Sheet molding compound (SMC) has long been the composite material of choice for horizontal automotive body panels. The excellent surface, dimensional stability and stiffness have made it preferred for hoods, deck lids and roofs. Softer thermoplastic and thermosetting (RIM) materials have been considered for fenders and occasionally doors, the vertical body panels. However, recent work has shown some performance problems with these materials and automobile companies are examining the low profile SMC/BMC alternative. Particularly for fender applications it is felt that increased flexibility over current horizontal body panel materials is desirable. Obtaining this flexibility can be easily achieved but mostly only at the expense of surface smoothness. This paper reports on research and development work done to achieve a Class A flexible SMC system for compression molding. Markedly greater flexibility of molded parts has been achieved by a combination of low profile additive and unsaturated polyester resin technology. Discussions of surface and flexibility testing will be presented. Also, initial efforts at applying this work to injection molding will be described.
Vertical body panels: Class A surface from flexible sheet molding compound
Senkrechte Autokörper-Flächen: Oberfläche 'Klasse A' aus biegsamen Schichtpreßstoffen
1991
6 Seiten, 6 Bilder, 5 Tabellen, 10 Quellen
Aufsatz (Konferenz)
Englisch
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