technotrans has introduced a new generation of its vario GEKKO variothermal temperature control system and demonstrated cooling solutions using the natural refrigerant propane (R290). The technologies are designed for injection moulding applications requiring precise temperature control and coordinated thermal management.
Developed jointly with Contura and CycleTemp, the new vario GEKKO system enables rapid temperature changes between heating and cooling phases. It is designed to minimise internal stresses and optical defects in plastic components. The compact unit eliminates the need for external valve stations and features a separate return-flow system that directs water into the appropriate circuit. Large water reservoirs and integrated energy storage support rapid heating and cooling.
technotrans also demonstrated two propane-based cooling systems. The compact, air-cooled weco 15 chiller provided cooling for the production of transparent polycarbonate playing-card boxes, while the weco 85 supplied an injection moulding machine producing beverage closures with a 48-cavity mould. Both systems use R290 refrigerant. Propane is also used in the company’s new weco series, which offers cooling capacities of up to 10 kW (approximately 34,100 BTU/h).
The new technologies were presented at Fakuma 2026 in Friedrichshafen, Germany. At a joint stand with technology partners, technotrans demonstrated an automated injection moulding production cell integrating precise temperature control, demand-based pump control and connected process control. According to the company, the exhibition generated particular interest in variothermal temperature control and propane-based cooling solutions.
