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Custom Formulated Sheet & Bulk Molding Compounds

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Sheet Molding Compounds (SMC)

Sheet Molding Compound Offers Superior Strength and Electrical Insulation

Sheet Molding CompoundSheet 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).

SMC Manufacturing ProcessThermoset 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 Compounds (BMC)

Bulk Molding Compound Offers Excellent Flow Characteristics

Bulk Molding CompoundBulk 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.

Material Performance

Material Description

Product

Flame Resistant

IDI's Flamevex materials offer a range of flame performance levels that can be tailored to an OEMs requirements. From UL 94 V0 and 5VA to the Bonfire testing levels, we work with customers to identify the flame performance level best suited for their application.

Flamevex

Lightweight & Aesthetic

These materials are intended for use in automotive or transportation body panels that require painting. These composite materials exhibit a minimal expansion characteristic. They are not intended to have superior color properties but will provide a suitable surface for adhesion and surface quality.

Alluralite

High Glass Fiber Composites

Reinforced with 40% - 65% discontinuous glass fiber, this high level of reinforcement imparts high strength and impact resistance to these composite materials. The discontinuous nature of the reinforcement allows these materials to be molded into complex geometries by compression molding processes.

Fortium

Carbon Fiber Composites

Raise the bar on stiffness as a function of weight, these products are well suited for complex geometric applications that require performance optimized high stiffness and low weight.

Ultrium

Custom Formulated Sheet (SMC) & Bulk Molding Compounds (BMC)

Material Performance

Material Description

SMC Series
Number

BMC Series
Number

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

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

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.

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