MuCell® Technology

The new MuCell® foaming process has been used in our injection molding facility in Rottenburg-Ergenzingen since 2023.

 

In contrast to conventional injection molding, this process involves the controlled foaming of the plastic in the mold by adding a gas, which causes micro-bubbles to form in the plastic.

The process

Existing machine technology was upgraded with a special injection unit. This integration makes it possible to use the same machine to produce foamed parts as well as conventional, compact injection molded parts.

In the physical MuCell® process, a blowing agent (nitrogen) is introduced into the molten polymer in the injection cylinder during plasticizing. This mixture is quickly injected into the mould under high pressure. The blowing agent is released during the injection process. The resulting foaming pressure replaces the holding pressure. This foaming process leads to a homogeneous distribution of micro-bubbles in the plastic. After cooling, the finished foamed plastic part is removed from the mold.
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Why the new MuCell® process?

The MuCell® process, patented by Trexel, opens up new additional fields of application. Applications can be rethought and innovative solutions can be created for our customers. As a future-oriented company, it is our goal to be at the cutting edge of technology in order to always be able to offer the right solution for your application.
The process combines the advantages of lightness, dimensional stability and cost-effectiveness.

Benefits at a glance

All common thermoplastics such as PEEK, PA, PS etc. can be used in the MuCell® process. We support you in choosing the right one. Benefit from our decades of experience with high-performance plastics and our expertise in plastics processing.
Warpage is often a challenge in injection molding. 
The MuCell® foaming process takes place evenly and precisely in the cavity. This not only minimizes potential sink marks, but also ensures low-stress solidification of the melt. The result is components of the highest precision and accuracy. This quality enables the components to be used in even the most demanding applications.
The targeted introduction of microbubbles reduces material consumption and component weight without compromising the mechanical properties too much. With a suitable component design, the wall thicknesses can be further reduced.
The MuCell® process shortens cycle times thanks to the efficient distribution of microbubbles in the plastic. These microbubbles act as insulators, resulting in a shorter cooling time for the foamed plastic material. This enables the component to be quickly removed from the cavity, significantly reducing the overall cycle time of the injection molding process.
Find out more about the other advantages of MuCell® - our experts offer individual and competent advice, with a solution tailored to your needs.
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