OREANDA-NEWS. BASF is presenting numerous new solutions for the packaging and furniture industry, automotive and electrical engineering at this year's Fakuma, the international trade fair for plastics processing, in Friedrichshafen. From October 13-17, 2015, stand 4306 in hall B4 will be totally dedicated to engineering plastics, polyurethanes and master batch preparations.

BASF will be presenting several world-firsts for automotive lightweight construction at its stand: Novelties include the first top mount with a bearing made of the BASF elastomer Cellasto(r) and a housing made of the polyamide specialty Ultramid(r) A3WG10 CR as well as the first rear-axle transmission cross beam made of plastic in the Mercedes-Benz S Class. Thanks to the BASF materials used, both components are approximately 25% lighter than previous solutions made of metal. They also improve the mechanics and acoustic properties of the components.

For the top mount, the interplay between the materials is crucial: Cellasto(r) shows very good static and dynamic behavior, has a long life usage and takes up only a small amount of installation space. Components made of Cellasto(r)have been used in cars for more than 50 years. The PA66 grade Ultramid(r) A3WG10 CR is reinforced with 50 percent glass fibers and is therefore exceptionally rigid and solid, even at high temperatures. The engineering plastic is particularly suitable for dynamic loads and thus generally a good alternative to metal.

BASF is also setting new standards in terms of weight savings with polyurethanes: With the polyurethane foam system Elastoflex(r) E, it was possible for the first time to mass-produce an exterior car part featuring a honeycomb sandwich structure with a class-A film - for the new smart fortwo. A single operation thus produces a roof module which is around 30 percent lighter than the standard roof on the previous model. Also produced with one material in the one-shot process is a lightweight engine cover made from Elastofoam(r) I that is used in serial production by the Swedish automobile manufacturer Volvo. The flexible polyurethane integral foam for the visible part is characterized by a low component density of 140 kg/m?, is dimensionally stable, media-resistant as well as resistant to thermal aging of up to 150 °C.

BASF is also expanding its portfolio for the dynamic market of electric and hybrid vehicles. Tailor-made Ultramid(r) and Ultradur(r) materials are now globally available to equip high-voltage plug-in connectors in the vehicle interior and exterior with precisely fitting features. The special polyamide and polybutylene terephthalate types fulfill the legal requirements for flame retardance, color stability, mechanics and electrical isolation.