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Elastolit® (PU)

Automotive

Elastolit® (PU): Lightweight, durable polyurethane systems for complex applications

Elastolit® is BASF's family of polyurethane systems designed for demanding applications in automotive, transportation, sports, and industry. Combining low weight, high stiffness, impact resistance, and design flexibility, Elastolit® enables durable components and offers an attractive alternative to traditional materials such as wood, metal, thermosets, and engineering thermoplastics.

Elastolit® by BASF enables lightweight, durable automotive components that enhance vehicle performance, efficiency, and sustainability.

Key Advantages of Elastolit®

  • Good inherent stiffness despite relatively low thickness
  • Low weight
  • Good strength
  • High impact strength even at extremely low temperatures

Why choose Elastolit® as polyurethane system?

The Elastolit® portfolio comprises multiple polyurethane system technologies, each developed to address specific application needs. From lightweight structural components to high-impact exterior parts and design-oriented applications, every Elastolit® grade offers a distinct combination of mechanical properties, processing benefits, and design possibilities.

Elastolit® D (Rigid Integral Systems)

Designed for complex molded parts that combine precision, durability, and insulation performance.

  • Enables complex 3D geometries and long flow paths
  • Delivers high-precision molding of intricate details
  • Provides good thermal insulation properties
  • Offers effective sound insulation
  • Available in flame-retardant and easy mold-release grades

Elastolit® K (Compact Rigid Systems)

A compact rigid polyurethane system that combines high stiffness, design freedom, and cost-efficient processing.

  • High stiffness and mechanical strength at low wall thicknesses
  • Ideal for large-format parts with complex geometries
  • Supports integrated features such as snap-fit connectors
  • Enables cost-effective production with short cycle times
  • Available in flame-retardant and easy mold-release grades

Elastolit® R (Rim-Systems)

A high-performance RIM polyurethane system engineered for durable exterior components exposed to demanding conditions.

  • Excellent impact resistance, even at very low temperatures
  • Combines low weight with high mechanical strength
  • Suitable for large-format exterior vehicle components
  • Reinforcement options for increased stiffness
  • Fast processing with short mold-release times

Where are Elastolit® polurethane foam systems used?

Lightweight and durable polyurethane components for high-performance ski equipment.
Skis and Snowboards
Elastolit® is a durable, lightweight polyurethane system for ski and snowboard components, providing excellent impact resistance and reliable performance in cold conditions.
 
Weather-resistant polyurethane solutions for durable automotive exterior parts.
Car exteriors
Elastolit® is ideal for front and rear skirts, fenders, and claddings, combining durability, design flexibility, and low-temperature performance.

 
Advanced polyurethane systems for lightweight and precise window encapsulation.
Window encapsulation
Elastolit® R RIM systems offer strong, low‑temperature impact resistance and cost‑efficient solutions for window encapsulation.

 

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FAQ

Q: What is Elastolit®?

Elastolit® is BASF's brand of polyurethane systems designed for a wide range of applications. The systems combine low weight, high stiffness, durability, and design flexibility to meet demanding performance requirements.

 

Q: Which polyurethane system is best for exterior vehicle parts?

Elastolit® polyurethane systems are well suited for exterior components such as front and rear skirts, fenders, claddings, and body panels, where impact resistance, dimensional stability, and design freedom are important.

 

Q: What types of applications can be made with Elastolit®?

Elastolit® is used in automotive, transportation, sports, and industrial applications, including vehicle body parts, functional housings, equipment components, and other lightweight structural or semi-structural parts.

 

Q: What are the key benefits of Elastolit® polyurethane systems?

Depending on the formulation, Elastolit® can offer a combination of low weight, high stiffness, impact resistance, corrosion resistance, and manufacturing flexibility.

 

Q: Can Elastolit® replace traditional materials?

Yes. Elastolit® can serve as an alternative to materials such as wood, metal, thermosets, and engineering thermoplastics in applications where lightweight design, durability, and complex geometries are required.

 

Q: Why is polyurethane used for exterior vehicle parts?

Polyurethane enables lightweight components with excellent impact performance, good surface quality, and significant design freedom, making it a popular choice for many exterior transportation and automotive applications.

 

Q: What manufacturing processes are used with Elastolit®?

Elastolit® systems can be processed using polyurethane manufacturing technologies such as reaction injection molding (RIM) and related molding processes, depending on the application requirements.

 

Q: How does Elastolit® support lightweight design?

By combining high mechanical performance with low material density, Elastolit® helps reduce component weight while maintaining strength and durability.

 

Q: Can Elastolit® systems be reinforced with fillers to enhance performance properties?‌

These systems are ideally suited for the incorporation of fillers such as glass fibers, carbon fibers, and natural fibers.