Structural Thermoset SMC and BMC Offer Designers Enhanced Properties

Structural thermosets are distinguished from standard SMC and BMC by the use of more specialized resins combined with higher levels of reinforcement (glass, carbon, aramid, etc.). This combination allows them to satisfy unique performance requirements. The added reinforcement provides additional strength and stiffness, while the special resin formulation protects the fibers and helps the high-performance compound achieve its overall properties. These properties can be changed by varying the type and quantity of its ingredients. For example, fiber type, length, and mix proportion would change its flow, strength, and rigidity; varying resin concentration and type would affect the overall strength along with the heat/corrosion resistance of the composite.

IDI’s Structural Thermoset SMC and Structural Thermoset BMC products have a number of important advantages over standard SMC and BMC, and commonly used materials such as metals and thermoplastics, causing design engineers and molders to convert their product designs to these high-performance compounds. By evaluating the attributes of these enhanced thermosets early in the design process, custom formulations can be created that take advantage of key material properties for specific applications. IDI products are RoHS and REACH compliant.

Tensile Strength: Structural Thermoset SMC and BMC offer higher tensile strength per unit weight than most metals and higher flexural strength than many thermoplastics. Structural thermosets maintain excellent strength and other physical properties during prolonged exposure to high and low temperatures. By contrast, metals and thermoplastics may bend or become brittle under the weight of applied loads in extreme temperatures.

Dimensional Stability: Structural thermosets provide dimensional stability in high-temperature environments; a thermoset part is far less susceptible to relaxation or creep failure than one made of thermoplastic. Structural compounds also shrink significantly less than thermoplastics, helping to ensure close tolerances in molded parts and often eliminating the need for secondary operations, such as drilling or machining.

Corrosion Resistance: Parts made from Structural Thermoset SMC and BMC do not rust or corrode when used outdoors or in harsh environments. Structural Thermoset Compounds provide long-term resistance to both moisture and chemicals.

Cost-Effective Alternative: Structural thermosets have very long life spans and feature low maintenance requirements. They also reduce manufacturing costs by enabling part consolidation and virtually eliminating final finishing and coloring.

Design Flexibility: Structural SMC and BMC can be molded using a variety of standard molding processes and tools, including high-volume and prototyping systems. And, due to their superior molding properties, structural thermosets enable complex shapes and intricate details that are impractical or even impossible to produce from metals.