KraussMaffei strengthens its market presence in Russia

krauss– Further expansion of the country organization
– All-electric AX production cell with electric mold core-pulling
(Munich, January 29, 2013) KraussMaffei will attend the trade fair Interplastica 2013 (Moscow), Hall Forum – Stand FD30-1/ FD30-2/ FD31 – with renewed strength. The company will primarily present injection molding solutions based on standard machines in the AX and GX series for the expanding automotive and packaging/logistics industries. An all-electric AX injection molding cell on the exhibition stand will demonstrate maximum production intelligence for the benefit of every processor.
Well-positioned on a strategic growth market
KraussMaffei is continuing to extend its long-standing involvement in Russia by expanding the office in Moscow, increasing the number of sales and service staff, and opening an additional service center in St. Petersburg. “We still see very good growth opportunities for the premium quality product and service portfolio of KraussMaffei in Russia. In future, we will be able to satisfy the increasing demand by customers even more quickly and more efficiently by using and developing the existing sales and service structures”, emphasized Frank Peters, Vice President Sales at KraussMaffei.
Wide acceptance for the product portfolio in Russia
“KraussMaffei is benefiting from all growth drivers in Russia with its service portfolio. There is demand for standard injection molding machines and customized, fully automated production cells”, said Manfred Schulz, Sales Manager at KraussMaffei. “In Russia KraussMaffei has more than 20 highly specialized sales and service engineers and technicians who were trained at the parent companies.” One prime example of the concentrated expertise of the KraussMaffei Group: All three brands in the Group – KraussMaffei, KraussMaffei Berstorff and Netstal – are found under one roof at the branch office in Moscow.
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Efficiency and precision combined – the all-electric AX production cell
The manufacture of technical parts calls for resource-efficient production together with high repeatability. Injection molding machines in the AX series satisfy these requirements perfectly. During Interplastica an AX 100-380 production cell equipped with a LRX50 robot will perform every movement, including mold core-pulling, using electric drive units and will demonstrate injection molding with maximum energy efficiency while producing a T-fitting made of polypropylene (PP) for the construction industry. Together with the mold partner IFW (A), this will produce a perfect symbiosis of electrical machine technology, robots and all-electric mold technology. The otherwise customary hydraulic injection unit is not required, thus saving space and energy.
Energy recycling inside the machine
Just like every all-electric injection molding machine from KraussMaffei, the electricity generated through braking energy in the AX is also fed back as a standard feature into the intermediate circuit and is available for other axes or is returned to the power grid. The AX series therefore offers optimum prerequisites for efficient and precise manufacturing. It lets the processor produce flexibly, reliably and, above all, at low unit costs – even for slow-running applications. An automatic material batch fluctuation control system supports zero-defect production. The machine automatically readjusts the filling pressure according to previously definable limits, so that fluctuations from the material batches are compensated and the products have constant quality characteristics.
Integration of space-saving automation solution
When equipped with robot types ideally adapted to the machines, the AX becomes an impressive production cell with compact dimensions and a set-up area that is 25 percent smaller than standard automation solutions. The clamping unit and robot interact perfectly when demolding parts and facilitate the shortest possible demolding times with maximum precision. The AX machines can be ideally adapted to the varied production requirements of different industries using a comprehensive catalog of options. A flow monitoring system integrated in the machine control system for the cooling/temperature control water makes a contribution towards zero defect production and documents the process values. With the aid of a Web box in the system, processors can create a fast and secure data link to the expert network of KraussMaffei’s teleservice at the push of a button and count on the support of production specialists. The productivity of the machines and, in particular, complex production cells can therefore be increased and ideally used.
High worldwide demand for the GX series
KraussMaffei is still very satisfied with the response by customers to the market launch of the GX series. “Both the worldwide demand and the sales figures to date have exceeded our expectations”, said Peters. In particular, customers from the electrical engineering/electronics industry, the consumer goods industry, the packing industry and the automotive industry have reacted very positively to the new GX series since it is ideally suited with its extensive range of options as a basis for many different injection molding processes.

GX series for automotive applications
In conjunction with a MuCell equipment package and the precise injection and plasticizing unit, the GX series is almost predestined for process-reliable production of foamed parts”, said Peters, “This shows the enormous potential that is still harbored in lightweight thermoplastic solutions.” The high shot weight constancy of less than +/- 0.1 percent ensures reliable production, even with the highest possible demands. Productivity is therefore maintained. As the fastest dual platen machine on the market, the GX offers the shortest travel times and maximum productivity. The smooth-running mechanics reduce traction resistance by up to 80 percent and ensure, together with the hydraulic concept designed for minimum flow losses, maximum energy efficiency.

Pioneering detailed solutions in the production cell
For the purpose of automatic production, the production cell is supplemented by a LRX linear robot which is fitted with the handhold pendant of the new MC6 control system. “The robot is fully integrated both in the control system and the mechanics”, explained Frank Peters. “The detailed coordination of both components, the GX and the robot, creates a production cell which appears to be ‘cast from one piece’.”

About KraussMaffei
The KraussMaffei product brand is internationally recognized for its groundbreaking, multitechnology system and process solutions for injection and reaction molding technology and factory automation. With its standalone, modular or standardized machinery and systems, and a wide, customizable service offering, KraussMaffei is a full-system partner for customers in many industry sectors. KraussMaffei bundles many decades of engineering expertise in plastics machinery and is headquartered in Munich, Germany. For more information: www.kraussmaffei.com

About the KraussMaffei Group
The KraussMaffei Group is among the world’s leading suppliers of machinery and systems for producing and processing plastics and rubber. Its products and services cover the whole spectrum of injection and reaction molding and extrusion technology, giving the company a unique position in the industry. The KraussMaffei Group is innovation-powered, supplying its products, processes and services as standard or custom solutions which deliver sustained added value along the customer’s value-adding chain. The company markets it’s offering under the KraussMaffei, KraussMaffei Berstorff and Netstal brands to customers in the automotive, packaging, medical, construction, electrical, electronics and home appliance industries. Continuing a long tradition of engineering excellence, the international KraussMaffei Group currently employs around 4,000 people. With a global network of more than 30 subsidiaries and more than 10 production plants, supported by around 570 sales and service partners, the company is close to customers around the world. KraussMaffei has been headquartered in Munich since 1838. For more information: www.kraussmaffeigroup.com