Critical Safety and Security Applications Demand the Strength and Insulative Properties of Thermoset Composites

For safety and security applications, material failure can be much more than just an inconvenience. 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 can provide beneficial material characteristics for these applications that can't be easily obtained with metals or thermoplastics.

Helmets for construction workers, firemen, and mine workers not only have to provide resistance to the elements and protection from falling debris, they must also stand up to high temperatures and even flames without emitting toxic smoke or fumes. In addition to this, helmet mounted lighting and communications equipment used by firemen and miners can often mean the difference between life and death for themselves or those in need of rescue. Thermosets provide structural rigidity, dimensional control, high impact strength, UV and corrosion resistance, electrical insulation, heat and flame resistance, low smoke and toxicity emissions, and molded-in details for mounting equipment.

Thermoset composites for safety and security enhance instrument housings that must stand up to years of harsh weather, comply with OSHA color codes, and either resist radio broadcast interference, or allow it to pass through. Thermoset materials provide corrosion and UV resistance, molded-in color, and built in RFI/EMI/ESD resistance for radio transmission transparency.