PA-BASF Ultramid A3WC8
To substitute heavy die-cast zinc and aerospace-grade aluminum alloys in load-bearing structural mechanisms without compromising thermal or chemical stability, BASF’s Ultramid A3WC8 leverages a 40 wt.% short carbon fiber reinforced, heat-stabilized polyamide 66 (PA66-CF40) matrix. Boasting a density of 1.28 g/cm³ and a melting point of 262°C, this high-performance composite provides an exceptional tensile modulus of 23,500 MPa alongside inherent electrostatic dissipation (ESD). Jucheng Precision, operating under IATF 16949 and ISO 9001 certified frameworks, specializes in molding Ultramid A3WC8. Supported by our 5-axis CNC-machined S136 stainless steel toolings, we control its anisotropic shrink variables (0.1%-0.4%) to deliver flat, structurally flawless components verified by Zeiss CMM.
Ultramid A3WC8 40% Carbon-Fiber Structural Mechanics
Ultramid® A3WC8 is a 40 wt. % short carbon fiber reinforced, heat stabilized, high flow PA66 injection molding grade engineered by BASF, certified to deliver unmatched mechanical stiffness and electrostatic dissipation (ESD) under ISO/ASTM standards:
| Engineering Parameter | Typical Value (DAM / ISO) | Metal-Substitution Advantage |
|---|---|---|
| Structural Stiffness | Tensile Modulus 23.5 GPa (23,500 MPa) | Delivers extraordinary, metal-matching modulus at an exceptionally low density (1.28 g/cm³), enabling massive weight-savings over structural metals. |
| Tensile Strength at Break | 230 MPa (ISO 527-1,2) | Provides immense structural load-bearing capacity, successfully substituting dynamic zinc, brass, and aluminum brackets. |
| Electrical Conductivity | Surface Resistivity 10^2 – 10^6 Ohm/sq | Inherently conductive, providing excellent electrostatic dissipation (ESD) and EMI shielding protection for sensitive electronic bobbins. |
Process & Dynamic Configurations for High-Flow Ultramid A3WC8
With its high mechanical stiffness and carbon fiber reinforcement, Ultramid A3WC8 supports precise, unyielding structural molds:
| Molding Technology Class | Process Compatibility & Operational Details |
|---|---|
| Weight-Critical Aerospace Mounts | Excellent. The primary process for Ultramid A3WC8. Engineered for high-stiffness aircraft brackets, structural engine mounts, and avionic cable clamps. |
| High-Viscosity Structural Robotics | Excellent. Low density combined with extreme specific modulus supports rapid, high-yield manufacturing of lightweight robotic arms. |
| Dynamic ESD Connectors | Good. Inherent carbon-fiber conductive matrix provides stable electrostatic dissipation (ESD) and EMI shielding for high-precision components. |
PA-BASF Ultramid A3WC8 Tooling & Carbon Fiber Processing Guide
Molding an ultra-high performance carbon-fiber reinforced polyamide like Ultramid A3WC8 requires strict moisture control and optimized gating to prevent abrasive tool wear and warpage:
Powder Metallurgy Hardened Tool Steel
40% short carbon fibers act as an aggressive grinding agent under high injection pressures and melt viscosity. Jucheng’s tooling division prevents gate and cavity erosion by using premium CPM powder metallurgy tool steels or hardened H13/S136 steel (HRC 54–56) with PVD ceramic coatings.
Managing Anisotropic Shrinkage & Warpage
Ultramid A3WC8 shrinks exceptionally low along the flow (typically 0.10%) but higher perpendicular to the flow (0.40%). We conduct detailed Moldflow analysis during DFM to locate gates, ensuring uniform fiber orientation to prevent structural warping.
Pressurized Oil Mold Temperature Control
We maintain mold temperatures at 80°C–120°C (176°F to 248°F) using pressurized water heaters. High mold temperatures maximize surface gloss, reduce weld lines, and prevent surface carbon-fibers from floating, ensuring a smooth and non-fibrous finish.
Desiccant Drying Protocol (Hydrolysis Prevention)
PA66 is highly sensitive to moisture at high melt temperatures. Wet molding results in rapid hydrolytic chain cleavage, causing severe splay, gas bubbles, and a major drop in impact strength. We desiccant dry Ultramid A3WC8 resin at 80°C–100°C (176°F–212°F) for 4–6 hours, keeping moisture below 0.10% (ideally <0.08%).
Key Application Fields for PA-BASF Ultramid A3WC8
- Aerospace Structural Fittings & Defense: Ultra-lightweight drone structural arms, aircraft bracket mounts, weapon casing brackets, dynamic slide guides, and optical sensor bezels.
- Precision Dynamic Industrial Machinery: Heavy-duty planetary gears, helical gear sets, self-lubricating sliding bushings, high-pressure pump impellers, and compressor seals.
- Medical Devices & Surgical Systems (ISO 13485): Radiolucent surgical targeting frames, non-magnetic laboratory cassettes, patient-specific orthopedic instruments, and surgical robot joints.
Properties
| Density | 1.28 g/cm³ |
| Melting Temperature | 262 °C |
| Tensile Modulus (DAM) | 23,500 MPa |
| Tensile Stress at Break (DAM) | 230 MPa |
| Tensile Elongation at Break (DAM) | 1.5 % |
| Flexural Strength (DAM) | 325 MPa |
| Flexural Modulus (DAM) | 21,500 MPa |
| Charpy Notched Impact Strength (23°C) | 8.5 kJ/m² |
| Water Absorption (Equilibrium, 50% RH) | 1.5 % |
| Heat Deflection Temperature (HDT @ 1.80 MPa, DAM) | 255 °C |
| Surface Resistivity | 1.0E+02 - 1.0E+06 Ohm/sq |
| Linear Mold Shrinkage (Flow Direction) | 0.1 % |
| Linear Mold Shrinkage (Cross Direction) | 0.4 % |
| Maximum Part Size | 1000 x 800 mm |
| Minimum Part Size | 1 x 1 mm |