One Idea, One Strong Team – One Unique PX
23.09.2026 | Dr. Christina Langbein

This PX combines all customer requirements and was developed in close collaboration between cable manufacturer MD Elektronik and the experts at KraussMaffei.

The KraussMaffei team, from application engineers to project managers, is also enthusiastic about the highly flexible PX.

From the first sketch of the machine configuration in spring 2025 through detailed development and delivery in winter 2025/26, the entire process took only a few months.

The result is the proverbial “all-in-one solution,” as Peter Krause, responsible for procuring new machines at MD Elektronik, remarks with a smile. He has been familiar with KraussMaffei for more than 25 years and values not only the its technical expertise but also the proximity of the two companies.

The starting point for the customized all-electric PX was a concept for an innovative, highly delicate connector solution made of the high-performance thermoplastic PBT and LSR.

With approximately 5,000 employees, MD Elektronik specializes in cable assembly for the automotive industry and supplies OEMs worldwide as a Tier 1 partner with complete wiring harnesses, including the necessary connector systems.

New production projects are developed in the technical center at MD’s headquarters in Waldkraiburg before being transferred to the respective sites in the Czech Republic, Bulgaria, China, and Mexico. The current project therefore includes not only the comprehensively equipped PXL 201-100/55 SilcoSet technical center machine, but also a matching, efficient production PX of the same size for the plant in the Czech Republic.

To enter LSR technology, MD Elektronik wanted a two-component machine capable of processing both PBT and LSR on both injection units, with the low-viscosity silicone placing high demands on machine precision.

The combination of thermoplastic and liquid silicone also presents challenges due to opposing temperature control requirements. While the hot PBT melt is cooled in the mold, the LSR must be kept at approximately 20°C in the plasticizing unit and cold runner. To selectively initiate the crosslinking the melt has to be heated only in the cavity.

For maximum flexibility in shot weight, the screw diameter on both injection units can be adapted from 28 mm down to 12 mm. The LSR screw, at just 12 mm, is a technical highlight and ideally suited for this micro injection molding application with shot weights well below one gram.

In the integrated production solution, the silicone metering system is directly integrated into the MC6 machine control system.

Depending on part geometry and the required production volume, various concepts are available for manufacturing multi-component parts. MD Elektronik wanted to be prepared for every scenario, and KraussMaffei made it possible.

The PX can now be used for the transfer process and is equipped with a turntable plus an index drive, with media supply through the turntable. Because the two-component LSR mold has wider dimensions than a pure thermoplastic mold, the machine platens were widened, and the clamping unit's stroke was extended.

A large clamping unit combined with a small injection unit was the guiding principle for producing these delicate parts.

An important feature is the APCplus machine function, which enables an extremely high consistency of shot weights for both components. KraussMaffei is the only supplier offering this feature for the processing of crosslinking plastics as well. APCplus uses melt viscosity and stored material parameters to control the switchover point inline during the shot, which is particularly relevant for silicones.

This plays an especially important role in technical center operations during downtime and setup. Every part is filled precisely from the first shot, and changes in viscosity do not have to be considered.

Unlike thermoplastics, silicone expands into the cavity. As a result, the shot weight cannot be corrected via holding pressure; the correct switch-over point is the decisive factor.

With the TechCenter machine, which must be restarted repeatedly, APCplus helps users reach a stable process much faster. On the production system that will manufacture MD Elektronik’s innovative connector, the gripper can remove the fully filled part in automatic mode starting with the very first shot.

MD Elektronik is currently gaining experience in silicone processing – and appreciates the expert support. Training sessions tailored directly to the company cover process management, application technology, and cleaning. Peter Krause, who had already worked with LSR several years ago, is also learning something new.

MD Elektronik and KraussMaffei: A true partnership for more than 25 years. Together, the two companies will continue to drive many developments and projects forward.