Herbert Kraibühler awarded honorary doctorate by the Technical University of Munich

Former Arburg Managing Director of Technology & Engineering, Herbert Kraibühler has received an honorary doctorate from the Technical University of Munich (TUM) for his outstanding achievements and ideas in research and development for plastics processing in the areas of injection molding and additive manufacturing, many of which have found practical application in the industry around the world.

The Dean of the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Prof. Tim Lüth, described the cooperation as “an exemplary partnership between an innovative, family-run company and an elite technical university.”

Citing the further development of injection molding technology as just one of areas in which Kraibühler far ahead of his time, the TUM praised his efforts in the field of the integration and automation of injection molding technology and optimized production. In doing so, he pre-empted the development that today goes by the name of Industry 4.0.

As one of the first to do so, Herbert Kraibühler realized early on the central role that interaction between human and machine would play in modern production. This resulted in the development of an innovative machine controller, the Selogica, which to this day enables full control over increasingly complex injection molding processes.

A visionary in the field of additive manufacturing, Herbert Kraibühler spent many years working on joint research projects with the TUM, investigating fundamental questions in this area. The topics covered included polymers, dosage methods and optimum filling strategies. The result was an innovative system for industrial additive manufacturing which had much more to offer than simple 3D printers.

Herbert Kraibühler worked for 50 years at Arburg. He started his apprenticeship as a machine fitter at the company in 1964. He then studied precision engineering specializing in plastics technology in Karlsruhe, before returning to the company as a development engineer in 1972. His career ultimately led him to the position of Managing Director Technology & Engineering, which he held for 18 years.

Herbert Kraibühler received his degree during a conferring ceremony held on July 10, 2015, which was attended by Ellen and son Mathias, Arburg Partners Eugen Hehl, Juliane Hehl, Michael Hehl and Renate Keinath as well as by the Director of Research & Development Dr. Eberhard Duffner and his wife Eva.