Medical applications require many special considerations that make thermoset Bulk Molding Compound (BMC) and Sheet Molding Compound (SMC) the perfect choice over metals and thermoplastics. These applications often require a material that can stand up to harsh cleaning solvents, high-temperature sterilization, and even X-ray radiation exposure. Thermoset BMC and SMC have many material characteristics that make it ideal for medical applications such as:

• Molded-in color (no paint required)
• Excellent cosmetic appearance
• Antimicrobial properties
• Corrosion resistance
• High-temperature heat and flame resistance
• Dielectric properties
• X-ray transparency or opaqueness

Some of the medical applications that benefit from the use of BMC and SMC include:

• Instrumentation covers, bases, and components
• Standard and contagious/biohazard trash cans and receptacles
• X-ray film containers