BMW Group launch new ENGEL production plant
Schwertberg, Austria – January 2022
The BMW Group has launched a new ENGEL production unit at its Landshut production plant, Germany. The kidney-shaped badge for the electric BMW iX is produced in a cleanroom atmosphere.
Both the BMW Group and ENGEL are breaking completely new ground here, prompting the International Society for Plastics Technology (SPE Central Europe) to honour the application with the SPE Grand Award 2021.
Once the radiator grille, this characteristic design feature of all BMW models has taken on a new role following electrification of the drivetrains. The kidney-shaped badge protects the camera as well as several sensors for assisted and, in future, autonomous driving.
This is the first time that combined film back injection moulding and polyurethane flooding is being used in the series production of functional components on the exterior, where they are exposed to particularly “high stress.”
With the technology already having been used for vehicle interiors, these kidney-shaped badges for BMW’s new electric models represent the next step.
The sensitive electronics are well protected under the scratch-resistant polyurethane surface. The high gloss level and depth effect, which even a thin coating of polyurethane achieves, convey a very elegant impression.
Virtual reality ensures future-proof investment
Another first: ENGEL virtually visualised the entire production unit as early as in the RFQphase.
“In the 3D simulation, we were able to guide our customer through all the production cell areas, see how the robots interact, and assess the ergonomic aspects before construction of the cell had even begun,” as Walter Aumayr, Vice President Automation and Peripheral Units at ENGEL AUSTRIA reports. “This is the future. Virtual reality means that we can give our customers even better investment security.” As the system solution provider, ENGEL is the central contact for customers, also for system components realised in conjunction with partners. Partner companies for the production cell for the BMW’s new kidney-shaped badges include Hennecke from St. Augustin, Germany, for polyurethane processing, and Petek Reinraumtechnik from Radolfzell, Germany, for cleanroom technology.
ENGEL AUSTRIA GmbH
ENGEL is one of the global leaders in the manufacture of plastics processing machines. Today, the ENGEL Group offers a full range of technology modules for plastics processing as a single source supplier: injection moulding machines for thermoplastics and elastomers together with automation, with individual components also being competitive and successful in the market. With nine production plants in Europe, North America and Asia (China and Korea), and subsidiaries and representatives in more than 85 countries, ENGEL offers its customers the excellent global support they need to compete and succeed with new technologies and leading-edge production systems.
TECHSPAN TRADING (NZ) Limited
New Zealand ENGEL Agents
Techspan have been involved with the supply of Engel in New Zealand since the company’s inception in January 1979. Today Techspan Group comprises a number of companies – supplying specialised machinery & equipment to industry.
Phone Int: +64 9 827 6567
Phone: 0800 603 603
Fax: +64 9 827 6596
Email: sales@engel-injection.co.nz
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