New approaches to injection moulding

03.12.2025

The 2026 trade fair year begins for Arburg with the Swiss Plastics Expo in Lucerne, Switzerland. A forward-looking exhibit will be presented at stand C1061 in hall 1: an electric Allrounder 370 A with Gestica control system processes so-called “paper pearls”, an alternative material, instead of petroleum-based plastic.

Marcel Spadini, Managing Director of Arburg AG in Münsingen, is looking forward to the trade fair: “The Swiss Plastics Expo is of great importance for the technically demanding market in Switzerland and has top priority for us. The trade fair is unique, only takes place every three years and only the leading technology providers present their products there – therefore the trade visitors is also very technology-oriented”.

Photo: Marcel Spadini, Managing Director of the Swiss Arburg subsidiary
Source: ARBURG

Electric Allrounder processes innovative material

In Lucerne, Arburg will be exhibiting innovative paper injection moulding. This technology was developed in collaboration with Swiss paper and cardboard manufacturer Model with the aim of expanding the range of future-proof, sustainable injection moulded products. An electric Allrounder 370 A processes so-called “paper pearls” with over 50 per cent fibre content. Their main component is primary and secondary paper fibres. These are made injection-mouldable with bio-based and biodegradable plastics, e.g. based on lignin, starch or corn. Using a single-cavity mould from Lercher, a “cross knot” puzzle is produced in a cycle time of around 60 seconds. A Multilift Select 8 linear robot system removes the moulded part and places it on a conveyor belt.

Digital helpers integrated directly in the control system

The software-based pilot function “aXw Control RecyclatePilot” in the Gestica machine control system actively compensates for material and batch fluctuations. It ensures uniform mould filling, stable shot weights and high part quality. The RecyclatePilot is equally suitable for processing post-industrial and post-consumer recyclate, regrind and bio-based plastics.

Photo: An electric Allrounder 370 A with Multilift Select 8 is used to process “paper pearls”, an alternative material with over 50 per cent fibre content.
Source: ARBURG

All requirements covered

For Marcel Spadini, the exhibit and the requirements of Swiss injection moulders are a perfect match: “Our focus on fully electric machine technology, automation, digitalisation and sustainability reflects the current market trend and thus also the wishes of our customers”.

Market developments are clearly pointing towards customer-specific solutions with fully electric machines that meet the highest standards of quality and efficiency. “However, it's not just high-tech products that are important. The comprehensive customer support and service we provide to our customers also make a difference. These play a key role in maintaining a high level of customer satisfaction over the long term”.

Source: ARBURG