Technological know-how from Liberec, precise research from Germany, and industrial experience from both sides of the border. All of this comes together in the SmartMold project, which has an ambitious goal: to develop a new generation of intelligent large-format molds that can detect when and how to intervene in the production process—and are fully recyclable. The main players? The Technical University of Liberec (specifically the CXI research institute), the prestigious Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft IWU, Czech manufacturer GZR plast s.r.o., and the German company QPoint.

What makes it "smart"?

Plastic injection molding is all about precision—millimeters, temperature, pressure. But production conditions often change, and every error means scrap. SmartMold aims to solve this issue using sensors embedded directly in the molds to monitor what's happening inside. The data will be sent to a smart control system that analyzes everything and adjusts the process in real time to prevent unnecessary errors.

“We want to show that even smaller manufacturers can afford smart technologies that help save time, materials, and nerves,” says Jan Kočí, project lead at CXI, Technical University of Liberec.

Data-driven revolution

The project plans to integrate temperature and pressure sensors directly into the molds. The key challenge? Ensuring everything works under extreme production conditions and can easily connect to standard manufacturing equipment and control systems. The solution is intended to be modular, open, and—most importantly—usable even for small and medium-sized enterprises.

Three players, three strong points

  • Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft, a European research leader, brings expertise in sensor technology and automation.
  • Technical University of Liberec – CXI contributes by developing sensor systems, integrating them into molds, and testing both in labs and real-world production.
  • GZR plast s.r.o. is the industry partner—providing molds, production lines, and day-to-day operational insights.

“It’s not just about monitoring, it’s about prediction. Our goal is to create a mold that learns and adapts. Something like a molding brain,” adds Jan Kočí.

 

Where is the project headed?

The goal is to produce a fully functional demonstrator: an injection mold connected to a digital twin, enabling data collection, error prediction, and real-time process optimization. In the long term, the project aims to improve efficiency, reduce scrap, and facilitate the transition to Industry 4.0—even for smaller companies.