PBT designed for use with water-assist molding

Water-assist molding is gaining acceptance as a process to hollow out parts for weight and material-use reductions, while shortening cycles by cooling from within, but there has been skepticism that the water could hinder some resins? mechanical properties.

Contradicting these views, BASF recently conducted tests using Ultradur grades of PBT in a water-assist application with positive results. Hollowing out a 1.2m section, the water reportedly didn?t affect the PBT?s mechanical properties, and the internal surface of the hollowed-out cavity was quite smooth. The external surface was reportedly devoid of sink marks thanks to water assist.

A line of 30 percent glass-filled materials are said to complement water-assist parts, including Ultradur S 4090 G6, B 4040 G6, and B 4300 GL.

BASF Plastics Materials
Mt. Olive, NJ
(973) 426-2600; www.basf.com