BASF’s Ultrasim® Celebrates 25 Years of Pioneering CAE Simulation for Plastics and Foams

BASF’s Ultrasim® Celebrates 25 Years of Pioneering CAE Simulation for Plastics and Foams

(IN BRIEF) BASF’s Ultrasim® has marked 25 years as a leader in computer-aided engineering (CAE) simulation for plastics and foams since its launch in 1999. The platform has continually evolved, offering advanced simulation methods, extensive material data, and convenient web services. Ultrasim® has supported BASF customers across diverse industries, enabling them to develop sustainable innovations in automotive, renewable energy, footwear, and more. The platform’s success is attributed to its pioneering integration of internet technology for data-driven material optimization, leading to enhanced product performance and reduced development costs.

(PRESS RELEASE) LUDWIGSHAFEN, 17-Jun-2024 — /EuropaWire/ — Since its inception in 1999, Ultrasim® has been at the forefront of computer-aided engineering (CAE) simulation for plastics and foams, pioneering groundbreaking advancements that continue to redefine industry standards. Originally introduced by BASF, Ultrasim® has evolved into a comprehensive platform offering unique simulation methods, extensive material data, and easy-to-access web services.

Stefan Glaser, Vice President of Simulation Engineering & Ultrasim®, reminisces about the early days: “The late 1990s were a pivotal time. We were leveraging the internet’s emergence to connect data on BASF’s plastic materials, optimizing our customers’ product development processes—an entirely novel approach back then.”

Over the past quarter-century, Ultrasim® has expanded its capabilities significantly, introducing new simulation services annually to cater to diverse applications of BASF materials. Today, it encompasses process design simulations such as filling and foaming, as well as mechanical analyses like static and crash simulations. These simulations utilize precise material models, accounting for factors such as strain rate, temperature, and moisture content, crucial for optimizing material performance during processing.

Josef R. Wünsch, Senior Vice President of Research & Development Performance Materials, highlights Ultrasim®’s impact: “Ultrasim® has enabled our customers across various sectors to drive remarkable innovations. From automotive components to renewable energy solutions, the platform has facilitated sustainable advancements in product design.”

Ultrasim® not only enhances product performance but also promotes sustainability by minimizing waste, time, and energy in part development. Customers benefit from a global network of Ultrasim® experts collaborating closely with BASF’s technical teams to deliver tailored solutions that meet specific industry needs.

Looking ahead, Wünsch emphasizes ongoing innovation: “Ultrasim® continues to evolve. Our latest breakthrough, Ultrasim® Web Services, exemplifies our commitment to advancing CAE simulations. These web-based tools integrate seamlessly into customers’ development processes, offering intuitive interfaces and 24/7 accessibility.”

For more information about Ultrasim® and its comprehensive portfolio of services, visit www.ultrasim.basf.com.

About BASF

At BASF, we create chemistry for a sustainable future. We combine economic success with environmental protection and social responsibility. Around 112,000 employees in the BASF Group contribute to the success of our customers in nearly all sectors and almost every country in the world. Our portfolio comprises six segments: Chemicals, Materials, Industrial Solutions, Surface Technologies, Nutrition & Care and Agricultural Solutions. BASF generated sales of €68.9 billion in 2023. BASF shares are traded on the stock exchange in Frankfurt (BAS) and as American Depositary Receipts (BASFY) in the United States. Further information at www.basf.com.

About BASF’s Performance Materials division

BASF’s Performance Materials division is at the forefront of the much-needed sustainability transformation in plastics. Our products are co-created with customers around the globe to bring innovations to major industry sectors such as transportation, consumer goods, industrial applications, and construction. Our R&D focuses on all stages of the plastics journey: Make, Use and Recycle. The MAKE phase is about improving how plastics are made, from product design to the choice of raw materials and the manufacturing process itself. The USE phase enhances plastics’ strengths such as light weight, robustness, and thermal resistance. At the end of the product lifecycle, the RECYCLE phase looks at how to close the loop to achieve a circular economy. In 2023, the Performance Materials division achieved global sales of €7.2 billion. Join #ourplasticsjourney at: https://www.performance-materials.basf.com.

Media Contact:

Sonje Sironi
Tel: +49 621 60-22249
Tel: +49 151 23722965
sonje.sironi@basf.com

SOURCE: BASF