At Fakuma 2023 in Friedrichshafen, Germany, Arburg showcased its exceptional ability to deliver comprehensive solutions in plastics processing. The trade public made active use of the opportunity to experience live how greater sustainability, digitalization and automation can be implemented in the world of plastics with the aid of a total of 20 exhibits on the company's own stand and at partners' stands. They received comprehensive advice at the interactive “arburgSOLUTIONworld” exhibition area and from the more than 200 Arburg employees from around 25 countries who were present each day on the 1,600 m² trade fair stand.

Comprehensive problem-solving expertise

Dr. Christoph Schumacher, director of global marketing, said, “With nine exhibits on the Arburg stand and eleven more at partners' stands, we showcased the most comprehensive range of technologies and processes in the fields of injection molding, additive manufacturing, automation and digitalization at the entire Fakuma trade fair, and demonstrated our extensive problem-solving expertise. With 'arburgSOLUTIONworld' dealing with the meta-topics of energy, efficiency, shortage of skilled workers and future orientation, we truly have our finger on the pulse. Many trade visitors received advice here on theAt arburgSOLUTIONworld, visitors sought advice on how to save energy, increase efficiency, compensate for the shortage of skilled workers and stay fit for the future. Source: Arburg benefits and added values of our digital products and services, and were impressed with how easily they can create added value and tap into the potential for cost and energy savings with our support. This idea was a big hit!”

World premiere: a new hybrid machine

A product highlight was the world premiere of the Allrounder 520 H with 1,500 kN clamping force, equipped with the new Multilift Select 8 linear robotic system. It is the second size in the Hidrive series with new hybrid machine technology. The new hybrid Allrounders combine the best of both drive worlds: they are particularly energy-efficient, resource-efficient, production-efficient, user-friendly and reliable, and are characterized by significantly reduced acquisition and operating costs as well as a smaller carbon footprint.

Digitalization ensures 100% traceability

A turnkey system based around a vertical Allrounder 375 V, which produced "ready to use" tire levers from separated post-industrial recyclate (PIR), demonstrated how digitalization and automation enable 100% traceability. The Arburg Turnkey Control Module (ATCM) SCADA system and “Invisible Tracing” from partner Detagto made it possible to clearly identify each product.

Another option for 100% traceability was demonstrated by multifunctional boxes made of thermoplastic (PBT) and liquid silicone rubber (LSR), which were produced by a two-component Allrounder More 2000. The thermoplastic component contained a marker from partner Polysecure, which produces a part-specific fluorescence.

Innovative injection molding applications and processes

Using the example of labeled centrifuge tubes, an innovative IML application premiered for the first time at Fakuma 2023. The IML product, manufactured on an electric Allrounder 520 A in clean room design, offers an advantage in functionality, efficiency and recyclability, opening up entirely new possibilities in medical technology.

As an energy-efficient, resource-efficient application and an alternative to thermoforming, an Allrounder 720 A “Ultimate” all-electric packaging machine produced IML round cups with a wall thickness of just 0.37 mm using the injection compression molding process.

Industrial additive manufacturing

The highlight from Arburg subsidiary ARBURGadditive was the new high-temperature Freeformer 750-3X, which additively manufactured aerospace components from Ultem 9085. A TiQ printer from innovatiQ processed fiber-reinforced PA and PP filaments into resilient robotic grippers.