KraussMaffei Technologies GmbH: Precise material properties of metals and plastics with ZwickRoell
Case Study
- Customer: KraussMaffei Technologies GmbH
- Location: 85599 Parsdorf, Germany
- Industry: Metals, plastics
- Topic: Determining material properties of metals and plastics
June 2026
KraussMaffei is modernizing its materials testing operations at its Parsdorf facility with a 600 kN universal testing machine and a HIT25P pendulum impact tester from ZwickRoell. This allows the material properties of metals and plastics to be determined in a reproducible manner and in accordance with standards. ZwickRoell testing systems support development, quality, and validation processes, providing a reliable foundation for material characterization and FEM calculations.
Tasks Areas of competence Solution Result Products
KraussMaffei develops technologies for the plastics and rubber industries
KraussMaffei is a worldwide leading manufacturer of machines, equipment, and system solutions for the industrial production and processing of plastics and rubber. For over 187 years, the brand has stood for cutting-edge technology and innovative solutions. KraussMaffei is the only provider in the industry that brings together all key technologies under one roof: injection molding, extrusion, reaction technology, automation, and additive manufacturing.
With this unique technology portfolio, the company develops standardized and customized products, as well as process, digital, and service solutions, thereby creating lasting value throughout its customers' entire value chain. The services are aimed at companies in the automotive, packaging, medical, and construction industries, as well as manufacturers of electrical and electronic products and household appliances.
KraussMaffei employs around 4,000 people worldwide. With more than 30 subsidiaries, more than 10 production facilities, and around 570 sales and service partners, KraussMaffei combines international strength with local customer proximity.
ZwickRoell top competences
- Proven materials testing machines for determining the material properties of metals and plastics
- Precise and reproducible results when testing metals and plastics
- The testXpert testing software offers a unified approach for all ZwickRoell machines
- Quick availability and response time for service requests
- User-friendly and safe operation
- Flexible testing systems that quickly adapt to a variety of tasks
The task
Maximum precision with rapid availability of material properties
As a laboratory certified to DIN EN ISO 17025, the materials engineering department is an integral part of the value chain at KraussMaffei. The focus is on determining material properties for metals and plastics, as well as supporting development, quality, and approval processes. Tasks include, among other things, inspecting incoming goods, conducting initial sampling, analyzing damage, and qualifying new materials along with characterizing their material properties. In addition, the laboratory prepares test and expert reports for internal and external contacts.
The testing spectrum includes low- and high-alloy steels, cast materials, and plastics – ranging from standard thermoplastics to high-performance plastics with high fiber content. Various national and international testing standards, as well as industry-specific guidelines, are applied. The focus is on achieving high accuracy, reproducible results, comparable test data, and traceable documentation of the testing processes.
The ZwickRoell solution
A universal tensile testing machine and a pendulum impact tester expand materials testing capabilities
As part of equipping the new laboratories at the Parsdorf site, KraussMaffei invested in modern testing technology for the materials engineering department. The goal was to expand and digitize materials testing to determine material properties for metals and plastics efficiently and reproducibly.
Using a universal tensile testing machine with a 600 kN test load, KraussMaffei performs tensile tests on standardized specimens made of metals and plastics. The flexible conversion system allows for a quick switch between metals and plastics testing. In addition to tests at ambient temperature, hot tensile tests on high-strength steels can also be conducted at temperatures up to 600°C in the side test area. The characteristic values determined serve, among other things, as the basis for FEM calculations, for example when designing plasticization systems for injection molding machines. The testing spectrum was expanded to include the HIT25P pendulum impact testing machine for Charpy impact testing to DIN EN ISO 179-1 and 179-2, for both notched and unnotched specimens. The results provide important insights into material and process properties, supporting the development and optimization of injection-molded and additively manufactured components.
“With the 600 kN universal testing machine and the HIT25P, we meet all the requirements of state-of-the-art materials testing, delivering technical precision and high data quality. This expertise in material characterization enables us to stay at the forefront – fast, efficient, and digital.”
Prof. Jens Liebhold, PhD, Head of Plastification Technology and Materials Engineering, KraussMaffei Technologies GmbH
The result
Valid and flexible determination of material properties according to the latest standards
KraussMaffei performs material tests on standard-compliant test specimens made of metals and plastics using a 600 kN ZwickRoell universal testing machine. The combination of different test methods enables versatile material characterization for various ranges of application. All test results are documented using the testXpert software, making them immediately available for evaluating the mechanical and physical properties of components.
The pendulum impact testing machine HIT25P expands the testing portfolio to include Charpy impact strength tests according to relevant standards. This allows for a comprehensive analysis of material properties and targeted enhancements to product characterizations, particularly for high-stress and fiber-reinforced plastic components.
