Start of the Partnership: AMINO’s Innovative Proposal
The partnership began with an initiative by AMINO, which identified the customer’s need — a major manufacturer in the automotive sector — to optimize costs without compromising product quality. Aware of the customer’s commercial and margin constraints, AMINO’s technical team proposed replacing the traditional polyurethane system with a low-density material, a solution already proven in similar aftermarket applications.
The proposal was well received following successful technical tests that demonstrated the maintenance of the required physical properties. The project advanced rapidly, with the material virtually approved and the final submission process underway.
Understanding the Applied PU Systems
The customer uses two main polyurethane systems supplied by AMINO:
- Adherent PU (Rigid, non-expanding): Applied in oil filters, this system requires high thermal and chemical resistance due to direct contact with lubricants and high operating temperatures.
- Expanding PU: Used in air filters, where sealing occurs through structural fitting. Since it does not come into direct contact with oil and operates at lower temperatures (up to 80°C), it allows more flexibility in formulation, including the use of reduced densities.
Both systems are tailored to the customer’s requirements and meet the standards required by automakers, even without the need for government agency approval, thanks to a proven supply track record with well-known manufacturers in the sector.
Technical Requirements and Process Adjustments
Despite being a lower-density material — and therefore with lower per-part consumption and cost — the developed system remains fully compatible with the customer’s manufacturing processes. AMINO had previously supplied the high-density system and, based on this prior knowledge, adjusted the formulation to maintain the same demolding, injection, and curing times, ensuring production continuity.
These adjustments take into account each customer’s specific conditions, such as geometries, hardness, and deformation resistance. AMINO’s technical expertise ensures that the material molds to the filter shape and fulfills its structural and sealing functions, even with reduced mass.
Sustainability as Added Value
Adopting low-density PU directly contributes to industrial sustainability. Using less material per part proportionally reduces CO₂ emissions associated with the manufacturing and transport of inputs.
This alignment with sustainable practices reinforces AMINO’s commitment to delivering innovative and environmentally responsible solutions, anticipating strategic movements in the automotive market toward decarbonization.
This case study exemplifies how applied innovation and technical expertise can transform cost challenges into opportunities for industrial and sustainable gains. The partnership with this automotive sector client reinforces AMINO’s role as a benchmark in polyurethane solutions tailored to the specific demands of each application and segment.
About Amino
Flexible PU foams play a fundamental role in various industries, and choosing the right system and additives is crucial for achieving the desired performance. If you’d like to learn more about how to optimize your production processes and explore Amino’s full range of additives and solutions, get in touch with us. We’re ready to help you find the best solutions for your production needs!