WYANDOTTE, MI, August 19, 2009 – BASF Corporation announced a new Ultramid® PA 66 grade that provides exceptional benefits for use in automotive powertrains components, such as cylinder head covers.   Ultramid A3WG7 HP is a polyamide 66, 35 percent glass reinforced grade that offers a black, glossy, resin-rich surface appearance, improved weld strength and up to 35 percent higher flow rates.   The improved flow allows components to be manufactured on smaller, more cost-effective equipment.   Thinner wall sections can also be achieved with the improved flow, which contributes to reduced cycle times.   These features play a role in reduced energy expenditure and the customer’s need to improve processing efficiencies.    A bonus feature of this product is the higher weld strength achievable relative to standard grades, which helps to improve the long-term part durability.  

BASF has completed a series of extensive heat-aging analyses and testing of Ultramid A3WG7 HP.   Results show that when the material is exposed to hot air and multiple engine oils heated to 150°C for up to 5,000 hours, the material exhibited excellent property retention.

Features & Benefits:

• Enhanced appearance
  • More attractive components enhancing engine appearance
• Higher Flow =  Reduced part cost       
  • Faster cycle time
  • Lower clamp tonnage
  • Thinner wall section
• Higher weld strength

Stronger welds for more robust parts for long-term durability

For a press photo, please click here:http://www.basf.us/pressphotos/08-19-09_UltramidA3WG7HP.jpg

Suggested caption: BASF’s Ultramid A3WG7 HP provides a rich, black glossy appearance for cam covers applications, which can be seen by the customer, enhancing the engine’s quality perception.

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BASF Corporation, headquartered in Florham Park, New Jersey, is the North American affiliate of BASF SE, Ludwigshafen, Germany. BASF has more than 15,000 employees in North America, and had sales of approximately $17.5 billion in 2008. For more information about BASF’s North American operations, or to sign up to receive news releases by e-mail, visit www.basf.com/usa.

BASF is the world’s leading chemical company: The Chemical Company. Its portfolio ranges from chemicals, plastics and performance products to agricultural products, fine chemicals, as well as oil and gas. As a reliable partner, BASF helps its customers in virtually all industries to be more successful. With its high-value products and intelligent solutions, BASF plays an important role in finding answers to global challenges, such as climate protection, energy efficiency, nutrition and mobility. BASF has approximately 97,000 employees and posted sales of more than €62 billion in 2008. BASF shares are traded on the stock exchanges in Frankfurt (BAS), London (BFA) and Zurich (AN). Further information on BASF is available on the Internet at www.basf.com.

Ultramid is a registered trademark of BASF SE.