🧩 PBT+ASA+GF20 – PBT + ASA 20% Glass Fiber
(Mixed technical composite material, made of Polybutylene Terephthalate (PBT) and Acrylonitrile Styrene Acrylate (ASA), reinforced with 20% glass fiber (GF20). Used in exterior automotive components and technical housings requiring thermal/chemical resistance, high rigidity, and UV stability.)
🔹 What is PBT+ASA+GF20
PBT+ASA+GF20 combines the toughness and dimensional stability of PBT with the UV resistance and smooth finish of ASA, adding 20% glass fiber for mechanical reinforcement.
The material is frequently found in exterior components and semi-structural parts, especially in BMW, Mercedes, Volkswagen, and Renault, for parts exposed to sunlight, vibrations, and moderate thermal shocks.
🔧 Composition
| Component | Typical Proportion | Role |
| PBT | 50–55 % | Dimensional stability, thermal resistance |
| ASA | 25–30 % | UV resistance, smooth finish, superior aesthetics |
| Glass Fiber (GF20) | 20 % | Rigidity and mechanical strength |
| Additives | < 5 % | Thermal protection and uniform color |
🚗 Where it is used in the automotive industry
| Component | Example parts | Observations |
| Exterior Caps/Panels | Side skirts, trim panels, headlight covers | UV stable, rigid |
| Technical Housings | ECU cases, EGR covers, guides | Thermally stable |
| Sun-Exposed Interior | Dashboard frames, center consoles | Matte or semi-glossy finish |
| Support/Fixing Parts | Cable mounts, corner brackets, connectors | High dimensional stability |
🔩 What to Weld with (Material Compatibility)
- PBT+ASA, PBT-GF, PBT+ABS ✅ — Weldable (heat plate, ultrasonic).
- PC+PBT, Xenoy®, Valox® ⚠️ — Partially compatible (requires thermal control).
- ASA, PBT, PBT+GF30 ⚠️ — Possible (but with melting point differences).
- PP, PE, PA, PVC, PET ❌ — Chemically and thermally incompatible.
🏭 Manufacturers and Trade Names
- SABIC: Valoy® PBT/ASA GF20
- DuPont: Crastin® PBT+ASA GF20
- BASF: Ultradur® B+ASA GF20
🧠 How to Identify
- Marking:
>PBT+ASA+GF20<,>Valoy-GF20<,>Crastin-GF20<. - Texture: Fine, rigid, slightly glossy, dense.
- Density: ~1.40–1.46 g/cm³
- ReplastMD practical test: Self-extinguishing flame, faint ester scent (PBT), white-grey ash (fiber). Short glass fibers are visible at the break point.
🛠️ Welding at ReplastMD:
- Heat Plate (Mirror): 250 – 270 °C (Recommended – excellent melting control).
- Ultrasonic / Vibration: ✅ Ideal (For rigid housings and covers).
💡 ReplastMD Recommendation: Welding is done with hot air or ultrasonic methods, using PBT+ASA or PBT+GF rods. Temperature control is critical — ASA can discolor if overheated.