Sheet Molding Compounds
SMC is a combination of long chopped glass strands, mineral fillers and liquid thermosetting resin in the form of a malleable sheet material. Processing of SMC of is typically done by compression or injection molding.
Bulk Molding Compounds
BMC is a combination of short chopped glass strands, mineral fillers and liquid thermosetting resin in the form of a bulk material. BMC is suitable for either compression or injection molding.
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View The SMC/BMC Product Matrix |
Sheet Molding Compound Offers Superior Strength and Electrical Insulation
Sheet Molding Compound (SMC) is a compression molding compound often used for larger parts where higher mechanical strength is needed. SMC is a fiber reinforced thermoset material. Glass reinforcement is between 10% and 60%, and glass length is slightly longer than Bulk Molding Compound (BMC) - between 1/2-inch and 1-inch (25mm).
Thermoset Sheet Molding Compound (SMC) is a mixture of polymer resin, inert fillers, fiber reinforcement, catalysts, pigments and stabilizers, release agents, and thickeners and possesses strong dielectric properties. Manufacture of sheet molding compounds is a continuous in-line process. The material is sheathed both top and bottom with a polyethylene or nylon plastic film to prevent auto-adhesion. The paste is spread uniformly onto the bottom film. Chopped glass fibers are randomly deposited onto the paste. The top film is introduced and the sandwich is rolled into a pre-determined thickness. The sheet is allowed to mature for 48 hours.
Sheet molding compounds can be molded into complex shapes. Superior mechanical properties and surface appearance, plus excellent electrical insulation make this thermoset material ideal for automotive Class A body panels, high-strength electrical parts, business equipment cabinets, personal watercraft, and various structural components.
Bulk Molding Compound Offers Excellent Flow Characteristics
Bulk Molding Compound (BMC) is a thermoset plastic resin blend of various inert fillers, fiber reinforcement, catalysts, stabilizers, and pigments that form a viscous, 'puttylike' injection molding compound. Bulk Molding Compound (BMC) is highly filled and reinforced with short fibers. Glass reinforcement represents between 10% and 30%, with glass length typically between 1/32-inch and 1/2-inch (12.5mm). Depending on the end-use application, bulk molding compounds are formulated to achieve close dimensional control, flame and track resistance, electrical insulation, corrosion and stain resistance, superior mechanical properties, low shrink, and color stability. Its excellent flow characteristics, dielectric properties, and flame resistance make this thermoset material well-suited to a wide variety of applications requiring precision in detail and dimensions as well as high performance. The material is available in a broad selection of colors, and can tolerate powder-coat or water-based paint.
Custom Formulated Sheet (SMC) & Bulk Molding Compounds (BMC) |
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Material Performance |
Material Description |
SMC Series |
BMC Series |
General Purpose |
General purpose composite materials with a wide range of applications. Suitable applications are typically structural in nature with no flammability requirements. |
S10 |
B10 |
Heat and Corrosion Resistant |
Composite materials intended for use in sanitary, cookware, appliance and indirect food contact applications. |
S20 |
B20 |
Low Shrink Materials |
Low shrink composite materials. Well suited for applications requiring shrink <0.1%. |
S30 |
B30 |
UV Stable |
These materials are suitable for use in applications requiring superior colorfastness & physical property retention upon exposure to UV and visible light. |
S51 |
B51 |
Low Flame & Smoke Toxicity |
These materials provide low flame & smoke toxicity in accordance with ASTM E162 and E662 standards. |
S52 |
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Corrosion Resistant |
These composites are typically unsaturated polyester or epoxy vinyl ester materials formulated to meet the strict performance requirements of pumps, pipe flanges & underground applications that are impacted by corrosive environments. |
S90 |
B90 |
Dielectric & Flame Resistant |
DielectriteTM is suitable for electrical applications requiring a composite material that possesses a UL Yellow card and flammability performance from UL94 HB, V-0 & 5VA. These materials can be found in Underwriters Laboratory file E53587. |
E200 Series |
40 Series |
Electrical Insulators & Flame Resistant |
These high strength Rosite BMC composites are suitable for use in electrical applications requiring materials that possesses dielectric properties and flammability performance from UL94 HB, V-0 & 5VA. These materials can be found in Underwriters Laboratory file E53587. |
3000 Series 6000 Series |
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Flame Resistant & Low Smoke Toxicity |
This composite is certified as a low smoke toxicity material with a UL94 V-0 flame rating. It's physical characteristics have been certified to meet several US Municipal Transit Authority specifications. |
46-16-60 |
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