Bumpy Road Conditions Are No Match for BASF's Oil Pan Test Challenge
Collaboration with Dana Holding Corporation validates results
WYANDOTTE, MI, September 25, 2009 - The Sealing Products Group of Dana Holding Corporation and BASF conducted an oil pan module study to demonstrate and validate that Ultramid® PA (polyamide) can perform not only as an oil pan, but also as an oil pan that integrates and combines multiple components and functions. Benefits compared to conventional design in metal include weight and cost reduction, as well as consolidation of parts and functions allowing for a simplified installation and assembly process.
End-consumers can also benefit from a quieter drive by noise reduction and increased sump capacity that can lead to longer service intervals.
Dana's Victor Reinz® design coupled with BASF's material and propriety CAE analysis and analytical tools all confirmed that Ultramid® PA is capable of meeting the material and functional requirements of this demanding application. BASF optimized the oil pan design to meet various performance challenges ranging from noise, vibration, harshness (NVH), sealing and stone impact. BASF also validated the joint Dana/BASF design using the advanced ULTRASIM(TM) technology during the various development phases. BASF's unique ULTRASIM(TM) technology was used to predict the stone impact resistance and static crash load simulations. When measured on actual parts, the predicted critical panel breathing mode was within 1.8 percent of lab tests. The sophisticated sealing analysis allowed for a high level of accuracy in predicting the long-term creep behavior of the oil pan produced in Ultramid® PA at 120 degrees Celsius for 10,000 hours to ensure that adequate gasket sealing pressure was maintained for the lifetime of the oil pan module.
"We quickly embraced the hands-on, practical test of our oil pan module by placing it on a Dodge Durango driven every day on Michigan freeways," said David Nash, Engineering Director, Dana Sealing Products Group. "Several of Michigan's highways are under construction and that really put the material and design to the test."
"This type of real-life demonstration, conceived and implemented by BASF, is proof-positive that BASF is an innovative and pioneering company focused on bringing innovative applications to the consumer market," said Michael Britt, Group Vice President for BASF's Engineering Plastics business in North America. "Customer satisfaction is what wins in today's markets. Companies that are focused on the end result and consumer satisfaction are going to be successful today and in the future."
Concurrently, in response to OEM concerns about stone impact, BASF developed a unique Ultramid PA grade optimized for stone impact, working in conjunction with Dana's innovative rib design. Initial results show that oil pans can be designed in Ultramid PA to meet or exceed the stone impact performance of conventional metal based components.
For more information contact:
Kathy Dennis
BASF Corporation
Tel: (973) 245-6288
E-mail: Kathy.dennis@basf.com
BASF - The Chemical Company. We don't make a lot of the products you buy.
We make a lot of the products you buy better.®
BASF Corporation, headquartered in Florham Park, New Jersey, is the North American affiliate of BASF SE, Ludwigshafen, Germany. BASF has more than 15,000 employees in North America, and had sales of approximately $17.5 billion in 2008. For more information about BASF's North American operations, or to sign up to receive news releases by e-mail, visit www.basf.com/usa.
BASF is the world's leading chemical company: The Chemical Company. Its portfolio ranges from chemicals, plastics and performance products to agricultural products, fine chemicals, as well as oil and gas. As a reliable partner, BASF helps its customers in virtually all industries to be more successful. With its high-value products and intelligent solutions, BASF plays an important role in finding answers to global challenges, such as climate protection, energy efficiency, nutrition and mobility. BASF has approximately 97,000 employees and posted sales of more than Euros62 billion in 2008. BASF shares are traded on the stock exchanges in Frankfurt (BAS), London (BFA) and Zurich (AN). Further information on BASF is available on the Internet at www.basf.com.
About Dana Holding Corporation
Dana is a world leader in the supply of axles; driveshafts; and structural, sealing, and thermal-management products; as well as genuine service parts.
The company's customer base includes virtually every major vehicle and engine manufacturer in the global automotive, commercial vehicle, and off-highway markets, which collectively produce more than 70 million vehicles annually. Founded in 1904 and based in Toledo, Ohio, the company employs approximately 35,000 people in 26 countries. In 2007, Dana reported sales of $8.7 billion. For more information, please visit www.dana.com.
Celebrating its 100th year, the Dana Sealing Products Group designs and manufactures cylinder-head and secondary gaskets, engine cover modules, and thermal-acoustical protective shielding for the light- and commercial-vehicle markets. Products are marketed under the Victor Reinz® brand name.
http://dana.com/Automotive_Systems/SealingSystems/
