Thermoset matched die molding

Reinforced molding compounds, mat molding, preform molding, cold press molding, and various other molding processes are discussed. Particular attention is given to the bulk molding compound (BMC) and the sheet molding compound (SMC) (both of which are reinforced molding compounds) as there is an increasing use of these compounds. SMC can employ a wider range of fiber lengths and fiber content than BMC, while preserving strength. The dimensional stability of BMC and SMC is unexcelled, and their corrosion resistance is generally excellent. Both compounds are composed of resins (10-2500 poises), reinforcements (BMC-glass, asbestos, sisal; SMC-soluble binder chopped strand mat), and fillers from four chemical groups (silica and silicates, carbonates, sulfates, and oxides). Molding press designs are included.