Innovation in plastics processing: technotrans cooperates with Covestro

• Process reduces costs, manufacturing time, weight and components
• Dynamic temperature control from technotrans enables energy-efficient production of high-quality molded parts
• Presentations at the Equiplast (Spain) and the Plastimagen (Mexico) trade shows in 2023 after successful debut at K 2022

technotrans, as a development partner of Covestro Deutschland AG, enables an innovative process in plastics processing. The highly integrated production process significantly reduces costs, manufacturing time, weight and number of components for complex technical molded parts. The products can be used, for example, in LED reflectors for future generations of vehicles. The variothermal thermal management solution developed by technotrans is essential for the process, as it ensures the required high surface quality through precise temperature control. This forward-looking concept generates significant efficiency gains and expands the scope for design. technotrans is thus tapping into future potential for its focus market Plastics.

"After several joint projects with Covestro, this innovative manufacturing concept is a real highlight for us," says Michael Finger, Spokesman of the Board of Management of technotrans SE. "technotrans has once again been able to make full use of its expertise and many years of experience. Not only that: With our solution expertise we are helping to shape the vehicle production of the future."

The manufacturing process consists of two-component injection molding with integration of electronic components by means of in-mold electronics (IME) and subsequent metal coating. IME refers to an innovative technology in which electronic components are embedded directly in plastic or other substrates during the molding process. In order for this to be possible, temperature control must be optimally matched to the process. "Using a conventional tempering solution results in a matt, uneven surface," says Rainer Protte, Head of Advanced Injection Molding at Covestro. The desired glossy, highly reflective surface is made possible by technotrans' variothermal tempering solution. The thermal management specialist developed a system solution tailored to this process and the associated requirements. By using a highly efficient energy storage and control unit, it also enables significant energy savings compared with conventional systems. "Our system always operates with the lowest possible energy input," emphasises Peter Hirsch, CTO/COO of technotrans SE.

One of the success factors of the project was the close and familiar cooperation between the companies. "We have already been working with technotrans for several years and particularly appreciate the joint development in which the company always contributes its technological solution expertise in a targeted manner," says Protte. Following the very successful debut at K 2022, both companies are presenting the process innovation in 2023 at the Equiplast in Spain and at the Plastimagen trade show in Mexico. "We are delighted to support Covestro with our thermal management expertise. The cooperation also creates significant future potential for our focus market Plastics," emphasises Michael Finger.