The all-electric WINTEC e-win 1800 enables fully automated LSR processing that reduces manual intervention and component costs

ENGEL duo 700 wide-platen version enables the cost-efficient production of large-area automotive components with reduced space requirements and high process integration

ENGEL and WINTEC showcase smart, cost-efficient solutions at Chinaplas 2026

AT CHINAPLAS 2026 in Shanghai, the ENGEL Group demonstrated how intelligent automation, integrated processing technologies, and digital process optimisation are helping plastics manufacturers reduce part costs, improve production stability, and increase efficiency in high-volume manufacturing environments. ENGEL and WINTEC presented advanced injection moulding technologies for the automotive, packaging, medical, and technical moulding sectors.

A key theme throughout the exhibition was the reduction of secondary processing steps through highly integrated manufacturing concepts.

In the automotive sector, ENGEL showcased its clearmelt technology on a fully automated ENGEL duo 700 two-platen injection moulding machine producing B-pillar trims with integrated transparent camera windows. The process combines injection moulding and polyurethane surface coating directly within the mould, eliminating additional finishing stages while delivering high-quality, scratch-resistant surfaces with self-healing properties.

The fully automated production cell utilised an ENGEL easix articulated robot integrated into the CC300 control system. The solution demonstrated how automotive suppliers can reduce throughput times, minimise scrap, and lower investment costs. ENGEL also presented its fluidmelt technology on a tie-bar-less ENGEL victory 120 machine producing lightweight automotive air intake ducts.

Using gas-assisted moulding technology, the process creates hollow structures within the component, significantly reducing material usage and component weight while maintaining structural rigidity. The compact tie-bar-less machine design also allows processors to use lower clamping force machines, reducing both floor space requirements and investment costs.

ENGEL demonstrated a high-speed all-electric solution based on the ENGEL e-mac platform, producing flip-top caps in a 48-cavity mould. Running at cycle times of 10 seconds, the application highlighted the growing demand for high-output, energy-efficient packaging production with consistent quality and low cost per part.

Medical and precision moulding applications were also represented. WINTEC showcased its all-electric e-win series in both medical syringe production and liquid silicone rubber (LSR) processing applications. One exhibit featured the production of 10 ml Luer-lock syringe components in a 48-cavity mould, while another demonstrated fully automated LSR processing for sealing mats used in waterproof electrical connectors for electromobility applications.

The LSR application combined automated production and post-processing within a single compact cell, including gentle demoulding using a specially designed brush system integrated with an ENGEL viper linear robot.

Digitalisation and intelligent process assistance systems formed another central pillar of the ENGEL Group’s Chinaplas presentation. Technologies such as iQ hold control, iQ weight control, iQ clamp control, and iQ process observer continuously optimise process parameters in real time, stabilising production conditions, reducing material consumption, lowering scrap rates, and improving overall equipment effectiveness (OEE).

The combination of integrated automation, intelligent software, and advanced machine technology enables processors to improve competitiveness while meeting increasing industry demands for sustainability, efficiency, and repeatable quality.

With ENGEL focusing on highly integrated production systems and WINTEC offering robust, standardised machine concepts for cost-efficient series production, the ENGEL Group presented a comprehensive range of solutions tailored to the evolving needs of modern plastics manufacturers.

• In Southern and Eastern Africa, ENGEL and WINTEC are represented by GreenTech Plastics Machinery, providing customers with access to advanced injection moulding technologies, automation systems, technical support, process optimisation, and after sales service across the region.