MACHINERY | DIGITAL PRODUCTION
Above: Arburg’s Virtual Control
customer app will include a virtual twin of Gestica lite from next year
Full networking Sumitomo (SHI) Demag showcased eight electric injection moulding machines at K2025 – which were fully networked via myAssist. “Thanks to this high level of data transparency,
deviations can be detected at an early stage,” said Thomas Schilling, product manager for digital solutions at the company. “Data from all OPC UA sources can be merged and changes in the production process can be addressed immediately.” Visitors were able to compare live data with historical data and select different time intervals at the show. “To ensure smooth communication across all machines and robots, all elements – from sensors to process data – must speak the same language,” he said. The company also demonstrated how OPC UA will enable modular extensions in the future that can be adapted to specific process requirements, as there are numerous loops to consider in every integration. “For processors with limited resources, we are
introducing modules that significantly simplify the collection and analysis of quality-relevant information in the process,” said Schilling.
Virtual twin Arburg presented several innovations in digital systems at K2025, including a virtual twin, AI- supported assistants and its Ask Arburg customer portal app.
Gestica lite is a control system for standard injection moulding machines. The software is identical to that used on its earlier Gestica and their data records are fully compatible. The new version is easy to operate using the extended user interface, even for non-specialists. The screen homepage displays all the crucial functions for day-to-day work in a clear format. These include
28 INJECTION WORLD | November/December 2025
information on the job, current process and direct access to the important parameters and key figures. Arburg also offers smart assistants and pilots for its machine control systems to make injection moulding easier. The aXw Control MoldlifeAssist, which is fully integrated into Gestica, is aimed at complex moulds and endurance runners. It enables smart communication between the machine or production cell and the mould using the Euromap 82.5 interface. The associated hardware is a connector on the fixed mould plate and a box on the rear of the machine. This means that one system can be used for several moulds. At K2025, MoldlifeAssist was shown as part of a digitally networked production cell based on an electric Allrounder 570 A producing caps for injector pens. Another highlight was the virtual twin to Gestica
lite. This will be available in the Virtual Control premium app from 2026, making it possible to optimise a program directly on the PC and run it in an automatic cycle to further optimise process and cycle time.
Based on the data set of an injection moulding
application, the complete cycle can be simulated, and the associated graphics and curve diagrams displayed. The integration of automation can also be simulated in advance using such a virtual twin. At K, the virtual twin of the Allrounder 1000 e Trend – which produced connectors at the show – was demonstrated live on a monitor. Finally, the Ask Arburg app can answer specific injection moulding questions about Arburg products and processes. Answers are now even more specific, as the app is supplemented with machine-specific knowledge about the customer machines via an interface to the master data.
Intuitive operation Netstal says that its Axos 9 control system allows users to operate an integrated production cell intuitively and for maximum machine performance. The needs-based operation offers situation- specific and optimal user experience both for the operating personnel and for the programming of the applications. A four-button Smart Operation feature enables simplified and safe machine control. Digital additions such as the free Netstal eService and the fee-based Netstal Remote Control round off the product range. To enable standardised data exchange and integration into its own infrastructure, Netstal equips all machines with the common Euromap interfaces based on OPC-UA. Digital partner BFA Solutions showcased efficient integration by connecting both injection moulding machines on display to its MES solution.
www.injectionworld.com
IMAGE: ARBURG
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