Kunststoff-Institut Lüdenscheid: Current Research Projects and Industrial Applications

Encapsulating electronic components with specially developed materials provides damage-free protection for sensitive components. The material solution reliably protects against environmental influences such as moisture, dust and mechanical stress while also increasing the tamper resistance of the electronics - (Image: Kunststoff-Institut Lüdenscheid / Marius Fedler).

Kunststoff-Institut Lüdenscheid will present current research and development activities for the plastics industry at Fakuma 2026. For the first time, its exhibition space will be twice as large as before. In addition to the institute, Silcos GmbH, Niebeling GmbH, KVT Bielefeld GmbH, CAQ AG and Berlac AG will be represented at the joint booth.

The focus will be on application-oriented technologies and collaborative projects along the plastics value chain. Demonstrators will illustrate processes for the preparation and quality assurance of recyclates, among other topics. These include reducing material-related odors, ensuring consistent batch quality, and methods for evaluating and stabilizing recycled plastics.

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Another focus will be on surface technology. New benchmark applications for investigating and improving the scratch resistance of molded plastic parts will be presented. In addition, the institute’s research department will showcase demonstrators in the field of tool coatings.

Demonstrator for electromagnetic shielding: The image shows a low-melting metal alloy being mixed with plastic. The streak-like distribution of the metallic phase illustrates the initial state. Through targeted compounding and the use of additives, a homogeneous distribution of the metal alloy within the polymer can be achieved, enabling electrical conductivity extending to the component surfaces - (Image: Kunststoff-Institut Lüdenscheid / Marius Fedler).

In the field of electromagnetic compatibility, the institute will present approaches to shielding electronic components. Low-melting metals are combined with plastics to produce functional shielding structures. Processes for integrating and overmolding electronics with thermoplastics and thermosets will also be demonstrated. The exhibits will additionally include the X2F process, which is designed for the gentle processing and functionalization of sensitive components.

With its “Real Stone” project, the institute will present plastic materials containing high proportions of stone powder. The material development is aimed, among other things, at achieving isotropic shrinkage behavior, modifying the tactile properties and reducing material costs. At the same time, the mineral fillers are intended to open up new design and technical applications.

Another part of the exhibition will feature the ZIM innovation networks coordinated by the institute. They focus on efficient light management, next-next-generation plastics, sustainability in medical technology, hydrogen technologies, second-life concepts and sustainable mobility. The networks aim to bring companies and research partners together for joint development projects and to transfer new technologies into industrial applications.

The expanded joint booth will thus bring together developments in recycling, materials technology, surface functionalization, electronics integration and tool coatings. At the same time, the exhibition will showcase the Kunststoff-Institut Lüdenscheid’s ongoing cooperation and research activities.

Fakuma 2026, Friedrichshafen, Germany,
October 12-16, 2026, Hall A5, Booth 5312

More information: kunststoff-institut.de

Kunststoff-Institut für die mittelständische Wirtschaft NRW GmbH, Lüdenscheid

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