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PES Foam 2026 in Laatzen – Hands-on knowledge for applications
| Petra Rehmet
PES Foam once again highlights its strong focus on practical learning and the exchange of real user experience.
How can XPS and EPS foams be produced even more efficiently? Which new technologies are shaping foam extrusion? And which developments are currently driving the industry? The third edition of the Process Engineering School (PES) Foam, held from June 9 to 11, 2026 at the KraussMaffei Extrusion Technology Center in Laatzen, addressed these and many other questions.
With the Process Engineering School, KraussMaffei Extrusion offers a practice-oriented training program for customers, partners, and other industry professionals in the plastics sector. What makes it unique: participants not only attend technical lectures but also experience processes, technologies, and applications directly on the machinery.
Around 20 participants from Europe and China took the opportunity to deepen their knowledge of foam extrusion and exchange ideas with experts from KraussMaffei Extrusion and leading industry partners.
The focus of PES 2026 was on current developments and innovative solutions for the production of XPS and EPS foams. Together with renowned partners, KraussMaffei Extrusion provided comprehensive expertise across the entire process chain – from raw materials and additives to blowing agent dosing, melt cooling, and downstream technologies.
In addition to presentations by KraussMaffei experts Matthias Reimker and Maximilian Litz, contributions from Bürkle (XPS downstream equipment), Nordson (EPS downstream equipment), Lewa (blowing agent dosing), Promix (melt cooling), Ineos Styrolution (polystyrene), and Green Chemicals (additives) enriched the program.
Participants thus gained a comprehensive overview of current technologies, applications, and challenges in foam extrusion.
Learning directly at the machine
One of the key benefits of PES Foam is the live demonstrations at the Technology Center. At the two foam extrusion lines, participants were able to observe the manufacturing of XPS and xEPS products under real production conditions and immediately apply the knowledge they had previously gained in a practical setting.
In addition to ongoing production, the start-up procedure was demonstrated in detail. Supported by an audio guide, experts explained each process step and answered questions directly at the machine.
The combination of theory and practice provided particularly deep insights into processing technology and encouraged intensive technical discussions.
Sharing knowledge, building connections
Beyond the technical sessions, the event offered numerous networking opportunities. During breaks, presentations, and the joint evening dinner, many conversations took place between customers, partners, and KraussMaffei Extrusion specialists.
Once again, PES Foam demonstrated its distinctive character: it combines practice-oriented learning with direct exchange of experience and creates a platform where knowledge from practice is shared for practice.
Participant feedback was consistently positive. The high technical quality of the content, the hands-on demonstrations, and the opportunity to learn directly from experts at the machines were particularly appreciated.
The next PES Foam is already scheduled for 2027.
Process Engineering School: Knowledge from Practice for Practice
The Process Engineering School (PES) is the international training program of KraussMaffei Extrusion. In hands-on training sessions, experts provide in-depth knowledge of modern plastics processing technologies.
Through a combination of lectures, live demonstrations, and direct exchange with specialists and industry partners, participants gain valuable insights into current technologies, applications, and market trends. This creates new impulses and practice-oriented solutions for the challenges of the plastics industry.
For current topics and upcoming dates of the PES, please visit our website on Process Engineering School.
