BASF: Entering the market for composite semi-­finished parts

The key innovations in this new approach are laminates based on woven fabrics that are fully impregnated with Ultramid PA or Ultradur PBT. The second component of the package consists of the overmoulding materials that have been developed individually for use with these laminates. The third component covers the engineering support provided by the BASF application engineering group. With these materials and engineering support, BASF says it will actively take part in the further development of lightweight automotive construction with plastics.

As part of this package, BASF has installed a composite production pilot plant in Ludwigshafen. Since March 2013, this equipment is being used to produce multifunctional composite test specimens by means of the in-mould forming/overmoulding process. Central element of the cell is a six-axis robot with specific gripper arm. Moreover, the company has developed its own multi-functional test part: The so-called CIFO part (combination of in-mould forming and overmoulding) makes it possible to investigate continuous-fibre reinforced composite parts for volume production in the manufacturing cell. The simulation instrument Ultrasim is another part of the product and service package. BASF says that the capabilities of this simulation tool have been expanded so that the behaviour of components made from thermoplastic laminates and overmoulded PA can be reliably calculated and predicted.

Other novelties at the stand of “The Chemical Company” include the first expanded TPU, polyurethane aerogel insulation boards, the first production application of biodegradable Ecovio for coffee capsules, new applications for the open-cell melamine foam Basotect, and many more.

Hall 5, stand C21, D21