Compound
Thermoset resin, chopped reinforcement, fillers, initiator, thickener and additives.
SMC compression molding places a weighed sheet-molding-compound charge in a heated matched-metal tool, closes the press and uses pressure and heat to flow and cure the material. It supports repeat production, integrated ribs, bosses and inserts, and finished surfaces on both sides.
Part consistency comes from treating compound condition, charge pattern, mold temperature, closing profile, pressure and cure time as one validated molding window.
Release approved SMC/BMC lots after storage and maturation controls.
Cut and weigh the charge to the approved shape and mass.
Place charge and inserts in the cleaned, temperature-stable cavity.
The press closes at a controlled profile as material fills and cures.
Remove the part, trim flash and complete drilling or assembly.
Thermoset resin, chopped reinforcement, fillers, initiator, thickener and additives.
Cut size, mass, stack and placement determine flow distance and weld lines.
Metal or composite features require location, preheat and retention controls.
Pigment, in-mold coating or paint preparation matched to appearance class.
A supplier claim is useful only when the process window is tied to the offered material, tooling, drawing revision and production batch.
| Stage | What must be controlled | Evidence to request |
|---|---|---|
| Compound release | Grade, batch, storage, maturation and flow response. | Supplier CoA plus receiving and conditioning record. |
| Charge | Weight, shape, stack and cavity position. | Setup sheet, scales verification and first-off record. |
| Press cycle | Tool temperature, closing profile, pressure and cure time. | Machine recipe identity and cycle log. |
| Part release | Critical dimensions, surface, knit lines, voids and inserts. | Fixture/CMM report, limit sample and capability study. |
Likely cause: Poor charge placement, low flow, early cure or inadequate venting.
Detection: Appearance/section review and critical-load testing.
Likely cause: Moisture, trapped gas, unstable compound or cure.
Detection: Visual inspection, sectioning or specified NDT.
Likely cause: Uneven shrinkage, fiber orientation, tool temperature or ejection.
Detection: Checking fixture, CMM and statistical dimensional control.
This guide uses the JEC process taxonomy, CAMX/ACMA/SAMPE review framework and process-specific material from industry associations, national research centers or government laboratories. Sources explain the process; they do not endorse listed suppliers.
Industry-level process taxonomy covering RTM, infusion, pultrusion, winding, fibre placement and additive manufacturing.
Peer-reviewed conference framework for manufacturing, processing, NDE and testing topics.
Matched-tool SMC/BMC process, charge placement and production characteristics.
Reviewed 16 August 2026. Verify current standards editions, material datasheets and project-specific acceptance requirements before award.
Only approved supplier submissions appear here. Pending, rejected and demo rows are excluded from public queries and sitemap output.
Browse the reviewed supplier profiles above or submit an RFQ. GetFRP does not fill empty categories with synthetic products.
SMC is supplied as sheet and commonly supports larger structural or appearance parts; BMC is a bulk compound suited to smaller, more intricate moldings. Both need grade-specific charge and process validation.
The starting position and shape control flow length, fiber orientation, air escape and where flow fronts meet. A changed charge can alter performance even when the compound grade is unchanged.
Approve the tool, material lot, charge pattern, machine recipe and first article together, then establish dimensional and defect capability at representative production conditions.
Send one controlled specification. GetFRP checks the matching public network without inventing supply records.
Submit an RFQ