Question 1

What kind of company is AT Polymer?

Accepted Answer

AT Polymer is the official distributor of BASF engineering plastics in Korea.

AT Polymer handles BASF's entire engineering plastics portfolio, including Ultramid® (PA6/PA66), Ultradur® (PBT), Ultraform® (POM), and Ultrason® (PES/PPSU), providing technical support and logistics services.

Question 2

What is the nature of the partnership between BASF and AT Polymer?

Accepted Answer

AT Polymer is an official Authorized Distributor of BASF SE, receiving products directly from BASF headquarters. We guarantee genuine products and serve as a conduit for BASF's technical support and material property data to our customers.

Question 3

Can I receive sample materials for mold try-outs before mass production?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you can. If you are considering applying new materials or changing existing product specifications, we provide test samples (typically 25kg) after a technical consultation (Application Review).

To enhance our customers' project success rates, we go beyond simply providing samples and also propose optimal processing conditions (Processing Data).

Question 4

What products does AT Polymer handle?

Accepted Answer

AT Polymer handles the following BASF engineering plastics:

• Ultramid® (PA6/PA66) - Polyamide series, for automotive/industrial applications

• Ultradur® (PBT) - Polybutylene terephthalate, for electrical/electronic applications

• Ultraform® (POM) - Polyoxymethylene (Acetal), for precision mechanical parts

• Ultrason® (PES/PPSU) - High-heat resistant specialty engineering plastics

Question 5

Can I receive technical consultation?

Accepted Answer

Yes, AT Polymer provides technical consultation services, from material selection to design optimization. You can submit your inquiry via the contact form on our website or call us at 02-2675-2711, and a dedicated engineer will assist you. If necessary, we can also connect you with technical experts from BASF headquarters for in-depth support.

Question 6

Are services available outside of Seoul?

Accepted Answer

Yes, nationwide delivery is available. Beyond our Seoul headquarters, we deliver anywhere in the country via courier and cargo transport. For large orders, direct delivery using dedicated logistics vehicles is also possible.

Question 7

Can I obtain various certification documents, such as for environmental regulations (RoHS, REACH) and flame retardancy (UL)?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you can. We have comprehensive documentation that meets the strict global environmental and safety regulatory standards required by various industries, including automotive, electrical/electronics, and medical devices. Upon request, we can promptly provide the latest updated RoHS, REACH (SVHC), IMDS input data, UL Yellow Card, and FDA certification documents through the BASF global system.

Question 8

What are the differences between PA6 and PA66?

Accepted Answer

Both PA6 (Polyamide 6) and PA66 (Polyamide 66) are nylon-based materials, but they have key differences:

• Heat Resistance: PA66 (HDT/B ~255°C) is approximately 40°C higher than PA6 (HDT/B ~215°C).

• Stiffness: PA66 offers about 5-10% higher tensile strength compared to PA6.

• Impact Strength: PA6 exhibits superior impact absorption performance compared to PA66.

• Processability: PA6 has lower processing temperatures and better flowability.

• Price: PA6 is generally more economical than PA66.

For high-temperature environments, PA66 (Ultramid® A series) is recommended, while for general-purpose and impact-critical environments, PA6 (Ultramid® B series) is advised.

Question 9

Is a Certificate of Analysis (COA) provided with product shipments?

Accepted Answer

Yes, all products supplied by AT Polymer undergo rigorous quality control in accordance with global standards. To facilitate our customers' incoming quality control (IQC) and on-site safety management, a Certificate of Analysis (COA) for each production lot is provided as standard for all outgoing shipments.

Question 10

What are the differences based on glass fiber (GF) content?

Accepted Answer

As glass fiber (GF) content increases, the following changes occur:

• Tensile Strength / Modulus: Increases proportionally with GF content. GF50% provides more than 5 times the stiffness compared to unreinforced material.

• Heat Deflection Temperature (HDT): Significantly improves, enabling high-temperature applications.

• Impact Strength: Notched impact strength improves, but unnotched impact strength may decrease.

• Shrinkage: Decreases, improving dimensional stability.

• Surface Quality: As GF content increases, glass fibers may become exposed on the surface.

Generally, GF30% (EG6/WG6) offers the optimal balance of performance and processability.

Question 11

What is the difference in heat resistance between PBT and PA?

Accepted Answer

Comparing the heat resistance of PBT (Ultradur®) and PA (Ultramid®):

• Short-term Heat Resistance: PBT ~200°C, PA6 ~220°C, PA66 ~260°C.

• HDT/A (1.80 MPa): PBT GF30% ~210°C, PA66 GF30% ~250°C.

• Moisture Absorption Effect: PBT is stable with minimal property changes due to moisture absorption.

While PA66 offers superior pure heat resistance, PBT is more suitable in environments where dimensional stability and electrical insulation are critical.

Question 12

What applications is POM suitable for?

Accepted Answer

POM (Ultraform®) is ideal for parts requiring the following characteristics:

• High-precision mechanical parts: Gears, cams, latches, clips, etc.

• Low-friction/wear-resistant parts: Bearings, sliders, guide rails, etc.

• Spring-elastic parts: Snap-fits, clips, fasteners, etc.

• Food/drinking water contact parts: Water valves, food machinery components (FDA, NSF 61 certified).

Compared to PA6/PA66, POM has a very low moisture absorption rate (0.8% vs 6-9%), resulting in minimal dimensional changes and excellent spring-back properties.

Question 13

Which materials offer excellent chemical resistance?

Accepted Answer

Materials with excellent chemical resistance vary depending on the application:

• Oil/Fuel Contact: PA66 (Ultramid® A series) is excellent.

• Coolant (Glycol-based): Heat-stabilized PA66 grades (A3WG6) are suitable.

• Organic Solvents: POM (Ultraform®) shows excellent resistance to most organic solvents.

• Acids/Alkalis: PBT (Ultradur®) is stable against weak acids and alkalis.

For detailed chemical resistance data for specific chemical environments, please contact our technical team.

Question 14

Which regions can AT Polymer supply to?

Accepted Answer

AT Polymer supports customers expanding their business not only in the domestic market but also into Asia and North America (USA, Canada, Mexico) by providing logistics and supply chain solutions optimized for local conditions.

Question 15

What are the packaging units and forms?

Accepted Answer

Standard packaging for BASF engineering plastics:

• 25kg PE bag

• 1,000kg Octabin

• 500~1,000kg Flacon Bag

All packaging includes lot number, production date, material property certificate, and is affixed with BASF's genuine product label.

Question 16

How is quality managed during delivery?

Accepted Answer

Since engineering plastics are sensitive to moisture absorption, we ensure they are delivered in sealed packaging. Especially for PA6/PA66, moisture-proof packaging is used, and during hot seasons, transportation avoids direct sunlight as a principle. All shipments include a Lot-specific Certificate of Analysis (CoA).

Question 17

What is the Minimum Order Quantity (MOQ)?

Accepted Answer

For general-purpose grades, standard packaging units include small PE bags, paper bags (pallet units), large Octabins, IBC Fiberboards, and Flecon bags.

We generally recommend quantities of 3 tons or more. However, for special specifications or products distributed within Korea, orders below 3 tons may be possible, and the minimum order unit may vary. Therefore, the exact MOQ will be provided by our sales representative after the desired grade is confirmed.

Question 18

What is the Minimum Order Quantity (MOQ)?

Accepted Answer

For general-purpose grades, standard packaging units include small PE bags, paper bags (pallet units), large Octabins, IBC Fiberboards, and Flecon bags. We generally recommend quantities of 1 to 3 tons or more. However, for special specifications or products distributed within Korea, orders below 3 tons may be possible, and the minimum order unit may vary. Therefore, the exact MOQ will be provided by our sales representative after the desired grade is confirmed. Small quantities for testing and development purposes can be discussed separately.

Question 19

Can I order samples?

Accepted Answer

Yes, samples are available for material evaluation and testing purposes. For general-purpose grades, a 25kg paid sample is provided. For new project development, free samples may be supported upon discussion. Please select 'Sample Request' in the inquiry form to apply.

Question 20

Are there price discounts for large orders?

Accepted Answer

Yes, volume discounts are available based on order quantity. Discussions are typically based on annual usage, and long-term supply contracts can ensure stable pricing and supply. For specific pricing inquiries, please contact our sales team at 02-2675-2711.

Question 21

What is the lead time for product orders?

Accepted Answer

BASF engineering plastic products supplied by AT Polymer are primarily operated on a Make To Order (MTO) basis to maintain optimal quality.

■ Standard Order Schedule (Production Lead Time):

• M-2 Order (2 months before desired delivery month): Korea production

• M-3 Order (3 months before desired delivery month): BASF overseas production sites (Germany, USA, China, Malaysia, etc.)

■ Additional Logistics Time by Destination:

• Delivery within Korea: No additional time

• East Asia and Southeast Asia: Standard schedule + approximately 2 weeks additional time

• North America (USA, Canada, Mexico): Standard schedule + approximately 5 weeks additional time

※ Detailed delivery times may vary slightly depending on factory utilization and vessel schedules at the time of order. We recommend consulting with a sales representative in advance for smooth project progression.

Question 22

How do I proceed with a regular supply contract?

Accepted Answer

Regular supply contract procedure:

1. Share annual estimated consumption and grade information.

2. AT Polymer sales team proposes optimal supply conditions.

3. Conclude supply contract (confirming price, delivery, and payment terms).

4. Execute monthly/quarterly regular deliveries.

Customers with regular contracts receive benefits such as priority stock allocation, price stability, and priority technical support.

Question 23

I want to replace existing metal parts with plastic (Metal Replacement). Can I get a consultation?

Accepted Answer

This is one of the core competencies of AT Polymer and BASF. Replacing metal with plastic not only enables lightweighting but also significant cost reduction through shortened assembly processes.

By analyzing your drawings and required properties (load, heat resistance, chemical resistance, etc.), we propose optimal material solutions based on ultra-high stiffness/high-heat resistant engineering plastics (e.g., Glass Fiber high content Ultramid®) that can replace metal.

Question 24

Is support for structural analysis and molding simulation (CAE/Moldflow) available during the product design phase?

Accepted Answer

Yes, support is available through our strategic partnership. AT Polymer provides premium engineering simulation solutions (Ultrasim®) in conjunction with the BASF Technical Center to minimize trial and error before mold production.

However, as this support involves significant technical resources, it is selectively provided after a comprehensive preliminary review with AT Polymer and BASF engineering teams, considering the project's scale, production feasibility, and strategic value of the application.

Question 25

How do I interpret a TDS (Technical Data Sheet)?

Accepted Answer

Guide to interpreting key TDS items:

• Tensile modulus: Indicates the material's stiffness; a higher value means greater rigidity.

• Tensile stress at yield/break: The stress at which the material yields/breaks, serving as a criterion for design allowable stress.

• Charpy notched impact: Impact strength in the presence of a notch; a lower value indicates greater brittleness.

• HDT (Heat Deflection Temperature): The temperature at which deformation begins under a specified load, with criteria for B (0.45 MPa) and A (1.80 MPa).

• Dry vs Conditioned: PA materials undergo significant property changes due to moisture absorption, so both conditions must be checked.

If you require detailed material property interpretation, please contact our technical team.

Question 26

I want to compare the properties of two materials.

Accepted Answer

You can find detailed material properties for each grade on the Products page of our website. Since the data is measured according to the same test standards (ISO standards), direct comparison is possible. If you require a comparison under specific application conditions, please submit a request via the inquiry form, and we will provide a customized material comparison report.

Question 27

What standards are used for material testing?

Accepted Answer

BASF's material property data is measured according to international standard test methods:

• Tensile Test: ISO 527-1/2 (specimen type 1A, 50mm/min)

• Impact Test: ISO 179/1eA (Charpy notched), ISO 179/1eU (unnotched)

• Flexural Test: ISO 178 (3-point bending)

• Heat Deflection Temperature: ISO 75-1/2 (HDT/A, HDT/B)

• Density: ISO 1183

• Melt Flow: ISO 1133 (MVR/MFR)

Specimens are injection molded according to ISO 294 and measured after conditioning at 23°C/50% RH.

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