BASF and Hengst jointly developed the world's first reusable spin-on plastic oil filter module for vehicles. When replacing the filter, Blue.on can be reused and is a sustainable alternative to traditional spin-on metal modules. Blue.on is made of BASF's Ultramid® Structure LFX, which is a high-performance plastic reinforced with long glass fibers. Its special properties provide new opportunities for alternative metal products. In the automotive industry, the replacement of oil filters is a major issue. Every year, approximately 2 billion oil filters are replaced and processed worldwide. In the process of changing the engine oil, the entire set of filter devices must be replaced, and the remaining engine oil is treated as hazardous waste. In addition, a lot of other garbage will be generated in the process. Blue.on provides a solution to this problem.
Ultramid® Structure LFX brings change
Leading car manufacturers have adopted the new Blue.on oil filter module, which contains three components: filter housing, engine connection element and filter element. When changing the oil, only the filter element needs to be replaced, and a module made entirely of plastic can be used throughout the life of the engine. At the end of the automotive life cycle, almost all the components of the module can be fully recycled. In addition, compared to metal oil filters, the weight of Blue.on plastic oil filters made of BASF Ultramid® Structure LFX has been reduced by 23%.
Ultramid® Structure A3WG12 LFX provides a sustainable solution for high-stress parts. BASF's Ultramid® Structure material is a long glass fiber reinforced polyamide with special properties. In addition to having excellent mechanical properties at high temperatures, it also exhibits a low tendency to creep, and has low shrinkage and warpage. These characteristics make innovative spin-on concepts possible. Due to the long glass fibers and the fiber orientation changed thereby, the resulting parts are dimensionally stable. In the injection molding process, glass fibers can form a three-dimensional network in the part, making the surface quality of the part excellent.
Work together for success
Christian Janeba, Sales Manager of BASF's Performance Materials Business Unit, said: "Hangst has proposed to us the idea of developing a resource-saving plastic housing. This plastic housing can be used to replace metal housings and has the same performance. We conduct materials R & D, provide a full set of engineering packages, and always focus on sustainability, playing a constructive role. "
In addition to providing plastic engineering recommendations and testing components, BASF also uses the simulation tool Ultrasim®. Michael Böhm from Hengst said: "The development process takes a lot of time, but the results are very convincing. All partners not only want to develop an innovative technical component, but also want to provide a sustainable Solution. With its comprehensive technology in the plastics field, BASF carried out countless tests and trials and finally achieved positive results. "Blue.on won the 2018 North Rhine-Westphalia Germany before it was put into mass production. Innovation Award of the Bavarian State.
From March 25 to 26, 2020, the Automotive Engineering Plastics Symposium organized by the German Institute of Engineers (VDI) will be held in Mannheim, Germany. Welcome to the BASF booth.