Paper or Plastic? At Fakuma, One Answer, Surprisingly, Is PaperPaper or Plastic? At Fakuma, One Answer, Surprisingly, Is Paper
Paper “pearls” replace plastic pellets in a novel injection molding application on the Arburg stand.
October 19, 2024

There was plenty to see, as always, at the vast Arburg booth at Fakuma this year, from the German debut of the Allrounder 720 E Golden Electric press that achieves the trifecta of a compact design, precise molding performance, and an attractive price point to a high-speed hybrid Allrounder 570 H molding a medical part that is 20% lighter than conventional components. But one of the more intriguing demos involved paper injection molding on the electric Allrounder 370 A. That’s right — paper, at a plastics processing trade show. An explanation is in order.
Paper-based molded parts
So-called paper pearls take the place of plastic pellets in the injection molding process, paving the way for paper fiber–based products in a range of industries, notably the furniture business, said Arburg. At Fakuma, the press produced positioning tools for furniture connectors, which are typically made from plastic.
Compostable after use
The process was developed by Arburg in partnership with paper and cardboard producer Model. The pearls contain more than 50% fiber content, composed of new or recycled paper combined with bio-based and biodegradable plastic to make them injection moldable. Because of the high fiber content, end products should have a minimum 3-mm wall thickness. They are compostable after use since they contain no additives that could interfere with the composting process, said Arburg.
Control system supports energy-efficient processing
The machine maker’s Gestica control system is equipped with an aXw Control Energy Assist that combines all the key functions of the plasticizing cylinder and mold and supports the energy-efficient production process. An aXw Control Recycle Pilot and aXw Control Pressure Pilot, part of the Gestica system, ensure consistent mold filling and optimized pressure control, respectively.
At the Arburg stand in hall A3, a two-cavity mold from Lercher was used to produce the parts in a cycle time of about 60 seconds.
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