More knowledge creates more interesting solutions: With ColorForm and purity glycoLine PU, KraussMaffei is presenting two applications at K 2025 in Düsseldorf (October 8th - 16th) in which polyurethane processing from the Reaction Process Machinery division (RPM) cooperates with injection molding technology and extrusion respectively. The goal is process reliability and sustainable value creation. KraussMaffei is the only company that can supply machines and processes for the entire polymer processing chain from a single source.
"ColorForm stands for the highest surface quality and efficient series production in an integrated process. KraussMaffei is the only supplier to offer all technologies from a single source - this creates real added value for our customers." - Dr. Frank Szimmat, Managing Director of KraussMaffei Technologies
The environmental regulations for spray painting are constantly becoming stricter and are causing a boom elsewhere. ColorForm, the painting of thermoplastic components using PU flooding, is experiencing a steep rise around 15 years after its development.
At K 2025, KraussMaffei and its partner Leonhard Kurz are taking technology integration even further and combining ColorForm with a film decoration system for which a new type of mold-integrated film thermoforming concept has been developed.
The application can be seen live on a GXW 650 (with swivel plate) at the Leonhard Kurz booth (Hall 5 / A19). The innovative 3K demonstrator component, based on a headlight (length 720 millimetres), was designed in such a way that the design film provided by Leonhard Kurz is back-injected with a crystal-clear and a black polycarbonate using the in-mold labeling process.
As PC would yellow due to UV radiation and headlights are exposed to stone chips and similar stresses, the component is given its crystal-clear polyurethane coating directly in the mold.
Paint layer accurate to a tenth of a millimeter
Ready-painted straight from the injection mold: the ColorForm process gives thermoplastic components a PU coating. This can be adjusted in terms of color and feel - and is also self-healing if desired.
The complete system from KraussMaffei combines reaction process machinery and injection molding technology.
With ColorForm, the PU lacquer layers can be precisely adjusted in the tenth of a millimetre range. A range of different effect and lacquer colors are available, which, in combination with variable haptics, enable a variety of design options.
In addition to protection against chemical influences, a self-healing effect is also possible - for example in the case of fine scratches on the surface. Another visual advantage is the characteristic depth effect that ColorForm creates.
The metering machines manufactured by KraussMaffei enable output rates of up to 500 g/s and are therefore also ideally suited for large-format components.
Suitable metering units are available for adding color, so that even demanding design requirements in the vehicle interior or on the vehicle exterior can be precisely implemented.
KraussMaffei supplies all the components of ColorForm technology as a turnkey solution from a single source - from the injection molding machine and PUR metering technology to fully integrated automation.
