Fakuma 2026: Series Production Starts at Braunform

Braunform GmbH. Series production readiness starts here.

When the international plastics industry meets at Fakuma in October 2026, Braunform will focus on a central question: How can sophisticated plastic parts be produced economically – from pilot molds to validated series?

Braunform provides the answer with a consistent overall concept of precise engineering, clear standards and innovative mold technologies. Instead of isolated technology modules, the company presents mold concepts that focus on process reliability, reproducibility and scalability right from the start.

Pilot molds with a clear path to series production: With an 8-cavity Lift&Strip²® pilot mold and a 4+4-cavity RotaricE²® pilot mold, Braunform will demonstrate at Fakuma how modern mold concepts can shorten development times and reduce risks on the journey to full-scale production. All exhibits comply with the company’s own MED Mold® standard and are thus clearly designed to meet the requirements of medical technology.

Lift&Strip²® – compact, robust, reliable - The focus is on the Lift&Strip²® system, which includes a pilot and production mold for manufacturing insulin pen caps. The mold design stands out for its high user-friendliness and efficient, reliable production. The patented technology relies on a fully mechanical, horizontal ejection process: The part is simultaneously lifted and stripped in a synchronized motion sequence. This combination enables direct injection with a needle valve.  The key advantage: Additional drives are not required, without compromising motion control. This reduces the tool’s complexity, increases the process’s robustness, and enables particularly gentle demolding of sensitive part geometries. It is important to note that, with this solution, the scraping motion can be performed along the cam curve using different speed profiles. An additional synchronized or mechanically coupled ejector stage controls the movement of two mini-sliders, thereby enabling a particularly space-saving and compact design. This technology truly demonstrates its strengths in medical technology, where quality is non-negotiable.

At Fakuma 2026, Braunform will demonstrate how pilot and production molds can be seamlessly linked, enabling a smooth transition from development to series production. Scalability—from 8 to 32 cavities—without having to reinvent the process logic. The principles remain the same, while output increases significantly, a key selling point for manufacturers who must consider future series production as early as the initial project phases. A clear advantage when it comes to minimizing risk!

Flexible Molds Concept – modular solutions for variable requirements: The molds on display at the trade show are complemented by Braunform’s patented Flexible Molds Concept. It is based on a modular single-cavity architecture that enables flexible scaling and efficient production of variants. Standardized modules reduce spare parts inventory, while the “plug and produce” principle allows for easy installation without adjustments. Cavity changes are performed directly on the machine: easy-to-handle units enable quick changes with minimal downtime. Version changes within a product family are also efficiently managed—only the required cores are swapped; version control is performed mechanically or via QR code, supported by an external unlocking mechanism for secure access and clear identification.

Braunform is showcasing another key technology at its trade show booth: the RotaricE²® pilot mold. This patented solution was developed to achieve maximum functional integration within a minimal footprint, combining multi-component technology, servo-electric movements, and the final capping of the product directly in the mold. The goal is to consistently reduce the total cost of ownership while simultaneously increasing production efficiency and product quality. By capping the closures within the mold, multiple process steps are consolidated, and production factors are sustainably optimized. At Fakuma, the technology will be presented as a transparent demonstrator to visualize the complex motion sequences and clearly illustrate the operating principle.

The technologies presented are based on an engineering approach that begins early in the product development process. Components are evaluated for their suitability for plastic materials and molds; simulations and DFM minimize risks even before the mold is produced. This results in robust production concepts with high process reliability and long-term cost-effectiveness.

At Fakuma in Friedrichshafen, visitors can see first-hand how Braunform systematically plans pilot molds all the way through to production readiness. The key is the combination of robust mechanics, modular designs, servo integration, and a deep understanding of processes. Visitors will quickly realize that Braunform views injection molds not as individual components, but as central system modules in stable and efficient production processes — from development to series production.

Braunform in Detail

Braunform specializes in the production of multi-component molds, multi-cavity molds, stack molds, molds for medical technology (MED Mold®) as well as the reputed Lift&Strip²® system. The fully air-conditioned precision mold shop with state-of-the-art production technology serves – amongst others – industries like pharmaceutical, irrigation technique and personal care.

With its in-house technology center, Braunform offers a high-performance platform for the practical testing and optimization of complete production systems. Not only are injection molding tools tested here as part of initial sampling, but production processes are also qualified - right through to transfer to series production. Small series can be realized flexibly according to customer requirements. Set-up stations for customer systems make it possible to simulate complete production environments, including peripherals, directly on site. As an integral part of the process technology, the technology center makes a significant contribution to ensuring product quality. Braunform implements complex manufacturing processes for the pharmaceutical industry in modern clean rooms in accordance with GMP classes C and D - including automated assembly and punching processes.

By offering comprehensive project management and full-service engineering, Braunform shortens time-to-market and reduces production costs at the same time. The focus is on process reliability, shorter cycle times, maximum output and the highest product quality - always combined with advice on sustainable production processes. The company is certified according to DIN EN 13485 / 15378 / 9001 / 14001 / 50001.

Braunform stands for “Engineering Made in Germany” - supported by a highly qualified, committed team and an above-average proportion of trainees (9%). The company combines technological leadership with an uncompromising focus on quality. A special milestone was reached in 2024: in the renowned industry competition Excellence in Production, Braunform was named Toolmaker of the Year in the category “External toolmaking with 50 or more employees” - impressive proof of the company's leading position in the industry.

The sustainability statement, which is firmly anchored in the company's policy, commits Braunform to continuously improving its own carbon footprint. Braunform operates the largest geothermal plant in the county of Emmendingen and covers 29% of its energy requirements of 10 million kWh from its own photovoltaic system and 71% from green electricity. This saves 3,660 tons of CO₂ annually – equivalent to the consumption of around 2,860 households. In addition, occupational health and social commitment are core values of the company. Braunform complies with ILO guidelines and is committed to equality – with a gender pay gap of only 0.4% since 2022, well below the national average. For this responsibility, the company received the silver medal from the Ecovadis sustainability platform in 2025 and the “Top Employer in Medium-Sized Businesses” seal from Focus magazine in 2026.