GRAFE develops an efficient alternative for the most common automotive blacks
With the new BASE BLACK masterbatch for polypropylene (PP), GRAFE, Blankenhain, has developed an efficient alternative for the most common automotive black shades, which, in addition to its permanent availability – sample quantities are shipped the same day for production tests – also offers a significantly better price level compared to an OEM direct color. In addition, the masterbatch can also be flexibly adjusted.
“Our BASE BLACK masterbatch already achieves excellent color values at standard parameters in the production process, which are within the OEM tolerance and only deviate slightly from the direct colors,” reports Lars Schulze, Head of Colour Development and Material Sciences, referring to minimal differences when comparing L*a*b* color values at Audi/VW, Daimler, Renault/Dacia, Tesla or BMW, for example. “The development is used for rapid initial sampling and can be brought to the target through process optimization,” he adds.
“We are happy to support our customers in the final optimization step to the perfect color because BASE BLACK can already be adjusted in the production process by minimal parameter shifts – for example, in dosage, processing temperature, or pressure,” explains Johannes Grau, Strategic Accounts Mobility Solutions. “Our product represents an alternative to the otherwise usual detailed settings that are adjusted to the polymer and component,” he adds. In addition, it could also reduce warehousing costs.
Grau points to the overall package of holistic service: “We support with our many years of know-how in product development, the release process at the OEM as well as during series production.” GRAFE has a comprehensive portfolio of OEM color formulations and supplies masterbatch and compound formulations for automotive interior colors to renowned manufacturers such as Audi, Bentley, BMW, Ford, Iveco, Jaguar, Lamborghini, Land Rover, MAN, Mercedes-Benz, Opel, Peugeot/PSA, Porsche, Renault, Seat, Škoda, Volvo and Volkswagen. The group of companies works strictly according to the standards of DIN EN ISO 9001, IATF 16949 as well as ISO EN 50001 and is certified as such.
The products are checked by highly qualified specialists in the in-house laboratory before delivery using the latest testing technology. Further expertise that flows into the quality and monitoring of the materials comes from the employees in the analytics department, in the color design center as well as in the technical center – altogether, about one-third of the staff. In cooperation with research and design institutes, the focus is on the development of innovative products. GRAFE products are available quickly and without complications thanks to experience and flexibility in the various manufacturing processes.