Parsdorf, Germany — Erwin Bürkle, former head of injection molding technology at KraussMaffei, died July 29. He was 82.
Bürkle held management positions at the Parsdorf-based machine builder for more than 48 years and was considered a pioneer and innovator in the plastics industry.
Bürkle and his teams were responsible for numerous patents and technological advancements. He also wrote books, contributed to publications, moderated events, spoke at events and was an expert for many industry associations.
In addition, Bürkle won several scientific awards and was considered a luminary in the field of clean room technology.
Bürkle began his career with KraussMaffei in 1961 as a tool designer, then he became a machine designer. He 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, Bürkle headed the basic development and new technologies department at KraussMaffei. That's where his forward-looking approach paved the way for numerous successes, company officials said, pointing to plasticizing developments related to KraussMaffei mixing screws and technology developments related to the SkinForm surface finishing process and injection molding compounder.
After he officially retired in 2009, Bürkle remained involved with KraussMaffei in an advisory capacity. He was highly respected for his expertise and his "winning and reliable manner," according to Markus Bauer, managing director of KraussMaffei Technologies.
"I got to know [him] as an extraordinarily clever and empathetic personality who was held in high esteem by all his colleagues. Even as a young engineer in his department, his way of dealing with people and his constant willingness to help left a lasting impression on me. We will always honor his memory," Bauer said in a company news release.