Metal Substitution with Engineering Plastics
BASF's engineering plastics offer decisive advantages over established metal structures in many areas. The range of applications for these intelligent plastic solutions extends far beyond automotive engineering and opens up significant development potential for the solar, construction and water industry.
Products and Markets for Metal Substitution
Processing engineering plastics by the injection molding process enables the production of complex three-dimensional components. Such components can possess a high level of functional integration, made in large volumes with a short cycle time, thus reducing the production and development costs. Vehicle construction is one particular area where BASF engineering plastics have already replaced numerous metal components. BASF is now using the knowledge and know-how acquired on these projects in other markets where plastic solutions offer obvious advantages as a metal substitute.
Metal Substitution: Our Service Package
For the successful replacement of metal structures by plastic components we offer a comprehensive package of services to support customers from the initial idea through to the final marketing activities.
Design and Construction
Every development phase starts with an idea. After assessing the technical and commercial feasibility, we support our customers in part design and construction, not only with engineering expertise but also with our Ultrasim® simulation software, developed specially for application-specific optimization of the component. The designfabrik® has extensive knowledge about our materials and advises product developers and designers in all markets.
Testing and Certification
The development of plastic components involves specific requirements and standards for each market for which particular characteristics have to be demonstrated. Along with all development processes, we support our customers in connection with part testing and necessary certifications.
Manufacture and Processing
Upon completion of the design phase, the production process follows. This is where we assist our customers in achieving the required part quality and establishing stable mass production. Even after the project has been successfully completed, we are still available to advise on problems and challenges arising in serial production.
Marketing
Despite the obvious advantages of metal substitution, there are some markets and applications where plastics have not yet become established. In such cases, it is important to create acceptance and confidence in new materials first of all. Once again, customers benefit from our experience in automotive construction, where engineering plastics are long-established as a material. That enables us to support customers in other industries with market entry and associated marketing activities like trade fairs, brochures and technical articles and conference participation.
Metal Substitution with Engineering Plastics
Our engineering plastics offer decisive advantages over established metal structures in many areas. The range of applications for these intelligent plastic solutions extends far beyond automotive engineering and opens up significant potential for the solar, construction and water industry – and this with regard to the technical as well as commercial development.
Wide Product Range
We offer a comprehensive range of products with a broad variety of property profiles. Find the right product for you!
Our Service Package
We offer our customers a comprehensive range of services with leading technologies and products. Find the service that matches your needs!