In the plastics industry, true material innovation is not common. Because of this, the adidas Boost running shoes that use BASF's world's first foamed thermoplastic polyurethane (E-TPU) Infinergy® have caused a huge stir. It brings a whole new class of granular foam to the plastics market.
From comfortable safety shoes, powered tennis rackets to cushioned sports floors, BASF customers from all walks of life use Infinergy®. At the K show in 2019, Infinergy® will showcase its many applications and innovative methods. There is no doubt that Hymer's futuristic camper Vision Venture will also use Infinergy®.
Mini particles, small and powerful
The size of the mini particles is less than half that of ordinary Infinergy® particles: the diameter is between 2.5 and 3.5 mm. When the filling performance of standard products meets the limitations of thin-walled parts, these small particles will show their talents.
In addition to the smaller size, the round shape of the particles also helps to improve the filling performance, making it easier to fill the thin rod parts in the mold. The user does not have to sacrifice material properties including excellent elasticity.
These mini particles have been used in compressor shock absorbers and bicycle saddles.
Ergon was the first to introduce a bicycle saddle made of Infinergy® in 2017: Ergon ST Core Prime is now manufactured using mini particles. The electric mountain bike saddle and the city bike saddle together complete the bicycle saddle product line with Infinergy® as the core. Andreas Krause, Technical Development Director of Ergon, said: "Mini particles provide new options for our product development and component design. This new product allows us to create more slender component shapes and help us achieve saddle design in the sports market. . Especially for the front end of the saddle with thin walls and sharp contours, we can now make a more slender and complex design. "
Black is about technology
Infinergy® was previously almost equivalent to white. This will become a thing of the past with the launch of the first-generation black win-win force. It is especially suitable for technical applications where the surface is prone to stains. Thomas Stuehrenberg, BASF's European marketing director, said: "With black Infinergy®, we bring new possibilities to customers. The color range is basically unlimited. We hope to work with customers to make the Infinergy® product line more colorful in the future.
Infinergy® explores new areas without steam
Including Infinergy®, the traditional processing method of granular foam is to use steam to weld the foam into components. As the requirements for surface quality increase, this process quickly encounters limitations, especially for components such as decorative applications. The reason is that there are very few surface layers with vapor permeability.
FOX Velution, a start-up company based in Lichtenfels, Germany, has developed a pure dry particle foam processing technology, precisely to overcome these limitations and further significantly improve energy efficiency. This temperature change technology provides conditions for the application of lightweight structures that are visible or touchable on the surface, textile reinforcements, and integrated inserts (electronic systems, assemblies). This provides new options for decoration and functionalization: LEDs embedded in Infinergy® foam panels can illuminate materials and surfaces such as colored films or structured fabrics, creating new visual effects.
Infinergy® unveiled at K2019
The BASF exhibition hall is located in Hall 5 at booth C21 / D21. It will showcase bicycle saddles, tennis rackets, sports and fall protection floors, safety shoes, illuminated Infinergy® boards, and more. Visitors can experience the richness of Infinergy® inspiration Innovation achievements. The concept camper Vision Venture created by Hymer and BASF will also present a new Infinergy® application. Whether it is a step, a bed edge or a comfortable element as a slatted frame, Infinergy® is the best choice.