SKZ: AI Expertise and New Approaches to Plastics Processing

At Fakuma 2026, SKZ - The Plastics Center will showcase its activities in research, training, testing and certification. Key topics currently include the use of artificial intelligence in plastics processing and innovative recycling technologies.

One example of knowledge transfer between research and industry is the Engel Virtual Assistant (EVA), which injection molding machine manufacturer Engel will unveil for the first time at Fakuma 2026. Further developed in collaboration with SKZ and mold and standard parts manufacturer Meusburger, the AI-powered assistance solution is designed to help machine operators analyze and resolve typical injection molding defects (see also plasticker-news dated October 1, 2026).

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SKZ contributes its expertise in defect patterns, their causes and suitable corrective measures. The assistance solution processes questions in natural language, takes the machine and process context into account and suggests possible corrective actions. This is intended to enable faster identification of defects such as sink marks, weld lines, warpage and flash, while helping to stabilize production processes.

There are also developments in the field of the circular economy: LaMa Recycling GmbH, based at SKZ, will present a newly developed process for recycling plastic products containing superabsorbents at the Bayern Innovativ joint booth. The process enables construction products that have previously been difficult to recycle to be converted into reusable regranulate. According to the company, the process is already designed for throughput rates of 200 kilograms per hour.

In addition to technological developments, professional exchange will be a key focus of SKZ's presence at the trade fair. Together with the Swiss Plastics Center KATZ and the Upper Austrian Plastics Cluster, SKZ is organizing the networking event "Netzwerk Grenzenlos" (Networking Without Borders) on October 13, 2026.

Fakuma 2026
Friedrichshafen, Germany
October 12–16, 2026
Hall B3, Stand 3000

More information: www.skz.de, katz.ch

SKZ - Das Kunststoff-Zentrum, Würzburg, Germany

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