Since  the  introduction  of  the  first  moulding  compounds  based  on  Unsaturated  polyesters,  this  class  of  materials  has developed into a variety of high performance SMC & BMC composite solutions for a broad range of applications In view of their excellent features and benefits, these materials will continue to be used for many demanding applications.

1. Strength and stiffness

The  combination  of  fibers,  fillers  and  resin  results  in material  systems  with  great  stiffness  and  mechanical strength.  The  resin  provides  the  ductility,  durability  and system  cohesion.  The  fibers  are  largely  contributing  to strength  and  stiffness.  Glass  fibers,  carbon  fibers  and combinations of the two are being used.

2. Part safety through great Fire retardance

Elevated  resistance  to  fire  and  low  smoke  generation is  important  for  many  applications  and  markets.  For obtaining this high flame retardency a number of additives can be used.

SMC  &  BMC  do  not  contain  any  halogens  or  other hazardous flame retardants. Still they can be formulated having  excellent  FR  properties,  even  at  very  low  wall thicknesses.

3. Weight reduction

For  reducing  Eco-footprint  and  fuel  emission,  SMC  & BMC   Composite   solutions   can   enable   manufacturing components with less weight. The mechanical properties of SMC & BMC Composite solutions help to easily replace a large number of metal parts by few composite parts.

4. Electrical performance

Excellent electrical performance is a main benefit of using thermoset materials in general.

SMC  &  BMC  Composite  solutions  bring  these  excellent electrical properties, particularly electrical strength, water absorption and surface resistivity.

Despite  of  their  excellent  electrical  insulation  properties also   materials   with   reduced   surface   resistivity   and elevated conductivity are available.

5. Precision and predictability of dimensions

SMC  &  BMC  are  first  choice  solutions  for  substitution of  high  performance  metal  parts  where  high  precision is  obtained  by  means  of  post-machining  processes. Tight  tolerances  can  be  produced  directly  without  post operations,   ensuring   not   only   cost   savings   but   also increased profitability.

As   a   main   advantage   compared   to   equivalent   non- thermoset polymers, the ability to compensate shrinkage with  special  additives  makes  even  most  challenging part  designs  feasible.  For  parts  with  highest  precision, materials with negative shrinkage (expansion) can even be used.

6. Great Class A surfaces

The  ability  to  obtain  excellent  surfaces  for  online-  and offline  painting,  as  well  as  for  parts  metallization  is  a great asset of working with both SMC & BMC Composite solutions.  superior  surface  aesthetics  can  be  obtained through the unique technology to compensate the material shrinkage.

7. Resisting elevated temperatures

Many  thermoset  polymers  are  known  for  their  excellent thermal    resistance.    Using    specific    resin    systems thermal resistances up to 300°C can be achieved. From a  technical  view  these  materials  can  be  superior  to engineering  thermoplastics  and  provide  cost  effective solutions  especially  in  comparison  to  high  performance thermoplastics.

For demanding engineering applications it is also crucial that the CTE (Coefficient of Thermal Expansion) is close to the CTE of metals and ensures dimensional stability over a wide range of temperatures.

8. Low emissions

Interior  parts  in  many  end  use  markets  require  low emission  materials  (e.g.  car  interior  parts).  Minimization of  hazardous  or  uncomfortable  emissions  and  smell  is desired.

Also in lighting systems the headlamp reflectors must be free of any emissions in order to avoid fogging, that will reduce lighting performance.