviations – such as those caused by fluctuating material densities in recycled materials, additives, or fillers – are immediately detected and directly adjusted by autonomously modifying the hold pressure profile within the injection molding process.

Complementing the proven digital APCplus solution, which adjusts injection molding processes based on the viscosity index, the new AQCplus function controls the process using the quality parameter “part weight.”

This eliminates time-consuming random sample measurements. Through continuous cycle-by-cycle feedback of the actual value to the machine control system, automated 100-percent inspection is ensured and documented.

Additional benefits of AQCplus: scrap is reduced, process stability is improved, and production with low material consumption and particularly tight weight tolerances is enabled.

Autonomous production in the smallest footprint: AQCplus live on the PX 80 production cell

The space-saving production cell of the new all-electric PX 80 (800 kN clamping force) at the KraussMaffei booth demonstrates a compact, productive, and efficient solution for manufacturing technical components. The LRXplus linear robot removes the polyamide electronic components from the mold (partner: Wieland Electric), weighs them, and places them on an integrated conveyor belt inside the machine enclosure. 
A space-saving mill (partner: Getecha) grinds the sprue and feeds it back into the processing cycle. The CE-compliant system enables significantly higher production density: instead of four machines with linear robots, five systems can be operated on the same floor space.

LRXplus SE sets new standards in side-entry automation

With the new LRXplus SE linear robot, for the first time KraussMaffei will present a side-entry concept for demanding high-cavity and cleanroom applications with particularly short removal times at Fakuma 2026. The automation solution is based on the proven LRXplus platform and combines high dynamics with a compact system layout for site-entry demolding.

Within a small footprint, the LRXplus SE offers maximum flexibility in positioning axes as well as additional space for downstream processes such as quality control, packaging, or other medical technology peripherals.

Reinforced axes and drives, optimized components, and a cleanroom-compatible design enable high removal speeds and payloads.

At Fakuma, a new all-electric PX 160 equipped with a 96-cavity mold from Männer by SPECTRIX will produce protective caps for insulin pens. The mold partner is an expert in high-precision molds and needle-valve hot runner systems. Excellent balancing, a compact yet robust design, and high-precision cavities ensure reliably high output with a consistently high part quality.

The exhibit solution demonstrates the perfect synergy between precision mold making, an all-electric injection molding machine, and compact side-entry automation for efficient and economical production processes in medical technology – for example, through space savings and short demolding times.

Cross-technology highlights at the booth

With the guiding principle “Performance. Perfected. For you.” KraussMaffei’s Fakuma presentation underscores the company’s commitment to offering innovative technologies and solutions in injection molding and reaction process machinery, as well as extrusion and automation. KraussMaffei presents integrated system solutions that are coordinated with one another and complemented by customized service offerings. Digital solutions, such as the prototype of an AI-based assistant (K-AI) from socialProduction, are intended to support customers in their production processes in the future. The focus is always on maximum cost-effectiveness and precisely tailored solutions for customer requirements along the entire polymer processing value chain.

In addition, the ONI-Wärmetrafo partner booth showcases a compact injection molding machine from KraussMaffei’s CX 80 series, which is equipped with a plasticizing unit adaptation and an energy-saving BluePower Vario Drive.

Additional partners for the trade show exhibits include the following companies: motan, AIC - Regloplas, BASF, ExxonMobil Petroleum & Chemical, LEONHARD KURZ, and RÜHL PUROMER.

KraussMaffei at Fakuma, October 12-16, 2026
Hall A7, Booth 7303

Further information and images in print quality are available at:

www.kraussmaffei.com