BASE BLACK: flexible adjustment and permanently available 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.

BASE BLACK: flexible adjustment and permanently available 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.

BATCHTRAIN is designed for operators who want precise formulation with less manual guesswork. This semi-automated workstation offers guided batching for solid and liquid ingredients—ideal for small-scale or modular production setups where space, training time, or integration resources are limited.

Form follows function. This sentence should be the first thing you consider when thinking about product design. Components are often designed in such a way that they look good, but do not meet the technical requirements for their actual use and the processing process. Even optical components can only achieve good quality with the help of sensible processes and optimized geometry.​ Would you like to achieve greater process reliability, greater efficiency in the manufacturing process and avoid the costs of unnecessary development errors, or achieve a higher profit in the long term?​ Through our component optimization based on injection molding simulation and our experience, we help you achieve greater efficiency and quality in the entire subsequent production chain with significantly lower follow-up costs.​ ​The earlier the topology optimization takes place, the more component and process errors can be avoided. Exploit the optimization potential early on to enable good parts to be produced later on during the first sampling. We'll show you how it's done!

Bayka Color Your competent partner for color concentrates and functional masterbatches

• Intuitive operation • Available in 12 languages • Clear presentation of the large portfolio • Time-saving purchasing process • Creation of bill of materials • Easy access to the new newsletter for all interested parties • CAD data available for download • Free standard shipping with online orders • No minimum order value for online orders • Modern / up-to-date design • Advanced search and filter options • Ability to import and process entire bill of materials • Creation of customized items • All relevant information directly on the product page (videos, CE conformity certificates, user manuals, safety data sheets, etc.)

• Above-average scratch and abrasion resistance • High-quality appearance by means of high transparency • Exceptionally good resistance to creams, cleaning agents & chemicals • Various plastic substrates e.g. PC, PA • 2D- and 3D- Geometries • Climatic cycle test, hydrolysis test, light-fast • Temperature range from -40 to +105°C • Tested in accordance with TL226

Many content-protection masterbatches still contain benzotriazole compounds, which the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) may list as substances of very high concern (SVHC). If this happens, the substances would become subject to specific authorisation requirements. Further substances have been added step by step since 2023, and additional recommendations for inclusion are expected in 2026. Lifocolor therefore offers alternatives to benzotriazole-containing masterbatches with UV absorbers, including solutions for polyesters (PET and CoPET). The further developed LIFOSTAB portfolio includes masterbatches for protecting the content of numerous polymers, including a product for recycled plastics that is made entirely from recyclate.

efa works with companies to develop financing solutions for the investment needs of sustainable and climate-friendly production and its development.

With its consulting services on production, digitalization, product development and design, efa offers an easy entry into a resource-saving and efficient economy.