PARSDORF, Germany, Nov 5, 2025 – With the new BrightStar Electric Press, KraussMaffei is expanding its portfolio in the areas of automated press lamination and edge folding technologies. The fully electric press platform impresses with its high precision, ease of use and maximum flexibility – ideal for the production of modern lightweight and soft-touch components in the automotive industry.
The BrightStar was developed specifically for the requirements of press lamination and automatic edge folding applications, but can also be used for combo punch and ultrasonic welding applications. At its heart is the new electric drive in combination with an innovative heating package that enables precise temperature control for heat-based adhesives.
Thanks to the integrated Quick Tool Change option, tools can now be changed even faster and more safely. In addition, customers can make certain changes to the tool program themselves. The new safety features in the main tool sequence program ensure that the tool is reliably protected against damage.
This allows customers to adjust processes immediately and independently without the need for a service technician to be on site. This saves time and increases flexibility in production.
More variants, more possibilities
The new BrightStar Electric Press is available in three variants: 5, 10, and 20 tons of pressing force. It offers a fully modular, customizable platform and allows individual adaptation to customer-specific processes and automation concepts. Thanks to an integrated, high-precision mold set in the upper plate area, no additional tool guidance is required—a decisive advantage for process reliability and repeatability.
The model supports a wide range of technologies such as press lamination, edge folding, sonic welding, IR welding, light punching, and skin trimming.
“With the BrightStar, we are showing that we listen to our customers. The requirements for lightweight construction and efficiency in the automotive industry are constantly increasing – with this new generation of presses, we offer a solution that is both more productive and more user-friendly.” said, Dr. Frank Szimmat, Managing Director of KraussMaffei Technologies GmbH.
Technological advancement
In addition to the BrightStar Electric Press, there is also the BrightStar Lite. It is the latest generation of the proven BrightStar Electric Press line and is available in a 5-ton version.
This is a more cost-effective option for low tonnage applications compared to the regular BrightStar. The mold space of the BrightStar Lite has been expanded from 1,700 mm to 2,500 mm, while design optimizations reduce the overall weight – with the same stability and precision.
The comprehensive expertise of the KraussMaffei team from all phases of the tool life cycle – from conception to design and manufacturing to commissioning – has been directly incorporated into the development of the new BrightStar and BrightStar Lite.
About KraussMaffei – Pioneering Plastics
KraussMaffei is among the world’s leading manufacturers of machinery and systems for the production and processing of plastics and rubber. Our brand stands for cutting-edge technologies – for more than 185 years. Our range of services covers all areas of injection molding machinery, extrusion technology, reaction process machinery and automation. In 2022 we added additive manufacturing to our portfolio. This broad range of technologies gives KraussMaffei a unique selling point in the industry. With the high innovative power of our standardized and individual product, process, digital and service solutions, we can guarantee customers sustained additional value over the entire value-adding chain. Our range of products and services allow us to serve customers in many sectors including the automotive, packaging, medical and construction industries, as well as manufacturers of electrical and electronic products and household appliances.
KraussMaffei employs around 4.200 people all over the world. With more than 30 subsidiaries and over 10 production plants, as well as about 570 commercial and service partners, we are represented internationally close to our customers. The company was founded in 1838 in Munich. Today, KraussMaffei is part of Sinochem Holdings Corporation Ltd., one of the world’s leading chemical companies. For more information, visit www.kraussmaffei.com.
