Automation on principle? Not with us. Sometimes manual production is the better choice for injection molded parts. Automatically overmolding various inserts? That's only worthwhile for large quantities. In the prototype stage with small production runs, we therefore do without complete automation and instead rely on insert technology in injection molding. The inserts are placed in the molds by hand and then overmolded - insert technology is a high-quality and cost-effective process for smaller quantities.

Create the best conditions for ideal thermal insulation of your moulds. In addition to a comprehensive range of standard insulation boards in different designs, we also offer custom-made boards precision-machined as per drawing.

Weiss produces sensor housings using the 2K process for a manufacturer of tire pressure monitoring systems. Stamped and bent parts are also integrated into the housing as transmitting antennas. They pass on the measurement data via radio. THE TASK The task was to design and manufacture a housing for the sensors housed in the tire. The specifications included a service life of five years and thus permanent protection of the sensitive measuring electronics, access to the pressure sensor and the integration of the antenna with which the measurement data is transmitted to the telematics unit. THE SOLUTION The production concept developed by Weiss begins not only with the plastic granules, but also with a delicate stamped and bent part. It serves as an antenna that sends the sensor signals to the telematics unit. It is automatically separated and placed by a robot in a 2K tool that is equipped with a turn-turn device. The 2K injection molding system first encapsulates the punched-bent part with a PBT, which the actual sensor housing is made of, and in the second process step with a soft TPE, which closes the assembly openings and forms a seal. After an automated in-line test, the housings are placed - again automatically - in the transport packaging. SPECIAL FEATURE Two automated in-line tests are part of the production process. One is to ensure that the hole that ensures air flow through the sensor is present and of sufficient size. The presence of the antenna in the sensor housing is also checked. The control concept is also unconventional: As a master, the robot determines the cycle of the injection molding machine, and the control allows both a start-up phase and continuous production in smaller quantities. The metal parts are then inserted into the tools by hand.

The ROWA GROUP stands for over 60 years of experience in plastics and for technological precision “Made in Germany”

With a broad spectrum of infinite color variations, GRAFE, Blankenhain, is bringing variety to the market for 3D printing applications and presenting this to its customers with a box. This contains ten basic colors, of which a white polymer blend acts as a carrier. “The silk effect or gloss only really becomes visible in 3D printing,” explains Lars Schulze, Head of Color Development and Material Sciences. “With the colors, we offer a tested base, the so-called silk effect with corresponding good printability and high gloss level.” The project was specifically developed to reproduce this noble gloss effect. Certain pigments’ selection avoids matting, leading to the highest gloss level. Two color combinations in a shapely vase look provide a preview for design inspiration. The two color models are presented in a high-quality box. A color table with 19 mixing examples is intended to serve as a stimulus among the infinite color combination possibilities and to represent the most diverse demands of users. It serves as an orientation and should make it possible to meet customer requirements quickly. In addition, the customer receives corresponding dosing suggestions. However, the presentation samples only provide inspiration for users because there are no limits to color fantasy with the basic colors, and the user can mix his colors creatively and achieve individual color shades. Up to now, there has only been a small choice of colors for high-gloss filaments on the 3D printing market. We want to change that with our expertise in coloring plastics and offer a basis for customization with our masterbatch,” explains Schulze. GRAFE has its own filament extruder and 3D printer in-house and can thus produce and test appropriate filaments itself. “In this way, we are able to try out our own developments. This significantly reduces development times, as the time-consuming testing process at the customer’s premises is no longer necessary,” says Schulze.

Thin wall thicknesses and tight tolerances

Our sister company Jakob Plastic France S.A.R.L. is based in Villé near Séléstat in Alsace. 21 Arburg injection molding machines incl. 2K and 3-component injection molding 22 employees Integrated toolmaking Component assembly Medium and large series