BASF's Ultramid® Vision is used in automotive interiors for the first time. A semi-crystalline polyamide is used by a German car manufacturer to manufacture window regulator components. Compared with the opaque standard polyamide, Ultramid® Vision exhibits extremely high light transmittance and low scattering, which means it is very suitable for the manufacture of illuminated signs for window and exterior mirror adjustment buttons.
Precise: light is unobstructed
Thanks to its unique properties, this polyamide is ideal for making translucent components. Ultraviolet resistance, high temperature resistance and scratch resistance make Ultramid® Vision an important component when setting up a visual control module or light design. In the multi-component injection molding process, it can be easily combined with other polyamide materials to easily produce multi-functional components with transparent or luminous areas, as shown in the window regulator.
Dr. Rainer Xalter, product developer of BASF's Performance Materials business unit, said: "In our two-component injection molding process, the switch housing made of Ultramid® Vision and glass fiber reinforced polyamide shows good adhesion. A strong reason for Ultramid® Vision. The selection criterion for deeper layers is the uniformity of light transmission. This requires as much light as possible to pass through and at the same time high color fidelity. Ultramid® Vision B3K WT15490 becomes a solution suitable for white signs; Vision B3K DLT UN (DLT = diffuse light, UN = colorless) is suitable for red status displays. "
This material can be repeatedly exposed to aggressive media such as sunscreen, detergent and solvents without damage, so it is also ideal for backlit switches and buttons. The fundamental advantages of this relatively amorphous transparent material also impressed French interior expert Valeo. The joint development product has reached the manufacturing maturity requirements and will be adopted by large automakers. Valeo project manager Sebastian Laukat expressed satisfaction with BASF ’s semi-transparent and semi-crystalline polyamides: “We have paid great attention to the excellent characteristics of Ultramid® Vision from the beginning. The balanced combination of mechanical properties and processing properties combines high scratch resistance and UV light Stability has become the final determinant. "
Great flexibility in color and design
In addition to the colorless base grade Ultramid® Vision B3K UN, Ultramid® Vision can also be used to manufacture special equipment products with high transmittance for diffuse light, and products dyed according to customer needs. Therefore, the Ultramid® Vision product portfolio can achieve design features and lighting elements in automotive interiors and various consumer and industrial applications, providing designers and developers with a wide range of possibilities.