TAGS: Automotive Metal Replacement Part Design & Manufacturing
BASF and MAHLE have commercialized a plastic transmission support bracket made with BASF’s innovative material solution Ultramid® A3WG10 polyamide (PA). BASF’s Ultramid A3WG10 is a specialized high filled material solution for chassis and structural parts. Additionally, BASF supported MAHLE with its proprietary simulation technology Ultrasim®, which effectively helps reduce trial and error during the development phase. BASF’s simulation technology optimizes loading behavior and enables metal replacement.
Weight Reduction and Improved Energy Efficiency
Thanks to BASF’s high-performance yet lightweight plastics, the novel plastic transmission support bracket's weight can be reduced by 50% to improve energy efficiency for a more sustainable drive. Additionally, the manufacturing process is simplified with the injection molding process.
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As the automotive part is exposed to various dynamic and static load while driving, it has to withstand the same load as if it were made of the conventional metal material. We were able to replace the whole structural part from metal to Ultramid, owing to its excellent mechanical properties,” said Sanghae Suh, Director, BU2 KR, MAHLE. “
The transmission support bracket is MAHLE’s first structural application business launched globally, and the strong support from BASF helps us successfully penetrate the market.”
Further, Ultramid reduces the NVH of the parts to provide a more comfortable ride due to its excellent damping properties.
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Partnering with MAHLE on this project is a great showcase of our ability to co-create new applications with our customers with advanced material solutions and technical support. We not only provide a customized material solution to meet their specific needs but also support them in realizing their sustainability goals,” said Desmond Long, Vice President, Business Management Transportation, Performance Materials Asia Pacific.
Source: BASF