SMC is a Moulding compound made on the basis of Glass Fibre Reinforced Unsaturated Polyester Resin.

SMC = Sheet Moulding Compound
DMC = Dough Moulding Compound

SMC is a Thermoset i.e. crosslinking materials where the cross linking is irreversible and it is the base for the unique technical performance. The thermoset composites provide more strength, dimensional stability and corrosion resistance.

The compound Material known as SMC / DMC / BMC are produced using thermosetting polymeric matrices the most common is Unsaturated Polyester Resin which is the chemical backbone of SMC/DMC imparting the required properties. SMC / DMC are reinforced with glass fibre also contains mineral fillers. The material does not melt neither does it form droplets nor smoke excessively. The material is compression moulded in heated steel Moulds. Sheet Moulding Compound and DMC offer the following benefits over traditional metals.

Thermal Resistance
All thermoset polymers are known for their excellent thermal resistance. From technical view these materials are superior to engineering thermoplastics and especially the more economical alternative solution in comparison to high performance thermoplastics. The combination of cross linked polymer and high inorganic filler content by maintaining the excellent moulding characteristics make SMC materials the first choice for applications where elevated service temperatures are required.

Fire Retardancy
High fire retardancy is nowadays most important for many applications. To achieve high flame retardancy a number of additives are used for different polymers. SMC do not contain any halogens or other hazardous flame retardants. Still they can be formulated having excellent properties even at very low wall thicknesses.

Precision
SMC are first choice solutions for substitution of high performance metal parts where high precision is achieved through post machining.

Weight reduction
In times where fossil fuels are running out at the same time as the environmental stress must be reduced, high performance composites can contribute with components with less weight and lower energy consumption. The mechanical properties of SMC make the substitution of a wide range of metal parts not only feasible but also quite easy.

Electrical performance
Excellent electrical performances have from the beginning of the plastics era been one of the biggest advantages of thermoset materials. Additionally to the excellent electrical properties of thermosets SMC show even higher performances especially in the parameters of electrical strength, water absorption and surface resistivity. SMC covers the full range of electrical requirements, isolating and conductive.

Class A surfaces
This quality is equivalent to “mirror-like” finish excellent surfaces for online- and offline painting as well as metalizing are a domain of especially SMC parts. The surface results from the unique technology to compensate the material shrinkage.

Low emissions:
It is a low emission material. Any hazardous or uncomfortable emissions and smell are restricted.

Properties
Typical structural FEA properties for SMC

Properties	Unit	SMC - 20 - 40% Glass Content
Coefficient of Thermal Expansion	C	17.78
Flexural Modulus	GPa	10.34 - 13.10
Specific Gravity	g/cm³	1.6 - 2.0
Poisson's Ratio	-	0.32 - 0.36
Shear Strength	Mpa	55.17 - 82.76
Tensile Modulus	Gpa	9.66 - 12.41
Young's Modulus	GPa	11.03 - 13.79