Injection Molding Pioneer Erwin Bürkle Passes at Age 82

Longtime KraussMaffei employee and former head of injection molding technology Dr.-Ing. Erwin Bürkle passed away on July 29 at the age of 82. KraussMaffei made the announcement in a press release distributed today.

Holding a degree in mechanical engineering from Munich’s technical universities and on his way to earning a doctorate at RWTH Aachen University, Bürkle began his career at the Munich-based injection molding machine company in 1961 as a tool designer and later as a machine designer. He and his team pioneered numerous developments in injection molding technology, including the KraussMaffei mixing screw and SkinForm surface treatment, and held several patents.

Bürkle authored numerous books and articles and was a featured speaker at industry events throughout his career. “He was known throughout the national and international plastics industry not only as a luminary in the field of injection molding technology and cleanroom technology, but also as a pioneer and innovator,” said KraussMaffei in the announcement.

Bürkle retired from the company in 2009 after almost 50 years, but remained a beloved and esteemed presence through his advisory role.

"I got to know Erwin Bürkle as an extraordinarily clever and empathetic personality who was held in high esteem by all his colleagues,” said Markus Bauer, Managing Director of KraussMaffei Technologies. “Even as a young engineer in his department, his way of dealing with people and his constant willingness to help left a lasting impression on me. We will always honor his memory."