BASF opens new Catamold® Center of Excellence lab in Shanghai

• Develop metal injection molding feedstock locally to serve customers faster
• Leverage global R&D expertise to customize our metal injection molding feedstock locally in China  
• Improve responsiveness and shorten time-to-market from customer demand to mass production

Ludwigshafen, Germany – June 30, 2021 – BASF opened a new Center of Excellence laboratory for its Catamold^® business in Shanghai, China. The new facility will serve as the hub of expertise for solutions and products for the metal injection molding (MIM) market in China and the rest of Asia.

“The establishment of the new lab in Shanghai marks a key milestone for our Catamold^® business to speed up the co-development of products with our customers in China.” said Lothar Laupichler, Business Unit Head Electronic Materials. 

“BASF has consistently demonstrated dedication and leadership in providing MIM feedstock for reliable, high volume metal parts production globally. Innovation and customer focus have always been mission-critical for us and is well embedded in our DNA. The new investment strengthens our capability to turn product ideas of our customers into customized “ready-to-use” MIM feedstocks for large scale production at metal injection molders.” said Timo Schollmeier, Director Global Business Management Metal Systems BASF SE.

“We are committed to drive growth in collaboration with our MIM customers in the region through involving customers early in the development process. Leveraging our global R&D knowhow, the new lab allows our team to serve our customers faster with localized R&D capabilities.” said Dr. Thorsten Staudt, Head of Global Center of Excellence Metal Systems BASF SE.

Our expertise in sinter-process-specific material development combined with our strong know-how in formulations and material characterization allows us to develop new materials with exceptional properties such as light weight, high strength and polish-capabilities.

“We see tremendous growth in the Automotive and Information & Communications Technology (ICT) sectors in China, which are dynamic and fast-paced. We want to serve our customers in these industries with speed and the right innovation for success.” said Dr. Oliver Zhang, Head of Sales Metal Systems Greater China.

Catamold® are ready-to-use pellets for powder injection molding. It consists of metal powder and a tailor-made binding agent. Geometrically complex parts can be produced economically on conventional machines with Catamold^®. For more information, please visit https://electronics-electric.basf.com/global/en/electronics/products/catamold.html.

BASF’s Dispersions & Pigments division 

The Dispersions & Pigments division of BASF develops, produces and markets a range of high-quality pigments, resins, additives and polymer dispersions worldwide. These raw materials are used in formulations for a number of industries, including coatings, construction, adhesives, printing and packaging, electronics and paper. With its comprehensive product portfolio and its extensive knowledge of the industry, the Dispersions & Pigments division offers its customers innovative and sustainable solutions and helps them advance their formulations. For further information about the Dispersions & Pigments division, please visit www.dispersions-pigments.basf.com.  

About BASF
At BASF, we create chemistry for a sustainable future. We combine economic success with environmental protection and social responsibility. More than 110,000 employees in the BASF Group contribute to the success of our customers in nearly all sectors and almost every country in the world. Our portfolio is organized into six segments: Chemicals, Materials, Industrial Solutions, Surface Technologies, Nutrition & Care and Agricultural Solutions. BASF generated sales of €59 billion in 2020. BASF shares are traded on the stock exchange in Frankfurt (BAS) and as American Depositary Receipts (BASFY) in the U.S. Further information at www.basf.com.

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