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Performance Polymers

Elastofoam® I: A Combination of a Flexible Foam Core and a Compact, Tough Skin

Elastofoam® I is especially distinguished for its decorative surface finish. The integral foam is extensively employed in the automotive and furniture industries producing steering wheels, gear shift knobs, seat shells, armrests as well as in engine compartment heavy duty uses for cable encapsulation, engine covers, oil pan covers, grommets and gaskets in filter elements.

Benefits

Advantages of Elastofoam® I:

  • Decorative surface finish, high abrasion resistance
  • Resistant to mechanical stress and chemicals
  • Elastic even after continuous stress
  • Added layer of water-based in-mold coating can be incorporated to provide UV-stability and multi-tone color options
  • Low thermal conductivity
  • Cost-effective, One-shot processing for foams with integrated, attractive surface

Elastofoam® I is a two-component polyurethane integral foam system that combines a lightweight flexible foam core with a compact, tough skin, in one single-step. Elastofoam® I‘s high abrasion resistance, elasticity and superior mechanical properties helps decorative surface finish achieve its pleasant soft touch.

Applications

Thanks to the flexibility as well as decorative, insensitive surface, Elastofoam® I is the perfect material for the manufacture of armrests and seat shells. Inserts made of wood or metal give the necessary stability to the molded part.

 

The polyurethane system protects the inserted metal containers against dents and transport damage and offers additional design options. Colour coding can be implemented as well as smooth or textured surfaces. Polyurethane-fixed cable harness shapes and substantially facilitate mounting.

PU-fixed cable harness shapes and orientations substantially facilitate mounting which also brings down maintenance and repair costs. Complete cable sheathings ensure reliable humidity insulation even under extreme conditions.

High-grip, abrasion-resistant switches in flexible PU integral foams provide touch-friendly surface textures and give designers a host of options for particularly attractive solutions.

High-quality engines demand especially clean air for 'respiration'. This is an interesting example of how BASF facilitates production and simultaneously complies with all engineering requirements: a foamed edge precisely fixes and reliably seals the filter medium at the same time.

High-grip steering wheels with integral airbag covers feature surface textures that are pleasant to the touch, impact-resistant at low temperatures and compliant with all necessary safety requirements made by engineers. Moreover, they permit designers to select from a variety of attractive options.

 

Elastofoam® I provides engines with a nice-looking cap distinguished by high durability and media resistance combined with acoustic properties to reduce noise from the engine. Elastofoam® I can be manufactured in a one-shot foaming process. Since its surface is soft, Elastofoam® I contributes to reducing head impact in case of an accident with pedestrians.  

Especially in utility vehicles the extraordinary durability of Elastofoam® I parts is appreciated. Pleasant flexibility and haptics are combined with easily cleanable, abrasion-, scratch- and impact-resistant surfaces. Parts can be produced in a cost-effective one-shot process with IMC coating (in-mold coating)  

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More Information

All information in one place: From technical articles, case studies and brochures, to data sheets and certificates.
Information & Certificates

Elastofoam® Application Range

The applications are as manifold as its product properties: Explore the various application possibilities of Elastofoam®!

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Automotive Electrics and Electronics

Our engineering plastics and polyurethanes enable innovative solutions, which make electronic systems for the automotive industry indispensable when it comes to safety, comfort and energy efficiency in modern vehicle concepts. Innovation in automotive design is driven by electrical, electronic and mechatronic systems.
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Automotive Interior

With BASF high-tech materials you can achieve modern automotive interior design. They are distinguished not only by high-class surface quality, exclusive appearance and a long service life, but also by efficient production and a service that is second to none.
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BASF is a reliable partner for the development of sophisticated powertrain components. Instead of using metal, these components can be produced using our engineering plastics and additives. This has many advantages: weight savings of up to 25 percent, easier processing and lower system costs.
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Cable Sheathing

Cable sheathing for the protection of valuable and sensitive energy and control lines has to meet the highest requirements.
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Casual Shoes

In a market characterized by high sophisticated production technology, the characteristics of the chosen material are requested to be at the top. 
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Sports Performance

Extremely light, outstanding durability, comfortable to wear and excellent running properties – no problem with our materials for midsoles in sports footwear.
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Work & Safety Shoes

High international standards have to be fulfilled when it comes to the manufacturing of safety and working shoes.
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Successful Customer Projects

Proven in practice: These case studies demonstrate the successful use of Elastofoam® in customer projects.
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Our Service Package

We offer our customers a comprehensive range of services with leading technologies and products. Find the service that matches your needs!

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Materials Testing Lab

The Laboratory for Materials Testing is responsible for the execution and the assessment of a large number of plastics-related tests. Our main task is to satisfy the demand of internal customers for testing and consulting. Due to our accreditation according to ISO/IEC 17025, we can offer our services also to external customers.
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Parts Testing, Optimization and Joining Technologies Lab

We work on complex technical challenges in the field of plastics development and application. For this, a variety of test equipment as well as facilities for different joining technologies are available. We provide technical support for development and sales for all BASF sites and for customers worldwide.
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Die Entwicklungsingenieure Rie Kaneko und Torsten Hensel besprechen anhand eines Querschnittmodells den Aufbau des Leichtbau-Komfortsitzes. Mit Hilfe der eingesetzten E-Textile-Technologie kann die Sitzheizung direkt in Textilen und somit nahe am Körper angebracht werden. Elastoflex®-Weichschaumstoffe in den Sitzflächen sparen bis zu 20 Prozent Gewicht und bieten gleichzeitig ergonomische Vorteile durch verschiedene Härtezonen. Abdruck honorarfrei. Copyright by BASF. Development engineers Rie Kaneko and Torsten Hensel discuss the structure of the lightweight comfort seat using a cross-section model. By means of the e-textile technology used, the seat heating can be directly embedded in the textile and is thus close to the body. Elastoflex® flexible foams in the sitting areas save up to 20 percent weight and at the same time provide ergonomic advantages by means of various hardness zones. Print free of charge. Copyright by BASF.,Die Entwicklungsingenieure Rie Kaneko und Torsten Hensel besprechen anhand eines Querschnittmodells den Aufbau des Leichtbau-Komfortsitzes. Mit Hilfe der eingesetzten E-Textile-Technologie kann die Sitzheizung direkt in Textilen und somit nahe am Körper angebracht werden. Elastoflex®-Weichschaumstoffe in den Sitzflächen sparen bis zu 20 Prozent Gewicht und bieten gleichzeitig ergonomische Vorteile durch verschiedene Härtezonen. Abdruck honorarfrei. Copyright by BASF. Development engineers Rie Kaneko and Torsten Hensel discuss the structure of the lightweight comfort seat using a cross-section model. By means of the e-textile technology used, the seat heating can be directly embedded in the textile and is thus close to the body. Elastoflex® flexible foams in the sitting areas save up to 20 percent weight and at the same time provide ergonomic advantages by means of various hardness zones. Print free of charge. Copyright by BASF.

Product Support & Troubleshooting

With our calculation tools, information databases and FAQ we aim at helping you in answering technical questions related to our portfolio of performance polymers.
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Die Entwicklungsingenieure Rie Kaneko und Torsten Hensel besprechen anhand eines Querschnittmodells den Aufbau des Leichtbau-Komfortsitzes. Mit Hilfe der eingesetzten E-Textile-Technologie kann die Sitzheizung direkt in Textilen und somit nahe am Körper angebracht werden. Elastoflex®-Weichschaumstoffe in den Sitzflächen sparen bis zu 20 Prozent Gewicht und bieten gleichzeitig ergonomische Vorteile durch verschiedene Härtezonen. Abdruck honorarfrei. Copyright by BASF. Development engineers Rie Kaneko and Torsten Hensel discuss the structure of the lightweight comfort seat using a cross-section model. By means of the e-textile technology used, the seat heating can be directly embedded in the textile and is thus close to the body. Elastoflex® flexible foams in the sitting areas save up to 20 percent weight and at the same time provide ergonomic advantages by means of various hardness zones. Print free of charge. Copyright by BASF.,Die Entwicklungsingenieure Rie Kaneko und Torsten Hensel besprechen anhand eines Querschnittmodells den Aufbau des Leichtbau-Komfortsitzes. Mit Hilfe der eingesetzten E-Textile-Technologie kann die Sitzheizung direkt in Textilen und somit nahe am Körper angebracht werden. Elastoflex®-Weichschaumstoffe in den Sitzflächen sparen bis zu 20 Prozent Gewicht und bieten gleichzeitig ergonomische Vorteile durch verschiedene Härtezonen. Abdruck honorarfrei. Copyright by BASF. Development engineers Rie Kaneko and Torsten Hensel discuss the structure of the lightweight comfort seat using a cross-section model. By means of the e-textile technology used, the seat heating can be directly embedded in the textile and is thus close to the body. Elastoflex® flexible foams in the sitting areas save up to 20 percent weight and at the same time provide ergonomic advantages by means of various hardness zones. Print free of charge. Copyright by BASF.

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Contact our infopoints if you have questions about our plastic material. We are looking forward to receive your enquiry!
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Bei der Gestaltung der einteiligen, selbsttragenden Kunststoff-Sitzschale wurde das inzwischen universell einsetzbare Computersimulationsinstrument ULTRASIMTM der BASF SE eingesetzt. In der Entwicklungsphase wurde die Sitzschale aus dem Kunststoff Ultramid® mit Hilfe des Simulationsinstruments virtuell ausgelegt. Die BASF-Entwickler nutzten dies unter anderem zur Konstruktionsberechnung und zur Belastungssimulation der Sitzschale. Abdruck honorarfrei. Copyright by BASF. In the design of the one-piece, self-supporting plastic seat shell, use was made of what is now BASFâ s universal computer simulation instrument ULTRASIMTM. In the development phase, the seat shell of the plastic Ultramid® was virtually designed by means of the simulation instrument. The BASF developers used this for example to calculate the construction and for the stress simulation of the seat shell. Print free of charge. Copyright by BASF.,Bei der Gestaltung der einteiligen, selbsttragenden Kunststoff-Sitzschale wurde das inzwischen universell einsetzbare Computersimulationsinstrument ULTRASIMTM der BASF SE eingesetzt. In der Entwicklungsphase wurde die Sitzschale aus dem Kunststoff Ultramid® mit Hilfe des Simulationsinstruments virtuell ausgelegt. Die BASF-Entwickler nutzten dies unter anderem zur Konstruktionsberechnung und zur Belastungssimulation der Sitzschale. Abdruck honorarfrei. Copyright by BASF. In the design of the one-piece, self-supporting plastic seat shell, use was made of what is now BASF’s universal computer simulation instrument ULTRASIMTM. In the development phase, the seat shell of the plastic Ultramid® was virtually designed by means of the simulation instrument. The BASF developers used this for example to calculate the construction and for the stress simulation of the seat shell. Print free of charge. Copyright by BASF.

Ultrasim®

Ultrasim® is the versatile and flexible CAE competence for your innovations using BASF plastics. Our calculation of component concepts on a virtual basis starts with appropriate materials and adequate material models, ranging from the virtual prototype and ideal manufacturing process to the finished mass-produced component.
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Bei der Gestaltung der einteiligen, selbsttragenden Kunststoff-Sitzschale wurde das inzwischen universell einsetzbare Computersimulationsinstrument ULTRASIMTM der BASF SE eingesetzt. In der Entwicklungsphase wurde die Sitzschale aus dem Kunststoff Ultramid® mit Hilfe des Simulationsinstruments virtuell ausgelegt. Die BASF-Entwickler nutzten dies unter anderem zur Konstruktionsberechnung und zur Belastungssimulation der Sitzschale. Abdruck honorarfrei. Copyright by BASF. In the design of the one-piece, self-supporting plastic seat shell, use was made of what is now BASFâ s universal computer simulation instrument ULTRASIMTM. In the development phase, the seat shell of the plastic Ultramid® was virtually designed by means of the simulation instrument. The BASF developers used this for example to calculate the construction and for the stress simulation of the seat shell. Print free of charge. Copyright by BASF.,Bei der Gestaltung der einteiligen, selbsttragenden Kunststoff-Sitzschale wurde das inzwischen universell einsetzbare Computersimulationsinstrument ULTRASIMTM der BASF SE eingesetzt. In der Entwicklungsphase wurde die Sitzschale aus dem Kunststoff Ultramid® mit Hilfe des Simulationsinstruments virtuell ausgelegt. Die BASF-Entwickler nutzten dies unter anderem zur Konstruktionsberechnung und zur Belastungssimulation der Sitzschale. Abdruck honorarfrei. Copyright by BASF. In the design of the one-piece, self-supporting plastic seat shell, use was made of what is now BASF’s universal computer simulation instrument ULTRASIMTM. In the development phase, the seat shell of the plastic Ultramid® was virtually designed by means of the simulation instrument. The BASF developers used this for example to calculate the construction and for the stress simulation of the seat shell. Print free of charge. Copyright by BASF.

Ultrasim®

Ultrasim® is the versatile and flexible CAE competence for your innovations using BASF plastics. Our calculation of component concepts on a virtual basis starts with appropriate materials and adequate material models, ranging from the virtual prototype and ideal manufacturing process to the finished mass-produced component.
Read more

Tailor-made Solutions

Tailor-made for individual needs: We support our customers in developing application-oriented solutions.

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Das Besondere an den Materialien der BASF sind zum einen ihre herrausragenden Eigenschaften und zum anderen die Produktideen, die sie ermöglichen. Diese werden in der sogenannten „Wunderkammer“ präsentiert, einem Trichter, dessen Wände die Augen abschirmen und den Betrachter so jede räumliche Orientierung verlieren lassen. Die perspektivische Verzerrung lässt sowohl Objekte als auch Besucher in einer verblüffenden Collage verschmelzen. Ein Spiel mit der Wahrnehmung – genauso charmant und analog, wie es 1865, im Entstehungsjahr der BASF, noch gang und gäbe war. What makes BASF materials special is both their excellent properties and the product ideas they enable. These products are presented in the so-called “Wunderkammer”, or “cabinet of wonders” – a funnel, whose walls block off the peripheral view to suspend spatial orientation. The perspective distortion merges objects and visitors moving amongst them into an astonishing collage. Playing with perception – in just the same charming, analogue way as was so popular in 1865, the year in which BASF was founded.

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Pioneering Concept Studies

We help you maximize your potential by creating application-oriented industry solutions. We collaborate closely with customers across various target industries, in order to tailor our solutions specifically to individual application needs. As a result, development is driven by local market needs and is coordinated globally.
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Processing of Elastofoam®

The following methods can be used for the processing of Elastofoam®.