KraussMaffei Extends Focus to Large-Scale, Sustainable Additive Manufacturing

KraussMaffei has added large-scale 3D printing systems for additive manufacturing (AM) to its product portfolio, which also includes injection molding, extrusion and reaction process machinery. It is also focusing on helping companies achieve complete circular economy cycles in which the quality of the recycled plastic is retained. It also offers midmarket solutions and digital services to help minimize manufacturing downtime and reduce CO₂ emissions. The company says it aims to ‘make plastic green with maximum efficiency and quality.’

“We want to be a one-stop solution provider for our customers in all aspects of plastics processing,” says Dr. Michael Ruf, KraussMaffei CEO. “With our consulting, our products and our service, we want to make them fit for a successful, efficient, digital and, above all, sustainable future. To do this, they need innovative and holistic solutions across the entire product life cycle.”

The company now offers AM on a large scale with its precisionPrint and powerPrint printers. It is said the machines offer complete solutions that guarantee absolute process stability and part quality. They do not require expensive test prints (“first time right”), which enables customers to achieve significant material and cost savings, the company says.

“Additive Manufacturing ideally complements our existing portfolio. Thanks to our extensive expertise in materials and manufacturing processes, we are able to produce highly efficient 3D printers that offer our customers great added value from day one,” Ruf says.

In addition, KraussMaffei is positioning itself as an important provider for a circular economy (CE) in the plastics industry. With the latest recycling technology, KraussMaffei aims to achieve a corporate carbon footprint of zero by 2030 and thus operate its plants in a completely climate-neutral manner in order to help avoid plastic waste.

The company says it also offers efficient production with its midmarket solutions powerMolding and precisionMolding. This injection molding machine series combines high-power density with economical production and with fast availability. The precisionMolding is an all-electric injection molding machine, with good energy efficiency. The powerMolding offers the KraussMaffei BluePower servo drive as standard and thus, depending on the application, up to 40% better energy efficiency than comparable standard injection molding machines.

KraussMaffei also offers digital products and services to address manufacturing CO₂ footprints caused by machines and plants during operation. Working jointly with Motan, the company offers energy management and material CO₂ tracking.