One-stop solution from BASF makes polyurethane foam production faster and more cost efficient
- Autofroth® streamlines and stablizes production, reduces costs and enhances product performance
- Packaged PU solution offers a fast, low cost set up with technical support from BASF
- Returnable cylinders eliminate the need for drum disposal
Bangkok, Thailand – September 21, 2017 – A new one-stop solution from BASF will make polyurethane foam production faster and more cost efficient for manufacturers in Asia Pacific. The new packaged solution, Autofroth®, features an innovative system that integrates multiple rigid foam production processes by supplying high-performance polyurethane foam systems in convenient cylinders with easy-to-use dispensing equipment, all supported by BASF. Compared to conventional systems, Autofroth speeds up the production process, thereby significantly reducing costs and increasing product performance.
The two component system offers a fast, low-cost set up and the dispensing equipment can easily be maintained and operated at the site. Unlike conventional systems, the foam’s blowing agents are pre-blended into the cylinders in the Autofroth system. The refillable cylinders also make the solution a more sustainable alternative for the industry as it eliminates drum handling and disposal.
“Without having to use additional expensive machinery and purchase blowing agents separately, Autofroth has been an efficient, cost effective and simpler alternative for us,” said Somkiat Bovornwatcharakul, owner of Kiatsang Plastics Co., Ltd, an icebox manufacturer based in Thailand. “The integrated system simplifies the production process, shortens lead time and lowers maintenance cost, which in turn helps us achieve higher production capacities.”
The unique rigid foam solution consistently produces high-quality foam with excellent flow characteristics, which adheres readily to most substrates. It is also available in a wide variety of densities, properties and reactivity profiles which make it possible to produce foams suitable for anything from light, thin cross-sections to heavy structural parts.
“The Autofroth packaged solution enables stable and reliable process control. It has become a major alternative for the industry as one of the traditional blowing agents, HCFC-141B, is being phased out in Asia,” added Kananart Srisremphan, Founder, Kao-Har Pro Company Limited. “From project planning to final commissioning, BASF provides technical expertise and deep knowledge on project execution which help us ensure the smooth launch of this technology at our site.”
Autofroth has also proven its durability and performance in other applications, such as refrigeration equipment and construction panels.
“Our customers in Asia have shown recognition of the excellent performance of Autofroth. The technology sets a new benchmark for the manufacturing industry,” said Andy Postlethwaite, Senior Vice President, Performance Materials Asia Pacific, BASF.
More information about Autofroth is available on the internet at http://www.polyurethanes.basf.us/products/name/autofroth.
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 a 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 2016, the Performance Materials division achieved global sales of € 6.9 billion. More information online: www.performance-materials.basf.com
About BASF
At BASF, we create chemistry for a sustainable future. We combine economic success with environmental protection and social responsibility. The approximately 114,000 employees in the BASF Group work on contributing to the success of our customers in nearly all sectors and almost every country in the world. Our portfolio is organized into five segments: Chemicals, Performance Products, Functional Materials & Solutions, Agricultural Solutions and Oil & Gas. BASF generated sales of about €58 billion in 2016. BASF shares are traded on the stock exchanges in Frankfurt (BAS), London (BFA) and Zurich (BAS). Further information at www.basf.com.
Media Contacts
Beverley Tan
Performance Materials Asia Pacific
Phone: +65 6432 3284
beverley.tan@basf.com
Teerarat Veetlopchaiyavuth
Phone: +66 2 624 1822
Fax: +66 2 664 9221
Mobile: +66 81 836 3524
teerarat.veetlopchaiyavuth@basf.com
