Gefran showcases integrated automation for plastics manufacturing at Chinaplas 2026

Plastics processing, industrial automation, and machine building sectors are facing increasing pressure to improve efficiency, reduce energy consumption, and integrate digital capabilities across production systems. Gefran is addressing these requirements with a portfolio of integrated technologies presented at Chinaplas 2026, held in Shanghai from April 21 to 24 (Hall 2.1, Booth 2.1F91).

The company’s approach combines automation platforms, sensors, and digital tools into a unified architecture aimed at improving production performance and enabling data-driven decision-making in plastics manufacturing environments.

Integrated automation platform for flexible machine design
At the core of Gefran’s offering is the G-Mation platform, an EtherCAT-based automation system designed to simplify machine architectures while supporting scalability. The G-Mation P6 controller operates with cycle times of up to 250 µs and integrates communication protocols such as OPC UA and MQTT, enabling connectivity with higher-level systems and industrial IoT environments.

This architecture allows machine builders and OEMs to develop and adapt systems without extensive redesign. Preconfigured templates and modular components support faster deployment and facilitate customization based on specific production requirements.

From an engineering standpoint, the reduction in development complexity can shorten commissioning times while maintaining compatibility with evolving digital infrastructures.

Process control across plastics applications
Gefran’s solutions are designed for key plastics processing operations, including extrusion, injection molding, and blow molding. These applications require precise control of process variables such as temperature, melt pressure, position, and force to ensure consistent product quality.

By integrating sensors with automation and control systems, the platform enables continuous monitoring and adjustment of these parameters. This contributes to improved process stability, reduced variability, and more consistent cycle repeatability.

The ability to capture and analyze process data also supports predictive maintenance strategies, helping operators identify potential issues before they lead to unplanned downtime.

Supporting efficiency and digitalization in production
In addition to process optimization, the integrated system architecture supports energy efficiency initiatives by enabling more accurate control of machine operations and reducing unnecessary consumption. The use of standardized communication protocols further facilitates the integration of production data into broader digital ecosystems.

Compared to conventional automation setups—where control, sensing, and data management may be handled by separate systems—Gefran’s approach emphasizes interoperability and centralized control. This can simplify system management while improving visibility across production lines.

Addressing evolving market requirements
The plastics industry in Asia continues to demand flexible and scalable technologies capable of adapting to diverse production needs. Gefran’s integrated ecosystem reflects this trend by combining hardware and software components into a cohesive solution that can evolve alongside manufacturing requirements.

By presenting these technologies at Chinaplas 2026, the company highlights its focus on supporting machine builders and processors with tools designed for both operational performance and long-term digital transformation.

Edited by Natania Lyngdoh, Induportals Editor — Adapted by AI.

www.gefran.com