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Bulk moulding compoundBMC

A dough-like moulding compound of short chopped fibres, filler and thermosetting resin, shaped by compression or injection moulding. BMC suits complex, detailed parts such as electrical housings, reflectors and valve components.

Also known as: dough moulding compound, DMC

Related terms

Sheet moulding compound

SMC

A ready-to-mould sheet of chopped glass or carbon fibre, mineral filler and thermosetting resin, compression moulded under heat and pressure into stiff parts with good surface finish. SMC is widely used for vehicle body panels, electrical enclosures and building components.

Composites & laminatesManufacturing processesAutomotiveIndustrialConstruction

Compression moulding

A moulding process in which a charge of material, such as sheet moulding compound or a preheated thermoplastic blank, is placed in a heated matched metal mould and formed under press pressure. It offers short cycle times and good surface finish and is widely used for automotive panels and electrical components.

Manufacturing processesComposites & laminatesAutomotiveIndustrialConstruction

Injection moulding

A high-volume process in which molten polymer, often short-fibre reinforced, is injected under high pressure into a closed metal mould, solidified and ejected. It provides tight tolerances and complex geometry at low unit cost once tooling costs are recovered.

Manufacturing processesComposites & laminatesAutomotiveIndustrialConstructionAerospace

Glass fibre

Fibre drawn from molten glass, the most widely used reinforcement for polymer composites. Different formulations, such as E-glass, E-CR glass, S-glass and AR glass, balance cost, strength, electrical performance and chemical resistance. It is the standard reinforcement in GRP laminates, including liquid applied GRP flat roofing systems.

Reinforcements & fibresComposites & laminatesRoofing & waterproofingMaterials science (general)AerospaceAutomotiveConstructionMarineGreen energyIndustrial

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