Two leading players in injection molding technology, Roctool and Trexel, have announced a strategic global partnership aimed at transforming lightweight manufacturing.
The alliance was officially unveiled at Chinaplas 2026 in Shanghai, where both companies showcased a combined solution designed to significantly enhance part quality, reduce weight, and improve material efficiency.
The collaboration merges Roctool’s advanced heat-and-cool molding technology—known for delivering high-end surface finishes on plastics and composites—with Trexel’s widely adopted MuCell microcellular foaming process. Together, these technologies tackle a key industry challenge: achieving substantial weight reduction without sacrificing surface appearance or structural integrity.
By integrating their expertise, the companies are offering manufacturers a unified solution that enhances both product aesthetics and performance. This combined approach builds on their individual strengths, enabling the production of lighter components while maintaining superior surface quality and mechanical properties.
Beyond technological integration, the partnership reflects a shared focus on delivering practical value to customers. The solution provides manufacturers with a streamlined, production-ready method to achieve both lightweighting and premium finishes within a single process, addressing growing industry demand for efficiency and sustainability.
To accelerate adoption, Roctool and Trexel plan to establish multiple demonstration and trial centers across Europe and Asia. These platforms will allow manufacturers to test the technology in real-world scenarios and receive hands-on support tailored to specific design and production needs.
According to company representatives, the alliance represents a significant step forward for the plastics industry. By combining their technologies, the partners aim to set new standards in lightweight injection molding—offering improved flow performance, enhanced surface replication, reduced material usage, and strong overall part performance.