PA-BASF Ultramid B3S
PA-BASF Ultramid B3S is an unreinforced, easy-flowing, and finely crystalline polyamide 6 (PA6) resin engineered by BASF for rapid, high-speed injection molding of thin-walled technical parts. Featuring a density of 1.13 g/cm³ and an exceptionally high melt volume rate of 145 cm³/10 min (at 275°C/5kg), this fast-solidifying nylon grade is the industry standard for lightweight housings, clamps, and fittings requiring balanced mechanical stiffness. Jucheng Precision, operating under strict IATF 16949 and ISO 9001 frameworks, specializes in molding Ultramid B3S. Leveraging our in-house 5-axis CNC-machined S136 stainless steel molds, we control PA6’s high fluidity and 1.1% to 1.6% shrinkage rate to secure flash-free structural parts verified by Zeiss CMM.
BASF Ultramid B3S Finely Crystalline & Flow Profile
Ultramid® B3S is an easy-flowing, finely crystalline PA6 injection molding grade developed by BASF, designed to optimize cycle times for thin-walled technical components under dry-as-molded (DAM) conditions:
| Physical & Flow Parameter | Ultramid B3S Typical Metric (DAM) | High-Speed Molding Advantage |
|---|---|---|
| Exceptional Melt Flow | MVR 145 cm³/10min (275°C x 5kg) | Enables smooth, low-pressure cavity filling of complex thin-walled electronics and micro-fittings without short-shot defects. |
| Rapid Solidification | Finely Crystalline Nucleation Matrix | Ensures extremely rapid cooling and solidification of the melt, drastically reducing mold-open cycles and maximizing throughput. |
| Thermal Processing | Melting Temperature 220°C | Requires significantly lower melt heating energy than PA66 (262°C), reducing machine wear, thermal degradation, and energy costs. |
Process & Cycling Adaptability for High-Speed Ultramid B3S
With its micro-crystalline nucleation and highly fluid matrix, Ultramid B3S excels in high-speed, automated production lines:
| Molding Technology | Process Compatibility & Operational Details |
|---|---|
| Thin-Walled Technical Parts | Excellent. Fully optimized for high-transparency microelectronic housings, smart-meter accessories, and intricate connector frames. |
| Fast-Cycling Clamps & Fixtures | Excellent. Ideal for heavy-duty plastic structural clamps, automotive fixing clips, electrical wire anchors, and cable ties. |
| Precision Multi-Cavity Tooling | Excellent. Exceptional melt flow index (MFR) supports rapid, multi-cavity injection runs with highly uniform weight replication. |
PA-BASF Ultramid B3S Tooling & Flash-Free Ejection Guide
Molding an unreinforced, highly fluid crystalline resin like Ultramid B3S requires precise parting line fitment to prevent flashing and thorough pre-drying to protect mechanical toughness:
- Micron-Level Flash Control (Tooling Precision): Because Ultramid B3S exhibits exceptional fluidity (MVR 145), the molten resin can seep easily into minor mold gaps, causing unsightly parting line flash. Jucheng’s tooling division uses 5-axis CNC machines to achieve micro-tolerances, keeping mold parting clearances strictly within 0.005mm on premium S136 stainless steel mold cavity blocks.
- Desiccant Pre-Drying: Polyamide 6 absorbs atmospheric moisture. If molded wet, the polymer chains hydrolyze, destroying mechanical toughness and causing surface splay. We dry raw resin in desiccant hopper dryers at 80°C (176°F) for 2–4 hours to keep moisture strictly below 0.10%.
- Melt & Mold Temperature Control: Processing barrel temperatures are maintained between 250°C and 270°C (482°F to 518°F). Mold temperatures are kept at 40°C to 80°C (104°F to 176°F) using pressurized water heaters to maximize mechanical toughness and gloss.
- Predictable Shrinkage: Due to its finely crystalline nucleation, Ultramid B3S exhibits highly predictable shrinkage (1.10% to 1.60%). Our tooling engineers compensate for this shrinkage during our free DFM stage to secure high dimensional stability on automated runs.
Key Application Fields for PA-BASF Ultramid B3S
- Automotive Interiors & Components (IATF 16949): Dynamic fixing clamps, seat trim accessories, door handle brackets, wire harness clips, and fuel tank system brackets.
- Electrical & Smart-Grid Engineering: Multi-pin electrical connectors, high-density terminal blocks, smart-grid meter housings, dynamic switch gears, and coil bobbins.
- Consumer Goods & Fittings: Heavy-duty industrial cable anchors, luggage fittings, dynamic power tool accessories, appliance housings, and household clamps.
Properties
| Density | 1.13 g/cm³ |
| Melt Volume-Flow Rate (MVR) (275°C/5.0kg) | 145 cm³/10min |
| Tensile Modulus (DAM) | 3,100 MPa |
| Tensile Stress at Yield (DAM) | 79 MPa |
| Nominal Tensile Strain at Break (DAM) | 15 - 30 % |
| Flexural Strength (DAM) | 110 MPa |
| Flexural Modulus (DAM) | 2,740 MPa |
| Izod Notched Impact Strength (23°C, DAM) | 53 J/m |
| Melting Temperature | 220 °C |
| Vicat Softening Point | 200 °C |
| Heat Deflection Temperature (HDT @ 0.45 MPa) | 180 °C |
| Heat Deflection Temperature (HDT @ 1.80 MPa) | 76 °C |
| Linear Mold Shrinkage | 1.10 - 1.60 % |
| Maximum Part Size | 800 x 600 mm |
| Minimum Part Size | 1 x 1 mm |