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 dorrs, i.e., vertical body panels. However recent work has shown some performance problems with these materials and automobile companies are examining the low profile SMC alternative. For fender applications increased flexibility over current horizontal body panel materials is desirable. Obtaining this flexibility can be readily achieved but usually at the expense of surface smoothness. This paper reports on work done to achieve a Class. A flexible SMC system for compression molding. Markedly greater flexibility of molded parts has been achieved by new combinations of low profile additive and unsaturated polyester resin technology. Discussions of surface and flexibility testing will be presented.


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    Title :

    Flexible SMC for vertical body panels: two approaches for success


    Additional title:

    Flexibles SMC für senkrechte Fläche des Fahrzeugs: Zwei erfolgversprechende Ansätze


    Contributors:
    Atkins, K.E. (author) / Seats, R.L. (author) / Rex, G.C. (author) / Reid, C.G. (author) / Gandy, R.C. (author)

    Published in:

    Publication date :

    1993


    Size :

    21 Seiten, 6 Bilder, 10 Tabellen, 10 Quellen



    Type of media :

    Conference paper


    Type of material :

    Print


    Language :

    English




    Flexible SMC for Vertical Body Panels: Two Approaches for Success

    Reid, C. G. / Rex, G. C. / Atkins, K. E. et al. | SAE Technical Papers | 1993


    Flexible SMC for vertical body panels:two approaches for success

    Atkins,K.E. / Seats,R.L. / Rex,G.C. et al. | Automotive engineering | 1993



    Flexible SMC for vertical body panels

    Atkins, K.E. / Seats, R.L. / Rex, G.C. et al. | Tema Archive | 1993


    Vertical body panels: Class A surface from flexible sheet molding compound

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