SMC

The excellent properties of SMC finished products make this technology suitable for the following applications:

Each of the composite components contribute to the final characteristics of the material. When developing the formulation for a specific brand of SMC material, the specific required properties of the final product are achieved by changing the ratio of components.

The polyester resin is the base. It ensures the binding of all components into a single whole and is used for the three-dimensional cross-linking during the processing.

Mineral fillers ensure the process properties required for processing; allow the specific properties of the material to be met(fire resistance, electrical conductivity, density, etc.), regulating thermal deformation processes, and reducing the cost of the material.

Shrinkage compensators enable products with a high quality visual surface to be made without tightening and warping from internal ribs.

Fibreglass ensures the mechanical strength, heat resistance, and dimensional stability of the product.

The catalysts initiate the 3D crosslinking process. The correct catalyst is vital in order to obtain a high quality end product.

Additionally, the composition of the SMC material may include various additives that determine other specific properties of products.

SMC products are made by direct pressing on hydraulic presses in heated steel moulds.

The pressing generaly takes no more than five minutes and depends on the maximum product thickness.

Process requirements must be strictly controlled at all stages of the manufacturing process, as they are critical for the quality of the final product.
Manufactured products can be painted.

SMC technology is recognised to be the most cutting-edge way of making complex parts from composite materials. Firstly, this technology is popular due to the properties of the SMC products. Unlike conventional structural materials, composites are cheaper, lighter, and stronger.

In many industries, prepreg products have already replaced traditional materials while retaining the properties of the final product. In some industries, composites have become more profitable and efficient than conventional metal.

Compared to metal, composites have better heat and noise insulation properties. Polymers are easy to treat using conventional detergents. Moreover, products are resistant to vibrations. Reducing the weight of products is important for the motor vehicle industry, since a weight reduction of 15-30% leads to significant savings in fuel.

Depending on the required properties of a particular product, various types of SMC with different properties can be used: general purpose, high strength, fire resistant, antistatic, low shrinkage, etc.