Engel at Fakuma 2026: Rethinking High-Volume Production

Rethinking High-Volume Production Wintec e-win: High-volume production meets maximum availability

2026-10-14 From Melanie Ehrhardt (in charge) | Translated by AI 3 min Reading Time

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At Fakuma 2026, Engel will demonstrate how standard components, such as automotive connectors, can be manufactured in series production in a cost-effective and reliable manner. The focus will be on a complete, integrated production cell—from injection molding to automation.

The complete solution consisting of the Wintec e-win 1800 and the new Viper 6 combines an injection molding machine and automation into a seamlessly integrated production cell.(Bild: Angels) — The complete solution consisting of the Wintec e-win 1800 and the new Viper 6 combines an injection molding machine and automation into a seamlessly integrated production cell.
(Bild: Angels)

Manufacturers that produce technically simple, standard components in large quantities—such as connectors, cable ties, or anchors—face enormous cost pressure: Margins are low, price increases are difficult to implement, and competition with suppliers in lower-cost manufacturing locations is fierce.

To succeed in this market, you need a manufacturing solution that is precisely tailored to these requirements. At Fakuma 2026, Engel will demonstrate how this can be implemented in practice with a Wintec e-win 1800.

128 cavities, 8-second cycle time: 57,600 components per hour

For this application, the injection molding machine manufacturer relies on a fully electric Wintec e-win 1800 with 1,800 kN clamping force and a 640 injection unit. A look at the exhibit’s production figures demonstrates just how efficient the cell is in practice: The mold used has 128 cavities with a cycle time of 8 seconds. This results in an output of 57,600 parts per hour—a concrete figure for high-volume production, which is the focus of this application.

Fakuma 2026: Trade Show Speed Date

Christoph Schützeneder, Head of Product Management All-electric Machines bei Engel (links) im Gespräch mit PlastXnow-Redakteurin Melanie Ehrhardt. — Christoph Schützeneder, Head of Product Management for All-Electric Machines at Engel (left), speaking with PlastXnow editor Melanie Ehrhardt.
(Source: PXN)

Automotive connectors are typical high-volume components subject to enormous cost pressure. How can a manufacturing cell like the one shown here help ensure that such standard products can be produced competitively, even at higher-cost locations?

Christoph Schützeneder: There are various aspects to consider. I’d like to start right away with the upfront costs. The Wintec series is very attractive to customers in terms of upfront costs. However, the upfront costs are really just one factor here. In my view, productivity is much more important here. With this fully electric machine and the help of our assistance systems, we can maximize productivity.

128 cavities, an eight-second cycle time, and 57,600 components per hour—with production volumes like these, any process deviation becomes costly. What role do digital assistance systems such as iQ weight control plus play in this context?

iQ weight control plus can actively intervene in the process as soon as process fluctuations or changes occur. It can even go so far as to compensate for a cavity failure.

With the new Viper 6, automation is also the focus here. What must a robot be capable of today to ensure it does not become a limiting factor in such high-speed production?

The robot is fully integrated into the machine control system. This helps save time during process setup in particular. In addition, communication between the machine and the robot takes place continuously. The robot knows at all times what the machine is currently doing. This allows me to optimize the tool’s entry and exit movements as much as possible.

You can find the full video interview on our LinkedIn channel.

A Stable Process Thanks to Digital Assistance Systems

Every minute of downtime counts, especially for low-margin standard components. The production cell is designed for high equipment availability. iQ weight control plus automatically compensates for process fluctuations and responds even to the failure of individual cavities. In this way, the assistance system helps ensure consistent component quality, even when production conditions change. Should a malfunction nevertheless occur, customers benefit from the global service network and rapid on-site support. This reduces downtime and strengthens competitiveness against lower-cost manufacturing locations.

Premiere: The New Generation of Viper in Action

Making its debut at Fakuma is the new Viper 6, which removes the sprue during operation. The new generation of the smallest robot in the Viper series features redesigned axis profiles and flexibly selectable strokes, allowing it to be integrated into cells of various sizes. The finished parts fall freely onto a conveyor belt and are transported sideways into a collection bin.

The connector component, which measures approximately 10 × 6 mm, is manufactured on the Wintec e-win 1800.(Bild: PXN/me) — The connector component, which measures approximately 10 × 6 mm, is manufactured on the Wintec e-win 1800.
(Bild: PXN/me)

Well-Connected: Strong Partners for Connectors

The process involves manufacturing a real, production-grade automotive component—a connector measuring approximately 10 × 6 mm. CWB Technology Germany GmbH provides the appropriate tooling. For material feeding and drying, the cell relies on components from the Italian Piovan Group. The temperature control units for the solution are supplied by Engelselbst.

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