Performance Polymers

Revolutionizing automotive safety with Ultramid^®Expand

In a collaboration between BASF and Mercedes-Benz, the innovative impact absorber made from Ultramid^®Expand has earned the prestigious 2nd prize at the SPE Automotive Awards 2024 in the "Enabler Technology" category. This recognition highlights the potential of advanced plastics technology in enhancing vehicle safety and performance.

The Challenge of Impact Absorption

Traditional metal structures have long been the go-to solution for absorbing crash forces, but they come with significant drawbacks—heavy weight and high production costs. With the rise of electric vehicles and the need for lightweight solutions, the automotive industry faces increasing pressure to innovate.

An impact absorber made of the polyamide particle foam Ultramid® Expand, jointly developed by BASF and Mercedes-Benz, has won 2nd place in the "Enabler Technology" category at the SPE Automotive Awards 2024. Foto: BASF SE; 2024

Introducing Ultramid^®Expand

Ultramid^®Expand is a polyamide particle foam based on polyamide 6, specifically designed to address these challenges. This advanced material not only reduces the weight of vehicle components but also improves energy absorption during impacts. Its unique properties make it ideal for the demanding requirements of the automotive sector, ensuring that safety and performance are not compromised.

Key Advantages

The benefits of Ultramid^®Expand extend beyond mere weight reduction. It withstands high temperatures, making it suitable for use in the body-in-white painting process and as a reinforcing insert in closed structures. Its efficient production process is also more cost-effective than traditional metal solutions, ensuring that manufacturers can meet both safety and budgetary requirements.

Sustainable and Innovative Processing

One of the features of Ultramid^®Expand is its processing versatility. It can be easily molded into 3D components without generating foam waste. Furthermore, it can be over molded enabling the creation of complex components that are recyclable at the end of their life cycles.

Join the Revolution

Ultramid^®Expand is not just a material; it's a step toward a safer, lighter, and more sustainable future in automotive engineering. As the industry moves forward, innovations like these are crucial for developing vehicles that are not only efficient but also environmentally friendly.

Curious about how Ultramid^®Expand can transform your automotive designs? Discover more about its applications and benefits by visiting our website or contacting our experts today! Let’s pave the way for the future of automotive safety together!

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Revolutionizing automotive safety with Ultramid® Expand