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SMC and BMC are thermosets,i.e., the become solid under a chemical crosslinking reaction. Once they become solid, they can not be reformed. These compounds keep their excellent properties at high continuously temperatures (170ºC). This thermal caracteristic makes difference between thermosets and thermoplastics as: Polyethylene, Polypropylene, Polymethyl Methacrylate...

The thermoplastics begin losing their properties at the temperature between 80 to 125ºC.

Depending on the technical characteristics required to some applications the temperature of use could be increased to 205ºC or more.

SMC and BMC are compounds, i.e., are materials having basically thermoset resins, mineral fillers and fiberglass as components. Sheet Molding Compounds holds higher mechanical properties when compared with Bulk Molding Compounds.

Products molded from these compounds can easily be painted and can be molded in different colors.

APPLICATIONS:

Below are some SMC and BMC applications:

Transportation: structural and cosmetic / structural parts for passenger cars and trucks. The painted surface of the parts molded from SMC is better than manufactured from metals or by the RMT process. Generally, these parts are "Classe A" surface.

Structural: bumpers are typical examples for this application. Besides weight advantage, the design flexibility for this kind of parts is another benefit when compared with products manufactured from metals. Flame retardancy is another technical characteristic for SMC and BMC.

Electrical: BMC is a generally chosen for this applications due to its injection process easiness and good insulation properties.

Other applications: parts for microwane oven, small satellite antenna (excellent for agressive environment like coasts where metal antennas dont´t have long shelf life), electrodomestic appliances, lamp holder, school desks...