Bangkok--12 Jun--BASF
- New pressure damper made with Ultramid? increases safety and comfort in automotive seats
- Functional integration and simplified production processes provide a system cost optimization for car producers
BASF and Somic Ishikawa have jointly developed a new damper mechanism that has recently been introduced in a Japanese car brand, raising the benchmark of comfort in car seats to a higher level. It not only smoothens the reclining movement of front seats in cars; its shock absorbing qualities also add to cabin safety. For car manufacturers, the innovation presents simplified production processes and thus system cost savings.
“A plastics damper structure enables the introduction of an oil compression mechanism, providing car seats a slow and stable reclining movement all the way from the steepest till the most horizontal seating position,” said Masaaki Takii, General Manager, Engineering Management/Damper Business Department at Somic. “In addition, we’ve identified various applications — from the glove compartment at the front to the tail gate at the back — where our innovative damping device increases comfort, convenience and safety for car owners.”
“With a glass fiber content of 60%, our Ultramid? high modulus polyamide grades have excellent mechanical properties. The material’s minimal water absorption maintains a high dimensional stability. Combined with good processability and excellent surface finishing, Ultramid parts are leakage proof even under high oil pressure,” said Dr. Martin Baumert, Head of Technical Marketing Asia in BASF’s performance materials unit. “For these dampers with oil compression mechanism we realized quickly that special products are essential. Only our unique high modulus grades were able to pass the stringent requirements.” The seat damper replaces zinc with Ultramid?, contributing to a weight saving of 50%.
By introducing plastics in seat dampers, certain parts can be integrated, resulting in a simplified production process and the reduction of total costs. The replacement of much heavier metals with plastics is part of a general quest to make cars lighter and thus lower fuel consumption. Plastics today comprise up to 20% of the weight of a car and will continue to convince automotive producers and suppliers as the material of choice thanks to continuous improvements of mechanical properties.
Dampers find a large variety of application in a car including the glove compartment, seat lever and arm rest. Any parts that open or recline can be controlled by a damper. The properties of the Somic damper with Ultramid include speed control for opening or reclining movements, shock alleviation for sudden braking and increased absorption of vibration from driving.
For more information, please contact:
Mette Johansson, BASF, +65-6432 3684
Keigo Ozaki, Somic Ishikawa Inc., +81-53-425-6616
About Somic Ishikawa
Somic Ishikawa is a major supplier of automotive parts, including ball joints for steering, suspension parts and dampers. Founded in May 1916, Somic today has capital stock of 324 million Yen and sales of 48.8 billion Yen (Fiscal Year 2011). The company has 1,551 employees (as of March, 2012) and its major businesses operations are development, design, manufacture and sales of automobile parts. Ball joints are important safety-related parts and indispensable components for the steering and suspension of cars. Further information on Somic Ishikawa is available on the Internet at www.somic.co.jp/en/
About BASF
BASF is the world’s leading chemical company: The Chemical Company. Its portfolio ranges from chemicals, plastics, performance products and crop protection products to oil and gas. We combine economic success with environmental protection and social responsibility. Through science and innovation, we enable our customers in nearly every industry to meet the current and future needs of society. Our products and solutions contribute to conserving resources, ensuring nutrition and improving quality of life. We have summed up this contribution in our corporate purpose: We create chemistry for a sustainable future. BASF had sales of ?72.1 billion in 2012 and more than 110,000 employees as of the end of the year. Further information on BASF is available on the Internet at www.basf.com.