Innovative technologies for efficient injection molding

Injection molding is an ideal technique for manufacturing large quantities of plastic parts in an economic way. Even complex surface structures and decorations can be made directly in the injection molding molds through overmolding or back-molding, for example. As a future-oriented company with a pioneering spirit, it is important to us to develop new applications with new technologies and to provide you with innovative solutions for your special requirements and needs.

We give shape to your ideas

With our years of experience and extensive know-how, we believe that we are capable of handling all current and future challenges. Through our future-oriented way of thinking and acting, we continue to produce new technologies which ultimately benefit our customers. We support you from your idea, to the creation of prototypes and right through until your product is ready to go into mass production and to be put onto the market. In the development phase we already work with the most modern digital technology so that we can technically implement any new requirements together with you and provide you with a first impression of your injection molded parts as early as possible. In addition, our range of services also includes subsequent further processing through printing, welding or gluing. As a specialist in multi-component injection molding, we manufacture highly precise plastic parts for various sectors using around 90 machines with a clamping force range of 50 to 700 tons. Special designs using different colored plastics are therefore just as possible as the targeted combination and addition of certain characteristics through the use of multiple components. As the costly assembly of the single parts is omitted, you profit from lower production costs and an increased level of process reliability.

The right solution for every application

Our special applications offer a multitude of options to make your components even more efficient and fit for purpose. By combining different materials, overmolding inserts or by back-molding plastic films which have been prepared accordingly, we can combine several different functions into one component. We can perform the following injection molding processes:

Insert Molding (IM)

With insert molding, inserts are inserted into the injection molding tool so that they can be overmolded with plastic. In this way, contacts, sheets, coils and threaded bushes can be overmolded just as well as magnets and other components. The advantage of this technique is that the insert can be completely coated in plastic and therefore can be optimally embedded. Insert molding allows for maximum flexibility, in particular if you want to install a 3D structure.

In-Mold Labeling (IML)

With this technique, we put optionally printed or structured plastic films, called labels, into the injection molding tool so that they can be back-molded with plastic. During the filling and holding pressure phases, the films weld with the melted material by means of the applied temperature and pressure to produce an end product. In-mold labels are heat and humidity-resistant, as well as scratch, shrink and tear-resistant.

In-Mold Decoration (IMD)

In-mold decoration gives us the option to add an abrasion-resistant, colorful coating to your plastic parts. To do this, a modified hot stamping foil, which is guided through the injection molding mold with the help of a transportation unit, is used. The foil is pressed into the cavity when the mold is filled with the injection molding material. The temperature of the material causes the motif which is to be transferred onto the component to be released from its carrier and to bind with the molded component. As with this technique the part is already fully decorated during the injection molding, further work steps, and the costs associated with them, are omitted.

Film Insert Molding (FIM)

This technique, also known as foil back injection molding, enables complex formed plastic parts equipped with a functional or decorative film to be manufactured in one single work step. A subsequent functionalization or decoration through coating or painting is therefore not required. Along with a high level of flexibility, film insert molding offers a significant savings potential in terms of production costs and time.

Plastic injection molded parts – at home in many sectors

Keune & Lauber develops process-optimal solutions for the automotive industry, the “white goods” industry and the electrical industry. See our range of products and their quality for yourself.

Automotive

The possibilities are almost endless when it comes to manufacturing plastic parts for the automotive sector using injection molding processes. Our operating elements are characterized by their comfortable feel and robust mechanics. Components which are precisely compatible ensure the perfect functionality of buttons and control knobs. Colors and surface structures which are in perfect harmony with the existing interior can be achieved through injection molding.

White goods

So-called “white goods”, technology used in private homes, is no longer just white. Whether it be a dishwasher or a washing machine – the panels that are used to cover these products have shown that this sector has become significantly more colorful thanks to injection molding. From finishing by screen printing, through to more durable painting – the possibilities are almost endless. Even with regards to the haptics and functionality, the use of injection molding processes provides a clear added value.

Electrical installations

Nowhere else are such high demands placed on injection molding processing as with plastic parts for the electrical industry. After all, human lives are at stake here. We carefully choose the plastics used for this based on their electrical, thermal and mechanical characteristics. Above anything else, here we ensure that they are halogen-free and low-smoke and that they have a high fire protection class.

Mike Radenbach
Mike Radenbach
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