Just in time for the world's largest plastics exhibition, the K 2013 in Düsseldorf, BASF (Hall 5, Booth C21/D21) is presenting the first demonstrator part for the tape variant of its new Ultracom product and service package for composites. The part is derived from the geometry of a structural battery tray for vehicles with an electric or hybrid drive. It combines tape-reinforced areas with an injection molded rib structure. The demonstrator is the result of an automated process sequence for processing Ultratape.The two variants of the demonstrator part show the design freedom when using Ultratape. The first variant demonstrates the localized use of a tape insert in the form of a cross to reinforce specific load paths. The second variant shows a larger reinforcing structure where the fiber orientation and lay-up sequence also follows the load cases. Each variant combines the new BASF Ultratape-based tape architecture with a matching overmolding compound, either Ultramid B3ZG7 COM, an especially high-impact polyamide grade or Ultramid B3WG12 COM for high stiffness.
The application of Ultratape makes it possible to satisfy the demanding requirements for mechanical stability in structural parts at the lowest possible weight. The part was produced under conditions near to large-scale manufacturing using the automated manufacturing process called "Ultralitec". This process was developed by the automotive supplier REHAU AG + Co and the research institute Neue Materialien Bayreuth GmbH.
