Automaker BMW AG placed a major order with KraussMaffei Technologies GmbH nine resin transfer machines, and three MX injection molding machines alongwith 4,000 metric tons of clamping force. Munich-based KraussMaffei announced the sale Nov. 17 but did not give the dollar amount of BMW’s investment.
BMW ordered nine high-pressure RTM machines for two factories in Germany: Landshut and Leipzig. KM also will provide post-mold finishing and material supply equipment.
The automaker will be using the RTM machines to manufacture components for car interior and exterior, as well as for load-bearing structures.
The order also reflects years of cooperation between the firms, said Frank Peters, managing director of KM’s Reaction Process Machinery Division.
BMW also purchased two 4,000-tonne MX injection presses where, one will go to its plant in Wackersdorf to mold stable instrument panels, using structural foam molding, for the 1 Series and 3 Series cars. The process produces components with a compact outer skin and a foam structure inside.
In Leipzig, two 4,000-tonne MX double-swivel platen machines will be molding components with an outer skin and a thermoplastic substrate. The outer skin and substructure each will be molded separately, converged as the two swivel plates rotate, then tightly connected with a third plastic component.
