Thermoset Composites in HVAC Provide Structural Integrity in Adverse Environments

Applications in the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) market are benefiting from new higher performance materials. Components in this market have greater durability requirements than many other part designs. With a life expectancy of ten years or greater, the material must be able to withstand exposure to heat, corrosives, and condensation while maintaining strength. Traditionally dominated by metal, design engineers and manufacturers are increasingly converting to thermoset composites for their molded materials needs.

Thermoset Sheet Molding Compound (SMC), Bulk Molding Compound (BMC) and IDI’s new lines of high performance composites (Ultrium, Fortium, Flamevex and Alluralite) that are manufactured for the most demanding applications are corrosion resistant and flame resistant, and are able to maintain their structural integrity under exposure to elevated temperatures, all key properties for HVAC applications. Its sound dampening properties eliminate unwanted ambient noise within HVAC assemblies, a key selling point for consumers. Converting to thermoset composite materials is also safer for assembly operators and installers who are no longer exposed to sharp metal edges common in sheet metal HVAC product designs.