Working with other
materials is as important to us as working with customers. BASF
Engineering Plastics has explored, developed, refined and revolutionized
several assembly and joining technologies, to ensure that parts
made from our materials work with other materials as well as
they work with themselves. The BASF Engineering Plastics Advanced
Development Group conducts research and development on assembly
and joining technology and techniques and makes information
available to the industry in technical papers and publications
(see links below).
Welding
Various welding techniques can offer a quick and reliable way
to assemble the same or very similar thermoplastic parts. Our
Design Solutions Guide offers extensive, detailed information
on several thermoplastics welding options.
Snap-Fit
BASF Engineering Plastics pioneered revolutionary work in snap-fit
design, revising classical physics theory on cantilever design
and developing new algorithms for more accurate stress and strength
calculations. We offer information detailing snap-fit design
specifics.
Fasteners
Experimental testing with fastener boss plaques has enabled
BASF Engineering Plastics to optimize boss geometry and interference
fits. Also, fastner recommendations come from real products
for customers.
Adhesives
Different plastics are compatible with different adhesives.
BASF Engineering Plastics has developed general guidelines for
its materials; however, customers should perform their own testing
to ensure material-adhesive-material bonding.