Engel: Ultrasonic Monitoring, Temperature Control and Robotics

Injection molding machine manufacturer Engel will showcase new technologies for process monitoring and control, automation and specialized molding processes at Fakuma 2026. Six dedicated "Expert Corners" will cover plasticizing, mold temperature control, machine controls, robotics, processing technologies and in-mold coating. The company will also demonstrate four injection molding machines in operation, along with an autonomous production cell.

Ultrasonic Monitoring of Plasticizing and Temperature Control
Engel is integrating ultrasonic sensor technology from "Moldsonics" into its machine control system to monitor melt homogeneity. Measurements are taken in the nozzle area during every injection cycle, allowing the system to detect unmelted particles and provide melt homogeneity data as an additional process parameter. The technology will be demonstrated on an all-electric "e-motion 380". Engel will also showcase application-specific plasticizing packages and improved screws, non-return valves and shut-off nozzles, including solutions designed for packaging applications.

For mold temperature control, Engel is introducing two new water distribution systems: the "eco-flomo U" for monitoring individual temperature-control circuits and the "e-flomo U" for actively regulating them. Ultrasonic sensors measure flow rates from 0.4 to 40 l/min per circuit at water temperatures of up to 160°C. Because the sensors do not come into direct contact with the water, the measuring sections are also suitable for cooling water containing particles.

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Both systems are integrated with Engel's "iQ flow control" assistance function. According to the company, the temperature-control solution can reduce energy consumption by up to 85%, depending on the application. Engel also says it offers a lifetime warranty on the measuring sections. An "e-flomo plus" will be operating at the booth, while the "e-flomo U" will be demonstrated in the autonomous injection molding cell.

Smart Assistance Systems and a New Generation of Robots
In machine control, Engel will present guided mold-change procedures, digital information accessible directly through the machine controller and its "Smart Access" access control system. A new image-based troubleshooting assistant is designed to help operators identify process problems and make existing technical expertise more readily available on the shop floor.

Engel will also introduce the "viper 6", the smallest model in its redesigned "viper" linear robot range. New axis profiles and configurable strokes are intended to provide a larger working envelope, particularly for demolding and vertical movements. According to Engel, the robot meets the requirements of ISO 10218:2025. Its introduction completes the transition of the entire range to the new generation. At Fakuma, the "viper 6" will handle sprue removal on an electric "Wintec e-win 1800".

Specialized Processes for Lightweight Parts and High-Quality Surfaces
Other exhibits will focus on liquid silicone rubber (LSR) processing, tape-sandwich injection molding with thermoplastic composites, multi-component sandwich injection molding, and physical and chemical foaming technologies. The physical foaming processes on display will include "MuCell". Depending on the application, these technologies can help reduce part weight and warpage or enable different materials to be combined within a single component.

Engel's "clearmelt" in-mold coating process combines injection molding and polyurethane coating in a single mold, eliminating the need for a separate painting step. Depending on the formulation, the resulting surfaces can offer scratch and UV resistance as well as self-healing properties. Engel operates a dedicated competence center in Austria to develop the technology and support its industrial application.

Four Injection Molding Machines Running Live
An all-electric "e-motion 380" will produce yogurt cups using in-mold labeling (IML). Engel quotes a dry-cycle time as short as 1.2 seconds for the machine. The electric "Wintec e-win 1800" will manufacture automotive connectors in a 128-cavity mold, with the new "viper 6" robot removing the sprues.

A "victory electric 1565/220" will produce a liquid silicone rubber seal for an inverter component. According to Engel, the seal can be demolded completely flash-free, eliminating the need for deflashing. Meanwhile, a "Wintec t-win 6500" two-platen machine will manufacture clothes hangers for Leifheit. This demonstration will highlight a largely standard machine configuration without extensive custom equipment.

Engel will also demonstrate its "inject AI" technology and "Eva" digital assistant in an autonomous injection molding cell. The system can answer machine-related questions and suggest adjustments to process settings. Once approved by the operator, these changes can be transferred directly to the machine control system.

On October 16, 2026, Engel will take part in Career Friday and guided tours for young people entering the industry, organized at the initiative of PlasticsEurope Germany.

Fakuma 2026
Friedrichshafen, Germany
October 12–16, 2026
Hall A5, Stand 5203

More information: engelglobal.com, www.moldsonics.com, www.wintec-machines.com, www.leifheit-group.com, plasticseurope.org

Engel Austria GmbH, Schwertberg, Austria

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