Interview with Matthias Wulbeck
“Measure precisely, control purposefully, produce efficiently”
When Matthias Wulbeck talks about measurement technology, he doesn’t speak in dry columns of numbers – but with enthusiasm for what modern sensor technology can achieve in everyday industrial life. “A good sensor doesn’t just display measurement values,” says the product manager at Mahlo. “It changes the way people produce – making it more sustainable, stable, and efficient.”
At K 2025 in Düsseldorf, Mahlo brought exactly this philosophy with them. The traditional company is celebrating its 80th anniversary this year – and presented, among other innovations at the leading trade fair for plastics and rubber, its quality measurement system Qualiscan QMS.
The system that makes quality visible
“At its core, Qualiscan is about making the decisive parameters in the production process measurable,” Wulbeck explains. Whether it’s moisture, basis weight, layer thickness, or material composition – the QMS sensors detect even the smallest deviations in real time. “This allows our customers to react immediately, avoid waste, and use resources more efficiently.”
An example? “Take a manufacturer of packaging films. If their coating process isn’t precisely controlled, too much material will be used – with direct consequences for cost and sustainability. The QMS detects such irregularities at an early stage – and automatically adjusts the process.”
Flexible for every challenge
What makes the system so versatile is its modular design. “Our customers operate on very different production lines – so they need solutions that can adapt.” Whether for wide production lines or tight installation spaces: with measuring frames like the Webpro XS, even confined areas can be optimally utilized. In Düsseldorf, Mahlo showcased the Optoscope WLI-R-UV/VIS, a white-light interference sensor that measures layers as thin as 200 nm – ultrathin, yet crucial for product quality.
Infrared technology also plays a major role: the Infrascope NIR sensor performs non-contact measurements and reliably detects differences in moisture or basis weight. “That’s a real advantage, especially in the plastics industry, where high standards for homogeneity and process reliability apply,” says Wulbeck.
Digitalization meets sustainability
And how does this tie in with this year’s K theme, “Green – Smart – Responsible”? Quite a lot, says the product manager. “We’re demonstrating how digitalization directly contributes to sustainability – not someday in the future, but already today. The better you know your processes, the more consciously you can produce.”
And the K show itself? For Wulbeck, it’s more than just an exhibition – it’s a milestone. “K has been around for over 70 years – and we at Mahlo look back on 80 years of innovation. For me, that’s always a perfect occasion to talk with customers and partners about new approaches. Our goal is to work together toward a more resource-efficient industry – with technology that makes a difference.”