Enabling attractive branding on metallic lamp bezel surfaces of automotive headlamps with Ultradur^®

• Laser transmittance Ultradur^® allows laser engraving on metallic bezel surface without degradation
• Ultradur provides a high glossy surface finish, good processability, as well as low fogging and mold deposit for headlamp application

Shanghai, China – August 20, 2021 – BASF has introduced a new grade of its established Ultradur^® polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), which enables more attractive branding on metallic lamp bezel surfaces of automotive headlamps. The new grade was developed to meet the growing demand by Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) for an improved brand image of headlamps.

While Ultradur is already widely used for headlamp components such as lamp bezel, brackets, the new laser transmittance PBT unreinforced grade Ultradur 4570 HGL LT enables laser engraving on metallic lamp bezel surfaces. This provides clearer and high-quality logo markings on automotive headlamps.

In particular, the new grade helps customers avoid degradation on black lamp bezel surfaces during the laser marking process and maintain a high glossy surface finish, good processability, as well as low fogging and mold deposit.

“BASF focuses on the trends of next generation of headlamps and offers various Ultradur solutions for lamp bezel with extensive experience and in-depth expertise in automotive lighting systems. With the growing demand for branding on lamp bezel surfaces, we are helping our customers - tier suppliers of systems and parts – to develop tailored solutions for end-users,” said Desmond Long, Vice President, Business Management Transportation, Performance Materials Asia Pacific.

Different technologies exist for lettering on plastic surfaces, such as laser marking, printing, and molding. Laser marking is popular among customers owing to design freedom, no further preparatory work or reworking necessary, high processing speed, and good contrast.

About BASF’s Performance Materials division

BASF’s Performance Materials division encompasses the entire materials’ know-how of BASF regarding innovative, customized plastics under one roof. Globally active in four major industry sectors – transportation, construction, industrial applications and consumer goods – the division has a strong portfolio of products and services combined with deep understanding of application-oriented system solutions. Key drivers of profitability and growth are our close collaboration with customers and a clear focus on solutions. Strong capabilities in R&D provide the basis to develop innovative products and applications. In 2020, the Performance Materials division achieved global sales of €5.63 bn. More information online: www.plastics.basf.com.

About BASF

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.