SMC is a mixture of polymer resin, insert fillers, fiber reinforcement, catalyst, pigments, stabilizers, release agents, and thickeners. Manufacturing of SMC is a continuous in-line process.
This process produces high strength, complex parts in a wide variety of sizes. Matched metal dies are mounted in a hydraulic molding press. The material charge is manually or robotically placed in the mold; the heated mold halves are closed, and up to 2000 psi of pressure is applied. Cycle time ranges from one to five minutes, depending on part size and thickness. Features such as ribs, bosses and inserts can be molded in.
Compression molded fiberglass parts are characterized by net size and shape, two excellent finished surfaces, and outstanding parts-to-part repeatability. Trimming and finishing costs are minimal.
In-mold coatings and vacuum system in the tool are available to improve surface paint ability, eliminating the need for primer.
Color compounds can be customized.
The advantage of SMC molding parts is as follows:
1. Good dimensional stability, including excellent thermal resisitance.
2. Pigmentable for molded-in color, best appearance with mold texture.
3. Excellent property retention in cold and hot environments.
4. Suitable for outdoor use in applications involving UV exposure and water.
BMC mold used a thermoset plastic made up of a polymer resin, various insert fillers, fiber reinforcement, catalysts, stabilizers, and pigments that form a viscous. It is highly filled and reinforced with short fibers.
BMC is available in bulk bags as well as slug form. The mixing operation can be done in a number of ways. There are three methods for combining glass with paste: a continuous screw mixer, a sigma blade mixer and a plough blade mixer. The process chosen is dependent upon specific product properties, product form and volume.
Depending on the end-use application, compounds are formulated to achieve tight dimensional control, flame resistance, high dielectric strength, corrosion and stain resistance and color stability. Its excellent flow characteristics make BMC mold well suited to a wide variety of applications requiring precision in detail and dimensions. The material is available in a wide variety of colors.
Besides, BMC mold is suitable for either compression molding or injection molding. Compressing molding of BMC is used to produce complex components such as electrical equipment, car components, housings for electrical appliances and tools, in large industrial volumes.
GMT is Glass Mat Reinforced Thermoplastics, a kind of sheet molding compound with fiber reinforced thermoplastic. It is produced on huge laminators, using a thermoplastic resin and one or more forms of reinforcement. The process yields a lightweight, partially consolidated, semifinished composite in sheet form. Most forms are produced to 1300mm to 1400 mm widths. However, some newer forms are made to greater but proprietary widths. The sheet stock may be cut to size to suit placement in the tool for a specific application and also can incorporate a decorative or functional surface laminated to one side. GMT mould makes possible the production of large parts with low tooling costs and fast cycle times via compression molding. The potential for parts consolidation presents the opportunity to further reduce weight and cost.
The advantage of GMT mould parts: utilization of regenerated, low forming pressure, long storage period, short shaping cycle, high production efficiency.
GMT mold is mostly used in Automotive and building &construction, chemical industry, packaging, sport equipment, etc.
LFT is bulk molding material that feature continuous fiber filaments running the full length of the pellet allowing these materials to exhibit simultaneous improvements in strength, stiffness, and impact resistance over a wide temperature range.
Meanwhile, D-LFT (Direct-long fiber thermoplastics) is available for injection or compression molding. Most D-LFT systems, feed glass roving into a twin-screw extruder (TSE), where it is chopped by the screws as it is mixed with molten polymer and additives that have been metered in separately. To improve surface finish, some systems use knives to prechop the roving prior to entrance into the TSE. This method generally yields a shorter fiber, while the direct roving feed produces long fibers and yields parts with higher structural performance.
The advantage of D-LFT mold is that it can reduce production cost by elimination of semi-finished products and logistical effort, and increase production flexibility.
Since established in 1996, Huacheng Mould has passed ISO9001 and was recommended to be the best SMC/BMC/GMT/LFT/LFImould supplier in China. With the company philosophy of “Honesty, quality, and efficiency” which enable us to keep a long-term cooperation with our customers overseas. Having the capability of design and making moulds according to European technical standards and quality level, Huacheng has become one of the pillars of the industry.
We have successful experience in making various kinds of moulds for:
Auto Parts: Bumper, engine hood, chassis, front panel, truck door, dashboard, lampshade, foot board, fender etc.Communication and Electric appliances: Electric meter box, cable branch box, transforming and distributing box, air-condition, satellite dish etc.Sanitary and Kitchenware: Bathtub, wash basin, sink, ceiling board, chassis, wallboard wainscot etc.Door: We have unique experience in making SMC/MDF/HDF doorskin mould with wood grain.
