BASF modernizes technical lab in the USA
BASF has fundamentally modernized its injection molding laboratory in Wyandotte, Michigan, and is focusing on sustainable production – with all-electric injection molding machines and intelligent digital service solutions from KraussMaffei. Despite the weddings of the Covid-19 pandemic and the associated restrictions, the ambitious project was implemented on time.
Faced with an aging molding lab in Wyandotte, Michigan, BASF undertook an extensive redesign project that entailed the removal of outdated equipment and potential workplace hazards, installation of new injection molding machines and a revised layout.
Originally proposed in the summer of 2018, the project was completed in December of 2020 with almost no delays and zero safety mishaps — an accomplishment in ordinary times, let alone during a global pandemic. The secret? Continuous cooperation and communication, plus a bit of ingenuity.
The main objective of the project was to replace a number of outdated machines with newer, more advanced machines; the existing machine lineup consisted of four machines that were between 21-34 years old.
These machines operated independently of one another, decreasing the lab’s efficiency while increasing its complexity. Some also had electrical or water lines protruding from their base, posing potential tripping hazards. BASF wanted the new injection molding machines to be “smart” and function as a cell of sorts to allow sharable injection profiles for harmonized operation and flexibility.