KraussMaffei injection molding specialist Erwin Bürkle dies

Erwin Bürkle. Photo Credit: KraussMaffei/Deutsches Reinraum Institut

Germany-based machinery manufacturer KraussMaffei has announced that Erwin Bürkle, the company’s longtime head of injection molding, died on July 29, 2024, in Penzberg, Germany, at aged 82.

Dr. Bürkle began his career at the company in 1961 as a tool designer and later as a designer for injection molding machines. He also studied mechanical engineering at Munich University of Applied Sciences and Munich Technical University and worked as a development engineer in the application technology department from 1978. After completing his doctorate at RWTH Aachen University in 1988, he headed the Basic Development and New Technologies department at KraussMaffei, where he was instrumental in developing several new technologies, including the KraussMaffei mixing screw, the SkinForm surface finishing process, and the IMC injection molding compounder.

Together with his team, Dr. Bürkle was responsible for numerous patents, making a “significant contribution” to KraussMaffei’s technological leadership, company officials said in a statement.

After his official retirement in 2009, Dr. Bürkle remained associated with KraussMaffei in an advisory capacity. 

“As an author of books and specialist publications, a moderator and speaker at specialist events and an expert in many industry associations, he also made a name for himself across the industry,” KraussMaffei said. “Dr. Bürkle has also won several scientific awards. He was known throughout the national and international plastics industry not only as a luminary in the field of injection molding technology and cleanroom technology, but also as a pioneer and innovator.”