Why Composites — Benefits
Part Consolidation:
A well designed composite part can easily eliminate the assembly of many metal parts by allowing you to mold them as one complete piece. In addition, inserts can be molded into the SMC material to aid in the assembly process. A result is a finished unit with fewer components which reduces the time and money spent on additional assembly.
Design Flexibility:
Parts molded in polyester or vinyl ester composite materials can reproduce almost any shape desired. The molding process allows for a more aesthetically pleasing part to be designed that is often possible when the part was fabricated in metal, thermoformed, or made from another material or process.
Dimensional Stability:
Products made from composite materials offer a greater degree of dimensional stability when compared to thermoplastics, wood, and some metals. Composites can maintain their shapes even under intense mechanical and environmental stresses.
Light Weight:
Composite parts offer more strength per unit of weight than any un-reinforced plastic and most metals. For some parts, the reduction can be significant. This can reduce shipping costs, reduce the labor needed to install parts, and reduce injuries from installing large, heavy components.
High Strength:
Composite parts can be designed to provide a wide range of impact, tensile, and flexural strength properties, depending on the specific requirements of the application. Each compound is custom made to meet client requirements for strength as well as other properties.
Reduced finishing:
Molded-in colors and textures can often eliminate the need for painting, and offer long-lasting color that cannot be chipped away. Also, in-mold prime and top coating offer additional finishing opportunities to reduce secondary painting or gel coating.
Corrosion Resistance:
Composites do not rust or corrode, and offer various levels of chemical and environmental resistance, depending on the resin system chosen for the application.
Low Electrical and Thermal Conductivity:
Composites can offer a wide range of insulating properties to meet specific requirements for electrical and thermal resistance.
