PARSDORF, Germany, Nov 6, 2025 – KraussMaffei is showcasing its powerPrint Flex, a modular 3D printing solution for large-format components and tools, at Formnext (Frankfurt/Main, November 18-21, 2025). Following the success of the closed 3D printing system powerPrint Plus, KraussMaffei is now offering maximum flexibility with robot-based manufacturing cells. The modular powerPrint Flex concept will be on display at Hall 12.1 / Booth E119.
From designer furniture to thin-walled automotive parts and tools for resin transfer molding (RTM) – industrial 3D printing is conquering a growing variety of applications. KraussMaffei’s compact and powerful robotic solution, powerPrint Flex, provides maximum flexibility for these diverse requirements. The system combines KraussMaffei’s proven extrusion technology with a modular architecture, offering manufacturers a high degree of freedom in terms of design and materials. With powerPrint Flex, production cells can be scaled and individually configured to meet specific customer needs.
A thin-walled component in the making
At the KraussMaffei Formnext booth, visitors will be able to see the powerPrint Flex in action as it produces a carbon fibre-reinforced polycarbonate rear diffuser for a sports car. Large-format 3D printing enables the rapid, tool-free production of large, thin-walled components with high rigidity and precision, making it ideal for functional prototypes and design studies. This allows design changes to be implemented immediately, development times to be shortened, and costs to be significantly reduced.
In-house developed extruder: printCore 35-25
The standard configuration of powerPrint Flex includes a Comau N-170 robot within the cell, though various customization options are available. The print bed measures 2500 x 2000 mm, can be heated up to 180 °C, and features 16 vacuum zones for the printing plates. KraussMaffei’s in-house developed extruder, printCore 35-25, enables high output rates from 30 to 70 kg per hour, depending on the material feed system. With a maximum melting temperature of 400 °C, even the most demanding fibre-reinforced thermoplastics and high-performance polymers can be processed. This makes the system suitable for use in the automotive and aerospace industries, as well as for tool manufacturing and general industrial projects.
Flexible integration of the robot into modular manufacturing systems
powerPrint Flex uses the Sinumerik One system from Siemens to control its six-axis robot. This control system enables precise, dynamic and consistently networked motion control. Thanks to its modular design, powerPrint Flex can be integrated into existing manufacturing environments and expanded with additional functions, such as rotary tables or milling centers. The result is a fully developed solution that are optimally tailored to the respective production process.
Hardware, consulting, and services
KraussMaffei’s decades of expertise in several areas of plastics processing form the basis of its additive manufacturing strategy. The company’s systems enable industrialized 3D printing with high precision, consistent quality, and scalable efficiency. Customers benefit from comprehensive technical expertise, solution-oriented consulting, and a global service network. KraussMaffei also helps manufacturers develop their business case and offers support in creating customized additive manufacturing or hybrid production systems.
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.
