Sumitomo (SHI) Demag, our European base, exhibited at K 2025, the world's largest plastics and rubber industry exhibition, held in Dusseldorf, Germany from October 8th to 15th, 2025. Under the exhibition concept "TODAY. TOMORROW. ELECTRIC.", we demonstrated all-electric molding technologies in response to the accelerating electrification trend in Europe, together with partner manufacturers. From Japan, we also presented samples of the in-mold coating technology "SSIMC", jointly developed with SEIKOH GIKEN Co., Ltd. Our booth was visited by many customers from all over the world, providing a valuable opportunity to showcase our innovative solutions to the global market.
We demonstrated ultra-thin-wall, high-speed molding required in medical and packaging industries using the all-electric high-speed injection molding machine "PAC-E" series. Medical cups were molded in 48 cavities with an impressive cycle time of just 2.6 seconds. High-speed injection performance and precise control ensure the quality demanded in the medical field. In addition, automation has been achieved by combining a side entry robot manufactured by Zubler Handling, achieving a removal time of less than 0.6 seconds and full inspection by camera (96 pieces in a 3-second cycle). This is an advanced system that combines speed, precision, and reliability for mass production in the medical field.
<Specification data>
Wall thickness：0.3mm
Cycle time：2.6seconds
Cavities：48
Material：INEOS 200‑CA70
We showcased an in-mold assembly process using the all-electric multi-component injection molding machine "IntElect Multi" series, enabling complex molding and assembly in a single machine. The IMA pump was molded in 4 cavities across 3 stages, combining two materials, SEBS (TPE) and PP materials. Using an index plate, molded parts were transferred between stages for assembly, eliminating separate assembly steps and greatly improving efficiency and precision. Furthermore, our proprietary take-out robot "SAM-C20" was installed on the fixed platen, which performed all processes from parts transfer, vacuum fixing, and sprue processing. The robot features a motor-driven wrist axis, ensuring high flexibility in a compact footprint. This enables complex multi-stage molding and assembly in a small space, enabling mass production while ensuring the high quality and reliability required in the medical and precision industries.
<Specification data>
Cycle time：Approximately 38 seconds
Cavities：4（3stage）
Material：SEBS（TPE）＋PP
Take-out robot：SAM-C20
In this demonstration, beverage caps were molded in a turnkey production cell using the all-electric high-speed injection molding machine "PAC-E" series. This turnkey production cell is a full automated system that incorporates not only molding machine, but also a hot runner controller, dehumidifier, printer, and transport, inspection, and packaging equipment. A printer is also installed in-line, so printing can be completed immediately after molding. Furthermore, energy consumption is reduced by approximately 42% compared to our hybrid injection molding machine (El-Exis SP), enabling mass production while also being environmentally friendly.
<Specification data>
Cycle time：Approximately 2.0 seconds
Cavities: 72
Material：TotalEnergies HD608
In this demonstration, HV connectors (frame seal) was molded using liquid silicone rubber (LSR) with the all-electric injection molding machine "IntElect" series. In addition to the IntElect equipped with an LSR package, it was linked to a dosing unit via an OPC-UA interface, enabling precise control. Furthermore, by integrating the "SAM-C10" robot with Nexus EOAT, we achieved a fully automated process from part take out to placement inside the safety guard, creating a compact and highly efficient production cell. In addition to meeting high precision requirements of LSR and energy saving, it also simplifies processes through automation and strengthens quality control reducing manual labor.
<Specification data>
Cycle time: Approximately 25 seconds
Cavities: 32
Material：Momentive Silopren 2040
Take-out robot: SAM-C10
The in-mold coating technology "SSIMC," which is being jointly developed with SEIKOH GIKEN Co., Ltd., was unveiled for the first time at a trade show. Our company and SEIKOH GIKEN staff communicated with many visitors using an overview video and a variety of samples. "SSIMC" is an in-mold coating system that uses our all-electric double-shot molding machine (SE-DU-CI). The dispenser unit is built into the operation side of the molding machine, and coating can be done inside the mold at the same time as molding, which greatly simplifies the conventional coating process and reduces environmental load and costs. Conventional spray coating requires paint loss, dry equipment, and exhaust treatment, but SSIMC reduces paint loss to almost zero and reduces CO₂ emissions by approximately 60%. Furthermore, high-precision coating formation enabled by mold surface transcription prevents contamination while achieving uniform thick-film coating, even on 3D shapes and textured surfaces. A key feature is that, in addition to toggle clamping, the dispenser unit mounted on the operator side supports injection-axis clamping (multi-stage clamping), enabling complex designs such as lettering. The equipment has a compact design that fits within the size of the molding machine, saving space and making it easy to install on existing lines. "SSIMC" is expected to be used in a wide range of fields, including automotive interiors, home appliances, and precision parts, and is attracting attention as a next-generation solution that combines environmental friendliness with high design quality. This exhibition has received a much greater response than we could have ever imagined, not only from within Japan but also from overseas. Customers who attended the event commented that they would like to hear a more detailed presentation and that they would like to consider implementing the technology immediately, which gave us a sense of the high expectations for the innovativeness and practicality of the technology. Many customers have shown great interest in this new technology, which combines environmentally load design with high aesthetics, and we will accelerate development together with SEIKOH GIKEN to meet their expectations.
<Exhibition sample>
Switch components, dials, compact cases, car-shaped parts
The video below provides an overview of the "SSIMC" exhibited at our booth.
The plastic molding industry is now facing a strong demand for electrification, environmental friendliness, and smart factories. What we showed at this K-Show 2025 was not just the evolution of injection molding machine. In addition to demonstrating the shift to all-electric molding machines in Europe, we also showcased the realization of a total solution that includes pre- and post-processes. We will continue to develop innovative technologies that solve our customers' problems, and as a partner that supports the manufacturing of the future, we will utilize our global network to deliver new value to our customers both in Japan and overseas.
The injection molding machines (IntElect and PAC-E) and robots (SAM-C) introduced in this article are not sold in Japan. For details on overseas availability, please contact us.
The release date and regions for the in-mold coating "SSIMC" have yet to be determined.
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