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Compression Molding
Custom Designed Products
The Alternative to Metal
Compression Molded parts offer a strong, lightweight alternative to die-cast, stamped or other formed metal parts. Fiber Reinforced Plastic molded components provide an excellent alternative to metal for:
- Corrosion Resistance
- Chemical Resistance
- Heat Resistance
- Fire Retardant
- Weight Reduction
- Weather Resistance
- Colorfastness
- Strength
- Microwave Transparency
Processes
Amalga has the ability to provide a variety of different manufacturing processes to meet the varying requirements of our customers. These processes, combined with a variety of different compounds, can provide products which meet your exacting specifications.
- SMC: Sheet Molding Compound
- LPMC: Low Pressure Molding Compound
- BMC: Bulk Molding Compound
- TMC: Thick Molding Compound SSMC: Structural Molding Compound
- Preform and Mat Process
Applications
Compression Molded products are utilized in a variety of different applications.
- Medical
- Electrical
- Mechanical
- Transportation
- Dishware
- Sanitaryware
- Sporting Goods
Engineering Assistance
Amalga's doctoral-level engineering expertise provides quick and detailed assistance in getting your ideas into production quicker than metal technology.
Why Choose Compression Molding?
- Low Material Cost
- Fast Cycle Rate
- High Production Volume
- Customized compounds
- Molded in color
- Surface Finish - cosmetic or textured
- Combined components - eliminate spot welded sub-assemblies
- Strength - up to 55,000 psi
- Corrosion Resistance
- Fire Retardant
- Food Grade
- Weight Savings - 4 times lighter than steel
Compression Molding Processes
|
Bulk Molding |
Sheet Molding |
Thick Molding |
SMC Random Fiber |
SMC-Chop/Continuous |
Preform |
| Bosses & Ribs |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
No |
No |
| Cosmetic Appearance |
Good |
Good |
Good |
Fair |
Fair |
Fair |
| Type of Part |
Casting |
Stamping |
Cast & Stamping |
Casting |
Casting |
Stamping |
| Size of Part |
Small |
Large |
Medium |
Large |
Large |
Large |
| Tensile Strength (psi) |
5,000 |
12,000 |
10,000 |
23,000 |
55,000 |
14,000 |
| Flexural Strength (psi) |
15,000 |
26,000 |
22,000 |
37,000 |
85,000 |
28,000 |
| Specific Gravity |
1.90 |
1.75 |
2.00 |
1.85 |
1.80 |
1.20 |
Process Comparison to Steel
|
Sheet Molded Compound |
Injection Molded Thermoplastic |
Aluminum |
| Part Consolidation |
Excellent |
Excellent |
Fair |
| Comparable Mass |
75% |
70% |
75% |
| Corrosion Resistance |
Best |
Better |
Good |
| Impact Resistance |
Best |
Better |
Poor |
| Tooling Cost |
40% |
60% |
100% |
| Stiffness |
6% |
2% |
30% |
| Thermal Expansion |
100-130% |
600-1000% |
170-200% |
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