At Chinaplas 2026, which will take place from 21 to 24 April 2026 at the National Exhibition and Convention Center in Shanghai, Hennecke PUR Solutions will present current solutions for industrial polyurethane processing. The company will be present at the Brückner Group joint stand in the German Pavilion, in hall 2.1 at booth G54. A key element of the presentation will be the development of PUR overmolding technology and a modular approach to integrating polyurethane processes with injection molding applications, aimed at global scalability and local adaptation to markets.
PUR overmolding technology with direct integration into injection molding machines
Hennecke is focusing on further development of its overmolding technology based on the proven Streamline platform. This solution is being systematically transformed into a modular approach. The goal is to create a globally scalable technology that can be flexibly adapted to different requirements of regional plastics processing markets.
According to the company, especially in the Asian region there is strong demand for integrated production processes that combine high surface quality, additional functionalities and efficient manufacturing workflows. The use of PUR systems in overmolding opens up room for new process configurations in the plastics industry, combining the advantages of injection molding technology with the properties of polyurethane foams and systems.
Within this concept Hennecke is developing overmolding modules designed for direct integration with injection molding machines. These modules are no longer limited to operation as external auxiliary systems but are intended to become embedded elements of the machine platform. This solution is meant to facilitate the implementation of PUR technology in plants using conventional injection molding, without the need to build extensive peripheral infrastructure.
Local-for-local strategy and expansion of the partner network
The development of PUR overmolding is linked to Hennecke's local-for-local strategy. Under this approach the company intends to increasingly manufacture modules directly in the target markets. In practice this means shorter supply chains, improved cost competitiveness and the possibility of closer cooperation with local industrial partners and component suppliers.
In addition to existing cooperations Hennecke continues to expand its global partner network. The aim is to ensure broad availability of overmolding technology and its smooth integration with different machine platforms used in key plastics processing markets. Such cooperation is intended to support standardisation of core process functions while taking into account the specifics of regional standards and user expectations.
Alternative to painting and extended functionalisation
Compared with conventional painting processes, PUR overmolding technology offers a number of clear advantages. The process operates without the use of solvents and is free of volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions, which supports more environmentally friendly and sustainable production workflows. Reducing the use of volatile substances is in line with increasing regulatory requirements and internal corporate environmental policies.
At the same time overmolding significantly extends the possibilities for component functionalisation. Heating elements, capacitive control interfaces or special lighting effects can be integrated directly into the surface of the part and implemented in a single process step. In practice this makes it possible to combine aesthetic and functional properties within the structure of a plastic product without the need for additional assembly operations or finishing steps.
This approach is particularly relevant in applications where high surface quality must be combined with touch, signalling or thermal functions. Integrating functional elements during moulding can contribute to reducing the number of parts, simplifying design and lowering the complexity of the component supply chain.
Highline MK2 TI series as an example of regional adaptation
In the field of technical insulation and household appliance applications, Hennecke's local-for-local approach is illustrated by the Highline MK2 TI series. The machine is offered worldwide with identical performance parameters, while its technical configuration is specifically adapted to the requirements of individual regional markets. This makes it possible to maintain a consistent functional level while optimising the solution for local standards and engineering practices.
The version prepared for the APAC region is manufactured directly at the Center of Excellence China. This configuration uses locally available, high-quality components that meet regional standards without compromising the quality of the final product. In practice this allows the use of standard solutions and spare parts offered on a given market while maintaining the required level of process parameters and reliability.
At Chinaplas 2026 Hennecke plans to provide detailed information on how proven PUR technologies can be efficiently integrated into regional production structures. This includes aspects of process engineering and machine adaptation as well as the organisation of supply chains and cooperation with local partners in the plastics industry.
Market significance of integrating PUR and injection processes
The consistent development of PUR overmolding technology and modular integration with injection molding machines fits into a broader trend of process convergence in plastics processing. Combining injection molding with polyurethane processes within a single production line makes it possible to manufacture complex components in fewer technological stages. This can potentially shorten cycle times, reduce logistical operations and improve repeatability of product properties.
For end users it is also important that the modular architecture facilitates gradual implementation of PUR technology in existing plants. The possibility of directly integrating overmolding modules with injection molding machines allows manufacturers to expand their product portfolios without the need to build entirely new production lines. This provides a solution addressing the needs of producers operating in mature markets as well as those in rapidly growing regions of Asia and other parts of the world.
