WITTMANN at Kuteno 2026

How can plastic processors simultaneously save space, material, energy and time in injection molding? Answers to this question will be given at the booth of the WITTMANN Group during the Kuteno 2026 in Bad Salzuflen/Germany from June 9 to 11. The highlights of this year’s live exhibits: the extremely cost-efficient FlexCell plus automation cell and an S-Max granulator for efficient in-line recycling.

They come with an extremely compact design based on a standardized concept, but are still very flexible: inside the FlexCell automation cells, WITTMANN combines maximum efficiency with high profitability in the automation of injection molding processes. With three different variants – Basis, Primus and Plus – the FlexCell concept covers the entire range of injection molding applications. From simple pick-and-place tasks all the way to the integration of downstream process steps such as packaging of the molded parts.

Autonomous production
The FlexCell plus to be presented at the Kuteno 2026 makes it possible to maintain autonomous production for a certain period of time. To this end, a fully automatically operating box transfer system has been installed for direct packaging of the molded parts into crates, KLTs or cartons. The parts can be deposited either unsorted or stacked according to a set pattern. The special point here is that the box transfer system forms a complete unit together with the protective housing, and thus can very easily be pushed open sideways. This ensures free access to the mold space at any time for manual intervention as well as for cleaning and servicing the mold.
The main consideration in developing the FlexCell automation cells was to save space. Since the cells are directly connected to the injection molding machine and allow production with the machine guard door open, the automation system can operate very close to the clamping unit. Positive side effects are shorter handling times and lower investment costs, for example because the robot can operate with a shorter Z axis.
Minimal space requirements, modular flexibility and optimal accessibility – these are the core features of the FlexCell automation cells. All three models of these automation cells are compatible with injection molding machines of all brands, can be retrofitted to existing production lines and very easily extended at any time.
All automation components have their fixed place inside the FlexCell and are safely enclosed. In this way, the concept contributes to higher occupational safety and more efficient setup processes. Temperature controllers can also be integrated in a space-saving and easily accessible way.
Due to their standardized design, all models of the FlexCell automation cells offer the benefits of short delivery times and an excellent price-performance ratio.

Granulate of consistently high quality 
Rising raw material prices and new regulations are currently pushing in-line recycling more strongly into focus for injection molding processors. If sprue and reject parts are reground on site immediately following production, a high-quality, single-origin recyclate becomes available, which can be added to the virgin material in many applications.
The screenless granulators of the S-Max series enable energy- and material-saving recycling. Thanks to their compact design, they can often be placed directly beside the injection molding machine and integrated efficiently into the system layout. With their low motor speed of 27 rev/min at 50 Hz, these beside-the-press granulators can process all engineering plastics, including styrene, acrylic and fiberglass-reinforced materials. The low motor speed also reduces sound emission, energy consumption and dust formation. In combination with the resulting, extremely homogeneous grain size, the outcome is a consistently high-quality granulate, which ensures a high rate of good parts when processing the recyclate by injection molding.
A further consideration in developing the S-Max granulator series was a long service life for the grinding tools. All of the S-Max granulators stand out by their low maintenance requirements. In addition to the low motor speed, this is mainly due to these grinders operating without a screen. The grinding chamber can be completely opened up in just a few steps and is easy to clean, which enables very fast and easy material changeover.
WITTMANN offers extensive counseling for selecting a granulator and efficient integration of in-line recycling into the production process. At the technical centers of WITTMANN in Meinerzhagen and Nuremburg, equipment for granulating and injection molding tests is available. Visitors to the fair will be able to make first contact with the experts from WITTMANN on site at the Kuteno.  

WITTMANN at Kuteno 2026: hall 20, booth D36