Arburg, Kebo, and Matriq Demonstrated New Mould Marking
Three firms showcased an energy-efficient method for marking medical device housings during the Fakuma 2026 trade fair.
Updated on Oct. 6, 2026 in Robotics
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Arburg, Kebo, and Matriq successfully demonstrated an in-mould marking process for auto-injector housings at Fakuma 2026. The system uses microheaters to create Data Matrix codes directly on components during production.
Why it matters
This innovation eliminates the need for downstream marking steps, which reduces both production costs and cycle times. The process also improves energy efficiency, consuming 20 times less energy than traditional laser marking systems.
The system utilizes an electric Allrounder 570 A injection moulding machine with a 2,000 kN clamping force and a 4-cavity mould. Each of the 144 microheaters measures 0.28 by 0.28 millimetres and is compatible with temperatures up to 100 degrees Celsius.
The players
Arburg
Arburg is a global manufacturer of injection moulding machines for plastics processing.
Kebo
Kebo is an engineering firm specializing in high-precision moulds for the medical industry.
Matriq
Matriq is a technology developer focused on advanced mould insert solutions for part identification.
The details
The production cell operates within ISO Class 7 cleanroom requirements, using medical-grade PP material to create precise geometric structures for component traceability. Data is synchronized through an OPC UA interface, ensuring that each injector housing is accurately marked without relying on color contrast.
Timeline
The demonstration took place at the Fakuma 2026 trade fair.
The Tech Race
This integration moves identification technology deeper into the manufacturing chain, replacing traditional laser marking with a more efficient structural process. It positions these firms at the forefront of the shift toward integrated, high-speed traceability in medical device production.
Manufacturers can achieve significant cost savings and faster production speeds by eliminating secondary marking stations. This advancement ensures that critical medical components, such as auto-injectors, maintain robust traceability standards with a smaller carbon footprint.
The takeaway
This technology highlights how micro-scale engineering can replace energy-intensive external marking processes in high-precision manufacturing. Implementing such in-mould solutions allows companies to integrate identification directly into their existing production workflows.
Further reading
Learn more about the latest innovations in Robotics.
Source note: This article includes information reported by ETMM.
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