BASF has announced that its new Ultramid S3WG6 Balance has been selected by A.Raymond, a France-based automotive provider of connectors and fasteners. A.Raymond presently utilizes BASF’s polyamide (PA) 6.10, which was launched initially at the K 2010 for use in fuel lines of quick connectors. This material is resistant to hydrolysis and also highly resistant to fuel.
The small and unassuming plastic parts must satisfy demanding requirements: The quick connectors from A.Raymond, French automotive parts supplier for fasteners, are molded from the new glass fiber-reinforced Ultramid® S3WG6 Balance from BASF (black) that is not only hydrolysis-resistant, but also resistant to fuels and zinc chloride. As a PA 6.10, the material is based to a large extent (over 60 percent) on sebacic acid, a derivative of castor oil, a renewable resource.
The mechanical properties of Ultramid S3WG6 Balance when used in biofuels like E 24, B100 or B30 after storing at higher temperatures for more than 2,000 h can be compared to those of PA 12 GF 30.
In addition, the material has passed the standard automotive tests conducted for environmental stress cracking resistance with the existence of zinc chloride. As a result, the material has the potential to replace PA 12 in applications where this material is essential. These kinds of quick connectors are utilized by majority of truck and automobile manufacturers globally.
Currently, BASF is expanding its product portfolio for PA 6.10, considering the high demand for PA 12 substitutes.
The Glass-fibre reinforced Ultramid materials have high mechanical strength, thermostability, hardness, rigidity, and resistance to hot water and hot lubricants. Components manufactured using these materials have creep strength and high dimensional stability.