Watttron, founded at the Institute of Natural Materials Technology of the Technical University of Dresden and the Fraunhofer Institute for Process Engineering and Packaging Dresden was created in 2016.
Square heated pixels
Its heating technology, which can individually target square heating pixels to define the behavior and shape of film packaging will be the basis for the research and development project.
Thomas Halletz, MD, Kiefel, said the partnership will allow for ‘a currently unmatched level of quality and efficiency’ in packaging production because the technology ensures uniform wall thickness of moldings.
“As a result, the processor can use a much thinner plastic film, significantly reducing energy consumption,” he said.
"We are excited about our partner's technology and look forward to contributing our industry experience to develop marketable products for key industries of packaging."
Kiefel will market the products as part of the business agreement and its subsidiaries Bosch Sprang, Dutch thermoform toolmaker and Mold & Matic, Austrian supplier of tools and automation solutions, will be included in the projects.
Intelligent heating systems
Kiefel has sales and service offices in the US, France, the Netherlands, Russia, China, Brazil, Indonesia and India.
Marcus Stein, MD/co-founder, watttron, said it was delighted to have attracted such a significant player in the industry.
The company is based in Freital, Germany.
The intelligent heating systems developed by watttron reduce material and energy consumption and address the requirements for flexible and efficient production.
Kiefel, a member of the Brückner group, based in Siegsdorf, manufactures machines and systems for the plastic and packaging industry and has around 2,300 employees.
The company employs around 500 people at its headquarters in Freilassing, Germany.