SHIBAURA MACHINE LWB
About us
SHIBAURA MACHINE LWB is the German subsidiary of the Japanese company SHIBAURA MACHINE and was established in 2025 following the acquisition of an 80% stake in LWB Steinl GmbH. By combining its expertise in horizontal and vertical injection molding machines as well as automation, the company delivers advanced technology and system solutions for fully automated production cells. It provides plastics processors and injection molders solutions for processing thermoplastics, rubber, silicone, and elastomers.
SHIBAURA MACHINE is a leading global manufacturer of precision injection molding machines, machine tools, die casting machines, industrial robots, and extruders. The company’s engineering heritage dates to 1875. From 1961 to 2020 the company operated under the Toshiba Machine brand. The company was among the first in the world to introduce mechatronics-oriented production systems and pioneered the development of all-electric injection molding machines, launching them to market in 1998. SHIBAURA MACHINE operates across Asia, the Americas, and Europe, with 45 locations and 6 state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities worldwide.
More: www.shibaura-machine.co.jp
LWB Steinl is an global mechanical engineering company and one of the leading manufacturers of vertical injection molding machines for plastics and elastomer processing. Founded in 1962, the company is managed by Peter Steinl, representing the second generation of the family. It ranks among the world's leading manufacturers of rubber presses and injection molding machines. The company has sales offices in China, the USA, Mexico, and Europe. It is recognized for its modular machine architecture, close engineering partnership with customers, and strong after-sales quality. LWB-Maschinenbau, including its branches in the USA, Mexico, and Czechia, as well as LWB-Automation, has been separated from the group and integrated into a partnership with SHIBAURA MACHINE.
More: www.lwb-steinl.com and www.steinlgroup.
Products & services
Secure, Connected IIoT Solutions for More Efficient Injection Molding Production
SHIBAURA MACHINE empowers plastics processors and injection molders to optimize their production with smart, IIoT-driven solutions. These transform injection molding systems into connected, intelligent production cells. The 'machiNetCloud' platform enables real-time machine monitoring, data analysis, and seamless integration of processes into existing ERP or MES systems. Downtime is automatically tracked, maintenance needs are detected early, and overall equipment effectiveness (OEE) improves significantly. Key Benefits of the IIoT Solution at a Glance: - Increased Productivity: Real-time monitoring, predictive maintenance, and AI-guided instructions boost OEE and first-pass yield rates. - Rapid ROI: Priority cells are quickly set up, reports achieve over 90% accuracy, and energy efficiency per part delivers measurable savings. - Secure and Robust Design: Outbound-only architecture, SSO/MFA, segmented VLANs, comprehensive monitoring, and zero-touch updates ensure protection and stability. - Safe Remote Access: Role-based, time-limited sessions allow experts to provide encrypted, location-independent support without incoming VPNs. - Valuable Insights with High ROI: Dashboards display uptime, results, and energy consumption per part. Bottlenecks are identified instantly, and ROI is easy to calculate. - High Operational Safety: Clear recipes and real-time instructions (LEO) ensure smooth workflows. - Comprehensive Control: All machines and processes remain fully auditable and transparent. In automated production cells equipped with all-electric EC-SXIII or hydraulic S-GenXt injection molding machines, robots, drying systems, and cooling units, processors achieve unmatched precision, energy efficiency, and productivity
Automation solutions for rubber processing – efficient, precise, turnkey.
With its dedicated automation division, SHIBAURA MACHINE LWB delivers well-designed, end-to-end solutions for the rubber processing industry, from initial concept to fully operational systems. Users benefit from seamlessly integrated setups combining machinery, process technology, and automation. Rubber’s unique properties, such as high elasticity and demanding temperature requirements, call for innovative handling approaches. Our solutions ensure safe, precise, and cost-effective automation, even for complex processes. A key focus lies in automating part logistics directly at the press or injection molding machine. Integrated robots handle tasks like feeding and inserting components, removing finished parts and sprues, and then automatically placing them in order on pallets or transporting them for further processing. We deliver turnkey production systems with comprehensive handling peripherals, compatible with both vertical and horizontal presses and injection molding machines. Additionally, we offer standardized automation modules, including linear robots, rotary and sliding tables, gripper systems, and sprue separators. Systems from leading partners are seamlessly integrated. A major advantage for our customers: We provide process engineering advice during the planning phase, optimizing the entire production workflow—from cavity design to selecting the ideal machine strategy. The result: economical, scalable solutions tailored precisely to your needs. This leads to greater process reliability, reduced manual intervention, increased efficiency, and sustainable production optimization.
MultiStation: Flexible, Scalable Elastomer Production with Maximum Process Stability
The LWB VALUE MultiStation offers plastic processors a flexible, efficient, and future-proof solution for elastomer production. By fully decoupling and parallelizing key process steps—injecting, heating, demolding, and loading; it ensures a seamless material flow without interruptions. In dynamic manufacturing environments, the MultiStation excels with its cost-efficiency, adaptability, process reliability, and consistent utilization. Key Benefits of the LWB VALUE MultiStation for Plastic Processors: - Maximum Flexibility: Operate different tools, materials, and cycle times simultaneously within one system. Ideal for variant production and varying batch sizes. - Increased Availability: Perform maintenance, tool changes, or tests during operation without halting production. - Higher Efficiency: Parallelized processes minimize downtime and boost output, especially for parts with long heating cycles. - Improved Part Quality: Use smaller tools with fewer cavities without sacrificing productivity. - Scalable Investment: Start manually and expand to a fully automated production cell as needed. - Sustainability: Optimized processes and intelligent material handling significantly reduce energy consumption. - Industry 4.0 Ready: Open interfaces integrate the system seamlessly into existing production and data networks. The LWB VALUE MultiStation and LWB VALUE PowerStation enhance and streamline injection molding cycles through automated, decoupled, and parallelized processes. These intelligent manufacturing solutions increase productivity, lower scrap rates, and cut energy consumption significantly.
PowerStation: High-Performance Manufacturing in Seconds with Maximum Productivity
The LWB VALUE PowerStation offers companies a cutting-edge solution for elastomer production, delivering peak efficiency, flexibility, and competitiveness—even for complex demands and high production volumes. It revolutionizes elastomer processing. By decoupling processes and maximizing parallel operations, it enables plastic processors to achieve cycle times measured in seconds while maintaining high quality and energy efficiency. Key Benefits for Plastic Processors at a Glance: - Maximum Productivity: Synchronized, independent process zones ensure second-level production cycles. - Consistent Utilization: Parallel operation of all stations minimizes downtime, even with varying cycle requirements. - Low Unit Costs: Highly economical production, especially with multi-cavity molds and series manufacturing. - Unmatched Flexibility: Simultaneous use of different tools and materials without downtime for retooling. - Reduced Workforce Needs: High automation, up to autonomous production cells, cuts labor requirements. - Reliable Processes: Adaptive process control guarantees consistent quality, even with changing products. - Energy Efficiency: Optimized heating and injection processes significantly lower energy consumption. - Smart Production: Real-time data, OPC-UA connectivity, and seamless MES/ERP integration future-proof operations. - Scalable and Future-Ready: Modular design supports gradual expansion from pilot projects to high-performance lines. The intelligent manufacturing solutions LWB VALUE MultiStation and LWB VALUE PowerStation enhance and streamline injection molding cycles through automated, decoupled, and parallelized processes. These innovations boost customer productivity, reduce scrap rates, and significantly cut energy consumption.
Robust and Cost-Efficient Hydraulic Injection Molding Machines
With the new S-GenXt hydraulic series, introduced by SHIBAURA MACHINE at K 2025, the company delivers a forward-looking solution tailored to the needs of modern plastics processors. The focus lies on efficiency and technological excellence: maximum productivity paired with reduced operating costs. Equipped with energy-efficient servo hydraulics, these machines combine high performance with significantly lower energy consumption. For users, this means stable processes even in demanding applications, all while keeping costs under control. The robust design ensures exceptional durability, minimizes maintenance, and provides a key advantage for continuous production. A proprietary injection technology further boosts efficiency by enabling shorter cycle times without relying on costly additional components. This not only increases output but also reduces the cost per unit. When paired with intelligent auxiliary systems and the IIoT platform "machiNetCloud," the hydraulic machines reach their full potential. Real-time data, predictive maintenance, and transparent process analysis help prevent downtime and sustainably improve overall equipment effectiveness. For plastics processors, the S-GenXt hydraulic injection molding machines secure a competitive edge. Especially for large production volumes and challenging materials, the combination of performance, efficiency, and investment security proves ideal. These machines are a cornerstone for economical, scalable, and future-proof production in the plastics industry.
Precise and Efficient Electric Injection Molding Machines for Plastics Processors
Electric injection molding machines secure the future of plastics processing: economical, sustainable, and powerful. SHIBAURA MACHINE LWB demonstrates how fully electric machines elevate plastic part production with its extensive product range. The all-electric EC-SXIII series excels in precision, energy efficiency, and performance. It delivers clear benefits to plastics processors: maximum energy savings, precise operations, stable results, and minimal maintenance. With clamping forces ranging from 50 to 3,000 tons, the EC-SXIII series significantly reduces energy and operating costs. Shorter cycle times and consistent part quality boost efficiency. Electric drives ensure precise movements and clean production conditions, making them ideal for demanding industries like medical technology and packaging. Paired with intelligent auxiliary systems and the IIoT platform "machiNetCloud," plastics processors can create connected production environments. Real-time data, energy monitoring, and AI-driven maintenance maximize machine availability and provide transparency. This approach enhances overall equipment effectiveness (OEE), minimizes downtime, and enables informed decisions based on reliable data. With over 70 years of experience, SHIBAURA MACHINE combines Japanese precision with innovative technology. The result: high-performance electric injection molding solutions that make production smarter, more efficient, and sustainable. Thanks to its flexibility and versatility, the EC-SXIII series suits nearly all applications, from automotive and aerospace to packaging and medical technology.
Technological Breakthrough through Decoupling and Parallelization of All Process Steps
SHIBAURA MACHINE LWB unveils its innovative LWB VALUE MultiStation and LWB VALUE PowerStation at Kuteno, marking a pivotal advancement in industrial elastomer processing. In response to increasing product variety, stricter regulations, rising energy costs, and labor shortages, these systems enable flexible, efficient, and sustainable production—regardless of batch size or complexity. At the heart of this innovation lies the complete decoupling and parallelization of all process steps. Unlike conventional systems that operate linearly and cause downtime, the MultiStation and PowerStation separate the steps of loading, injecting, heating, and demolding both spatially and temporally. Automated tool movements between stations ensure continuous operation across all processes. The MultiStation, as a scalable platform, offers maximum flexibility—from manual applications to fully automated, interconnected production workflows. It uses tools in parallel, minimizes waste through stable processes, and allows maintenance or tool changes during operation without halting production. The PowerStation takes this further by maximizing parallelization and intelligently managing processes, achieving cycle times measured in seconds. Adaptive parameters, real-time data, and Industry 4.0 connectivity create a self-optimizing production environment with high process reliability and minimal energy consumption. Both systems represent a shift in production philosophy: from rigid mass production to modular, data-driven, and highly flexible manufacturing architectures. They boost productivity, reduce resource consumption, and make cost-effective production viable for both single-item manufacturing and high-performance series production.
Digital Transformation Toward Smart and Connected Injection Molding Production
At Kuteno, SHIBAURA MACHINE LWB demonstrates how the new V70 control system, the IIoT platform "machiNetCloud," and the AI system "Virtual Machine Expert" pave the way for smart, connected production in plastics processing and injection molding. Together, these three technologies create a seamless, data-driven ecosystem that significantly boosts productivity, efficiency, transparency, and planning reliability. The V70 control system meets the demands of a "Smart Factory" with precision. Its open OPC-UA architecture (Euromap 63/77) ensures smooth integration of machines and peripherals. Intuitive operation, intelligent assistance features, and built-in tools for faster tool setup, cycle time optimization, and error analysis enhance process efficiency and reduce startup times. Users benefit from more stable operations, consistent quality, and a rapid return on investment. The IIoT solution "machiNetCloud" complements the control system by securely connecting machines, data, and processes. It captures, analyzes, and displays production data in real time. This transparency improves OEE values, highlights downtime, and enables predictive maintenance planning. The platform also offers secure remote access, cutting response times, lowering service costs, and optimizing global support structures. The AI system "Virtual Machine Expert" continuously monitors all critical process parameters, detects deviations early, and proactively prevents potential errors or component issues. This increases machine availability, enhances part quality, and ensures long-term process reliability. This solution suits both electric and hydraulic injection molding machines and integrates flexibly into existing production environments.
News
SHIBAURA MACHINE LWB showcases its technological and systems expertise in automated production cells
Kuteno premiere: For the first time, SHIBAURA MACHINE LWB, the German subsidiary of the Japanese manufacturer SHIBAURA MACHINE, presents its extensive portfolio to plastics processors and injection molders at a German trade fair.
SHIBAURA MACHINE: Strategic expansion into Europe
. By combining their expertise in injection molding machines and automation, SHIBAURA MACHINE and LWB Steinl aim to strengthen their technology and system competencies for fully automated production cells.