Through the acquisition of Solvay's polyamide business, BASF has gained new processes, technical expertise, and advanced material and component testing capabilities, which have strengthened its R&D capabilities in the Asia-Pacific region.
Next, BASF plans to integrate Solvay R&D centers into its existing R&D facilities in Shanghai and Seoul to further enhance BASF's position as a solution provider and develop advanced material solutions for key industries.
Bao Leiwei, Senior Vice President of BASF Performance Materials, Asia Pacific: "The pursuit of innovation in new products and applications is our goal. We will make full use of the more comprehensive expertise after business merger to develop customer-oriented advanced material solutions, and Work with customers to promote more projects. We are expected to provide additional capacity and a broader product portfolio, including new high-temperature polyamide grades."
More comprehensive product portfolio
Engineering plastic materials and component testing services
UL certified laboratory
BASF has several laboratories that have obtained ISO 17025 certification. After acquiring Solvay's polyamide business, BASF has the first laboratory in Asia that has obtained UL (Underwriter Laboratories Inc.) certification. The test data obtained from the UL certification laboratory can be directly used to apply for the UL Yellow Card (a globally recognized certification for the quality, safety and performance of plastic products). Having UL-certified testing capabilities can greatly simplify the certification process, thereby shortening the time to market for flame-retardant products.
With UL-certified testing capabilities, the certification process can be greatly simplified, thereby shortening the time to market for flame-retardant products. This Shanghai-based laboratory will become a part of BASF's global integrated R&D network and will complete the company's existing flame-retardant polyamide testing services, which are mainly used for electrical and electronic solutions.
Diversified component testing
BASF expanded its component testing capabilities in Shanghai, adding a total of eight tests including three comprehensive vibration test stands, pressure blast test stands, coolant circulation test stands, oil and gas separation test stands, and stone impact test stands. In the future, all relevant component tests can be carried out directly in Shanghai, which will make product development more efficient.
In addition, BASF can now use its expanded testing expertise to evaluate finished parts. With new testing capabilities to verify the performance of finished components, BASF is able to help customers increase the success rate of product development and speed up the time to market.
Material evaluation expertise that can analyze special properties
The upgraded facility can conduct in-depth analysis and evaluation of special properties of materials, such as resistance to heat, oil, and coolant. BASF's professional team can in-depth analysis of test specifications that have a significant impact on test results, enabling future material development in the automotive industry.
Bao Leiwei said: "Enhanced R&D capabilities will help us respond more quickly to the needs of customers in the Asia-Pacific region, speed up product launches, and improve our competitiveness in the engineering plastics market."