More About Composites (3) Production Method - SMC
Sheet Molding Compound (SMC) is a type of sheet molding compound made of resin paste impregnated fiber or chopped fiber mat, covered with polyethylene film on both sides, belonging to the scope of prepreg material.
one of the most widely used molding materials in the world
Types of SMC:
SMC-sheet molding compound (0.63cm thick, 1/4 inch)
BMC-Block Molding Compound
TMC-thick sheet molding compound (5.08cm thick, 2 inches)
Advantages of compression molding process
has high production efficiency
the product size is accurate
the surface is smooth
most products with complex structure can be molded at one time
the appearance and size of the product have good repeatability
easy to realize mechanization and automation
Disadvantages of compression molding process
Mold design and manufacture are complex
press and mold investment is high
product size is limited by equipment
generally only suitable for manufacturing large batches of medium and small products
With the improvement of specialization, automation and production efficiency in recent years, the cost of products has been continuously reduced, and the scope of use has become more and more extensive.
Classification of compression molding process (classified by the physical state of reinforcement materials and the types of molded materials)
(1) Short fiber material molding method
(2) Felt molding method
(3) Moulding method of broken cloth
(4) Laminated molding method
(5) Winding molding method
(6) Fabric molding method
(7) Directional laying molding method
(8) Preform molding method
(9) Sheet molding compound molding method
SMC sheet (sheet molding compound): It uses unsaturated resin as a binder to impregnate chopped fibers or felt, and thicken it to obtain a sheet molding compound.
