At K 2025, Wickert Maschinenbau GmbH showed its fully integrated automated spraying system for rubber and plastics processing in hydraulic presses.

Wickert showed its fully automated spraying system at K 2025.

The automated spraying system uses movable distribution manifold bars equipped with adjustable nozzles. A spraying unit travels between the upper and lower mold halves, coating the mold halves homogeneously and reproducibly.

The system can also be retrofitted to existing presses, allowing manufacturers to integrate precise application of release and flow agents into established production processes.

Precisely controlled spray volume and pattern

For a mold measuring 1,000 x 1,000 millimeters, each spraying manifold bar is fitted with ten nozzles. Both spray volume and spray pattern can be precisely adjusted to product requirements, with different parameters possible for the upper and lower mold halves as well as targeted application. This enables highly accurate and consistent dosing.

High efficiency is also achieved – while automated spraying of a 1,000 x 1,000 millimeter mold takes just seven to ten seconds, manual spraying requires about three times as long. For multi-level presses, the time savings multiply further thanks to parallel spraying.

Full process integration

The system can be configured for different release agents.

Control is handled centrally through the press’s PLC. All parameters – such as nozzle pressure, spray cycles, and spray speed – are adjustable via the HMI. They are continuously logged and stored as product-specific recipes, ensuring full traceability of every spray cycle.

This enables comprehensive quality assurance, which is essential for many industries, such as aerospace.

Safe operation

The system also improves workplace safety. Spraying occurs with the safety grill closed, so operators and the surrounding environment are reliably protected from spray mist and vapors. Before opening, remaining spray mist is automatically extracted.