2026 CHINAPLAS: Wanlong Mould at KraussMaffei Seminar - Large IMC Mold Tech
2026-05
Wanlong Mould Invited to KraussMaffei 2026 Innovative Technology Seminar, Sharing Mass Production Experience in Large-Size In-Mold Coating (IMC)
Currently, the automotive industry is accelerating into the fast lane of intelligence, greening, and lightweighting. The "Dual Carbon" goals continue to drive the sustainable upgrade of automotive manufacturing processes and materials, while the popularization of smart cabins has spawned the development of multifunctional integrated surface technologies. The market's quality expectations for automotive interior and exterior trims—such as "high scratch resistance, self-healing, and paint-free"—are rising day by day.
Facing this critical industry trend, on April 21, 2026, KraussMaffei, the global leader in high-end equipment manufacturing, took the opportunity of CHINAPLAS 2026 to successfully host the Automotive Interior and Exterior Innovative Technology Seminar in Shanghai, themed "Empowered by Plastics, Smart Future."
(Photos from the Seminar)
As a leading domestic mold enterprise deeply engaged in In-Mold Coating (IMC) technology, Wanlong Mould was invited to attend this conference. Our technical experts gathered with more than 200 industry peers from OEMs, equipment manufacturers, and material suppliers, and delivered an excellent keynote speech, deeply sharing Wanlong Mould's valuable practical experience in the mass production of "IMC Technology for Large-Size Exterior Parts."
(Mr. Du, Technical Director of Wanlong Mould, Sharing Experience On-site)
On-Site Focus:
Wanlong Mould's Hardcore Technology Sharing to Solve Mass Production Pain Points for Large-Size Parts
KraussMaffei's ColorForm (in-mold coating) system has always been a benchmark technology in the industry. However, for this process to leap from "small interior parts" to "large-size exterior parts," it is inseparable from extremely demanding technical breakthroughs on the mold side.
During the keynote sharing session, Mr. Du, Technical Director of Wanlong Mould, took the stage. Combining our benchmark project of the "1.4m × 1.2m super-large IMC automotive exterior part" successfully launched in collaboration with OEMs, he comprehensively analyzed the mold engineering secrets behind it to the attendees, focusing on the following core technological breakthroughs:
Advanced CAE Simulation Empowers Gating Optimization: Addressing the pain point of millimeter-level deformation caused by cooling shrinkage in large-size injection-molded substrates, the Wanlong Mould team conducted simulation analyses on the flow of the PUR (polyurethane) layer and the impact of different injection strategies on the initial mixture distribution. By optimizing the mixing head path, reducing material waste, and ensuring the material spreads evenly within the mold, its core value lies in uncovering the "black box" where complex chemical reactions intertwine with fluid dynamics, achieving precise prediction and design optimization for the IMC molding process.
Original High-Pressure Mold Sealing Design: Tackling the challenges of high fluidity and paint overflow in PUR (polyurethane) coatings, Wanlong Mould has established a closed-loop seal for coating molds through dozens of IMC mold development cases, various sealant structure verifications, and experience summaries, ensuring the ultimate edge finishing of the product.
(Wanlong Mould Display Sample: Colored Automotive Intake Grille)
Multi-Substrate and Multi-Color Process Verification: Shared how our company coordinated to complete thousands of experimental sample verifications, building mold solutions that are compatible with multiple substrates such as PP, PC, PC/ABS, as well as multi-color processes like transparent, high-gloss black, and silver metallic paint.
Detailed data and cutting-edge application cases not only demonstrated Wanlong Mould's strength in the field of complex-structured, large-size IMC molds but also won high recognition from OEM and auto parts enterprise experts on site.
Ecological Synergy:
"Materials + Equipment + Molds" Co-building a Green Smart Manufacturing Industry Chain
As emphasized at this seminar, the large-scale application of IMC technology is by no means an upgrade of a single link, but the precise synergy of equipment, molds, materials, and process control.
During the conference, KraussMaffei systematically reviewed the evolution from the RIM process to ColorForm, while experts from upstream and downstream of the industry chain, such as SERES, Fawer Dongyang, Wanhua Chemical, SABIC, and REPO Polyurethane, also expressed their insights.
As a key link connecting "equipment and products" in the ecological chain, Wanlong Mould stated at the meeting that we will continue to deepen technical exchanges with high-end equipment manufacturers like KraussMaffei, as well as major leading material suppliers. Through high-level internal and external synergy, we aim to clear the entire industry chain and help customers achieve efficient integrated production of "injection molding and polyurethane coating" within cleanrooms.
(Mr. Du, General Manager of Wanlong Mould, Introducing the Technical Features of Samples to Supply Chain Partners)
Smart Future:
Join Hands with Wanlong Mould to Initiate a New Era of Paint-Free Manufacturing
In-mold coating is redefining the manufacturing standards for automotive exterior parts. Compared with traditional painting processes, it can not only shorten the production cycle but also drastically reduce VOC emissions by 90% while lowering comprehensive costs by 30%. It is undoubtedly the preferred process for the new generation of green manufacturing.
Participating in KraussMaffei's 2026 Innovative Technology Seminar and delivering a core speech is another excellent proof of Wanlong Mould's profound strength in the field of IMC technology. From interior to exterior, from following to leading, Wanlong Mould is always committed to pushing the boundaries of molding processes.
(Group Photo of All Attending Guests)
In the future, we look forward to deep cooperation with more global new energy vehicle OEMs, Tier 1 suppliers, as well as home appliance and 3C cross-border partners. With top-tier IMC mold design and manufacturing capabilities, Wanlong Mould will provide you with one-stop comprehensive solutions ranging from CAE simulation and mold R&D to automated mass production!
To learn more about the technical details of the seminar or to get the latest project evaluation for large-size In-Mold Coating (IMC) molds, feel free to contact the Wanlong Mould engineering team for discussion!
PREVIOUS:
2026-05-09
2026 CHINAPLAS: Wanlong Mould at KraussMaffei Seminar - Large IMC Mold Tech
Wanlong Mould shared 1.4m large In-Mold Coating (IMC) auto exterior mass production expertise at KraussMaffei 2026. Discover our paint-free mold solutions!
2026-03-23
On March 19, 2026, the domestic industry’s first large-scale IMC (In-Mold Coating) automotive exterior component successfully rolled off the production line in Jiaxing, China. As a key partner and precision mold supplier, Wanlong Mould was deeply involved in the R&D of this milestone project for Li Auto. The Wanlong team successfully overcame deformation control challenges for the 1.4m x 1.2m extra-large mold and pioneered an "all-scenario" sealing solution. By maintaining PUR coating thickness tolerances within ±0.1mm, Wanlong helped Li Auto achieve a critical "0-to-1" breakthrough in green manufacturing for exterior parts.
2026-03-23
On January 26, 2026, Zhejiang Wanlong Mold participated in the strategic launch of the IMC (In-Mold Coating) project led by Geely Automobile, SABIC, and Minth Group. As a key mold supplier, Wanlong Mold is instrumental in overcoming technical challenges for large exterior parts, focusing on high-precision tooling and eco-friendly manufacturing.
2024-04-30
Machining installation sequence and process
Installation of detailed machining sequences to be aware of：Arrangement of detailed machining sequence, need to follow "First face after the hole", "First rough after fine" the basic principles.