At K 2025, Engel will be demonstrating how technological innovation, digital intelligence and sustainability can be effectively combined. The trade fair presentation will focus on industry-specific injection moulding solutions that enable companies to produce more efficiently, precisely and flexibly.
Engel will be presenting its technologies and solutions in a practical way - from the use of artificial intelligence in the ongoing injection moulding process to highly integrated production cells for the automotive, medical, technical moulding and packaging sectors. Visitors to the trade fair will also be able to experience the world premiere of a new electric tie-bar-less injection moulding machine.
Packaging: Sustainability ready for series production
An application suitable for series production Processing of rPET for thin-wall packaging shows Engel on a fully electric e-motion 420 Injection moulding machine with 4200 kN clamping force. What was previously only possible with hydraulic injection is now fully electric. A yoghurt pot made of 70 percent virgin material and 30 percent rPET in bottle quality is produced on a 6+6-cavity stack mould from Plastisud. The rPET comes from NGR and was produced there using liquid-state polycondensation. for use in the food sector prepared.
This production solution is characterised by very high repeat accuracy and high performance. The combination of Injection Compression Moulding, iQ motion control and iQ weight control plus means that Thin-walled cups with minimal use of material manufactured. The application already fulfils the requirements of the Packaging and Packaging Waste Directive for 2030, that it is possible to substitute deep drawing as the preferred manufacturing process, This enables manufacturers to save costs through upstream process steps (film) and material (trimming). Engel thus provides a practical demonstration of how sustainability and precision can be combined in an economical production environment.
Building blocks made from recycled material with high structural stability
Engel produces thick-walled foamed building blocks for the construction industry on an all-electric e-mac 220 injection moulding machine with a clamping force of 2200 kN. The material comes from the Yellow Bag, processed by the company Erema. Moxietec provides the mould and the blowing agent mixture for foaming. An optimised mixing screw is used in the plasticising process to ensure the best homogeneity of the foam. The result: components with up to 30 per cent weight savings and 10 per cent higher strength. This technology is particularly Well suited for pallets in logistics and the substitution of concrete in construction applications.
As 100 per cent post-consumer recyclate with corresponding material fluctuations is processed here, the new iQ weight control plus is of particular importance. After setting just two values, the digital assistance system automatically adjusts the switchover point and pressure curve optimally for each injection process. This can reduce waste by up to 50 per cent.
Inject AI: Digital intelligence for real production benefits
Engel is taking its inject 4.0 programme to the next level with Inject AI. The company is taking the next step Step towards a self-regulating machine and integrates artificial intelligence into many new and existing Engel products.
The iQ process observer monitors up to 1000 parameters per shot, recognises process deviations in real time and provides automatic correction instructions supported by artificial intelligence - a significant contribution, to optimise processes and thus reduce waste. The systems continuously learn from the data of all connected machines and thus create an advantage for every new project - a real benefit for quality and efficiency.
In the event of machine or process faults a new AI-supported function in the e-connect portal machine-specific support - fast, precise, around the clock and in all languages. Thanks to the intelligent search in the manuals, downtimes can be rectified much more quickly. The pilot series of the system will be ready for K 2025.
Humans and AI in a team
Engel does not see AI as a substitute, but as a supplement to human experience. Adaptive assistance systems take the strain off personnel, stabilise processes and increase plant availability, which is particularly beneficial in times of a shortage of skilled workers. Step by step, the self-regulating machine is becoming a reality.
With its exhibits at K 2025, Engel is showing how machines, automation and digital systems are merging to create integrated manufacturing solutions. Each application on the stand stands for a production cell that is optimised to meet customer requirements - and for a well thought-out, economically viable solution. The exhibits are complemented by Expert Corner on topics such as plasticising, technologies, temperature control and training.
Source: Engel
Engel at the K 2025: Hall 15, Stand B42 & C58
