Click on the link below to view the press release:
http://www.idicomposites.com/files/IDI%20CI%20New%20Sampling%20Capability%20PR.pdf
IDI Composites International, the premier global formulator and manufacturer of thermoset molding compounds, recently invested in new equipment for increased short run production and pilot plant capabilities for sheet molding compound (SMC). The equipment is also suited for sampling, testing, and new product development. With this upgrade, IDI will increase throughput in its SMC line by allowing their primary production line to remain dedicated exclusively to high volume runs.
This upgrade was made in response to increasing global demand for thermoset composites as a replacement for metals across a wide range of applications. The new equipment will have the same capabilities as IDI’s high volume equipment. Material width is up to 36 inches.
The manufacture of SMC is a continuous process in which the material (a viscous paste comprised of base resin matrix, chemical thickener, and pigment) is metered onto a polyethylene and nylon film. Glass fibers are chopped and randomly deposited on the paste to provide the desired glass content. Paste is also metered onto a top layer of polyethylene and nylon film. The top and bottom films then come together and sandwich the chopped glass in the middle. The material then travels through a compaction unit that kneads the paste into the glass for proper wet-out. The finished material is packaged in festoon fashion into either a box or returnable container. The material is
