The largest injection molding machine to be utilizing the MuCell microcellular foaming technology; that's the claim from KraussMaffei, whose MC 5400 - 17200 machine, with 5400 tonnes of clamping force, is being used by German automotive supplier Mürdter's at that company's technical center in Mutlangen, Germany to test the impact of Trexel's technology on large components, like instrument panels.

KraussMaffei describes its arrangment with Mürdter and Trexel as "joint operation", allowing the companies to make direct comparisons between standard injection molding and MuCell technology with large components.

The elimination of deformation, shorter cycle times, lower clamping force, material savings, and weight reduction are among the benefits to be reaped by large parts using the technology, according to Andreas Handschke, MuCell product manager at KraussMaffei, with the prospect of lighter parts especially interesting to an automotive industry attempting to heighten fuel economy by lowering vehicle weight.

Mürdter noted that it has large machines for both trials and small series production, which can create components like instrument panel via straight injection and compare these parts to MuCell ones. In addition, Mürdter's moldmaking department can make any mold alterations based on the findings.

KraussMaffei, which is authorized globally for direct MuCell sales, notes that it has been using MuCell technology successfully for many years and is a leading individual customer of Trexel.

Mürdter, which supplies interior and exterior automotive trim components, notes on its website that it can run tools as large as 2500 by 4000 mm, with a maximum weight of 60 tonnes. The heaviest part weight it can achieve is 5400g (about 12 lb).