Sheet Molding Compound
SMC (Sheet Molding Compound) is a compound of fiber reinforced composite material consisting of thermosetting resin, glass fiber reinforcement and other fillers. SMC can be formulated to meet specific performance requirements such as tensile loading or “A” class surface. The fiber glass in SMC are chopped into lenghts from 12 to 50mm and its content can vary from 25% to 60% depending on strenght and finish requirements.
Advantages
SMC products are becoming more and more popular due to following advantages which are remarkably important in different industries specially auto industry:
- High Strength like steel.
- Almost 20% weight reduction in comparison with steel.
- Corrosion resistant.
- Design Freedom in comparison with steel.
- Chemical resistant to oil, fuel, brake fluid, cooling agent and salt water.
- Part consolidation (Several steel parts will be replaced with one SMC part).
- Cost reduction.
- Economical fuel consumption.