The ENGEL Group presents a foammelt application and inject AI at Chinaplas 2026

At Chinaplas 2026, taking place from 21 to 24 April in Shanghai, the ENGEL Group presents six production solutions from the automotive, packaging, medical and technical moulding sectors in live operation. A foammelt application in technical moulding shows how material usage, component weight and unit costs can be reduced through physical foaming. In addition, ENGEL presents inject AI as a dedicated focus, with which digital assistance systems are specifically extended with AI-based functions. Both approaches contribute to stabilising processes, reducing scrap and improving the cost efficiency of series production.

A further exhibit in the field of technical moulding is a production solution with a WINTEC t-win 6500 two-platen injection moulding machine with 6,500 kN clamping force. The production of a mini refrigerator housing using foammelt is presented. This application shows that complex white goods components can be produced more lightly and cost-effectively with physical foaming without compromising design. The use of foammelt reduces cycle time, weight and material consumption, thereby sustainably lowering unit costs. In physical foaming, material savings of up to 40% are possible depending on the application.

foammelt operates with nitrogen or carbon dioxide, which is introduced into the polymer melt. The MuCell screw geometry optimised for foammelt distributes the gas evenly, resulting in a fine cell structure in the mould. The result is a lighter component with simultaneously high dimensional stability and stiffness. In the application shown at Chinaplas, a PP compound with 20% long glass fibre is processed. The part weight is 493 g, the cycle time 62 seconds.

The t-win from WINTEC is characterised by its robust two-platen design for applications with large moulds and high clamping forces. Short-stroke pressure cushions enable short cycle times, while synchronous locking and the servo-hydraulic drive operate quickly and energy-efficiently. High energy efficiency, a compact footprint and optimised maintenance accessibility reduce total operating costs and lead to a fast return on investment.

With iQ weight control, viscosity fluctuations are automatically compensated within the same shot in this exhibit. This made it possible to reduce scrap in this application by 37%.

The injection moulding cells from WINTEC are equipped with the intuitively operated C3 control. It supports clear process control with high performance. In addition, the new viper 20 linear robot is fully integrated into the control, handles the parts and relieves the operating personnel. The close integration of robot and machine within one control system increases production stability and reduces cycle times through the optimisation of motion sequences.

With inject AI, ENGEL specifically extends its established iQ assistance systems with AI-based functions and further develops the proven inject 4.0 platform into a connected and learning production environment. This is demonstrated in the expert corner at the exhibition stand. Already today, solutions such as iQ weight control, iQ clamp control, iQ flow control, iQ melt control and iQ motion control intervene directly in the process and automatically optimise quality- and efficiency-relevant parameters. For example, iQ weight control compensates for fluctuations in material viscosity in real time and ensures consistent component quality. iQ clamp control dynamically adjusts the clamping force and thus reduces mould stress and energy consumption. iQ flow control stabilises temperature control, while iQ melt control monitors plasticising and detects process deviations at an early stage.

For processors, this results in a comprehensive support system that not only stabilises processes but also continuously optimises them. The iQ process observer uses AI to analyse more than 1,000 process parameters simultaneously, detects deviations at an early stage and derives specific recommendations for action. This is complemented by the ENGEL Virtual Assistant, which makes system-specific knowledge immediately available, as well as by AI-based applications such as the part finder for the rapid identification of spare parts via photo. Overall, this improves the cost efficiency of production through reduced scrap, higher system availability and more efficient use of machine and personnel resources.

At Chinaplas 2026, the ENGEL Group presents a broad spectrum of production solutions for different requirements in injection moulding production. These include applications from the automotive, packaging, medical and technical moulding sectors as well as digital solutions for further optimisation of production. In the field of technical moulding, it becomes clear how even large-volume and demanding components can be manufactured cost-efficiently. With inject AI, ENGEL at the same time sets a dedicated focus on the path towards a more connected, learning and operationally efficient production.

For processors, this results in a clear benefit: production processes can be controlled more stably, scrap and costs can be reduced, and machine and personnel resources can be used more efficiently. Visitors to the ENGEL Group stand therefore gain not only insight into individual machines and applications, but also into a broad spectrum of solutions for cost-efficient and future-proof series production.

Hall 5.1 / Stand: 5.1C41