This content is not included in
your SAE MOBILUS subscription, or you are not logged in.
Vertical Body Panels: Flexible Class A Surface Composites Via Compression or Injection Molding
Annotation ability available
Sector:
Language:
English
Abstract
Low Profile Class A sheet molding compound (SMC) is recognized as the composite material of choice for horizontal automotive body panels. The excellent surface, dimensional stability, stiffness and coefficient of thermal expansion have made it preferred for hoods, deck lids and roofs. softer thermoplastic and thermosetting (RIM) materials have been more considered for fenders and occasionally doors. recent studies have shown performance problems with these materials and SMC composites are being considered as an alternative.
Increased flexibility over standard rigidity SMC is considered desirable for vertical body panels, particularly fenders. This flexibility can be achieved but normally at a major price in surface smoothness. This paper reports on research and development work done to achieve Class A surface flexible SMC/BMC composites that can be either compression or injection molded. these advancements have been made by a combination of shrinkage control agent (low profile additive) chemistry, unsaturated polyester structure, fiber wetting agent and fiberglass size technology. A comparison is made of surface characteristics, flexibility and physical properties which can be obtained via these two processing/molding techniques.
Recommended Content
Authors
Topic
Citation
Atkins,, K., Seats, R., Rex, G., Reid, C. et al., "Vertical Body Panels: Flexible Class A Surface Composites Via Compression or Injection Molding," SAE Technical Paper 920209, 1992, https://doi.org/10.4271/920209.Also In
References
- Margolis J. M. “Automotive Body Panels: Composites, Laminates, or Metals?” 36th Annual SPI RP Conference Feb. 16 20 1981
- Margolis J. M. “Advanced Composites: Thermosetting Versus Thermoplastic Processing Economics” 42nd Annual SPI RP Conference Feb. 2-6 1987
- McGarry F. J. Rowe E. H. “Improving Damage Resistance of SMC and BMC” 35th Annual SPI RP Conference Feb. 1980
- Fackler M. Carroll W. “Low Modulus SMC for Automotive Applications” 37th Annual SPI RP Conference Jan. 11 15 1982
- Lee B. L. Howard F. H. “Effect of Matrix Toughening on the Strength and Strain Properties of Sheet Molding Compound” 36th Annual SPI RP Conference February 20th 1981
- Lee B. L. Howard F. H. Rowe E. H. “, Effect of Matrix Toughening on the Crack Resistance of SMC under Static Loading” 38th Annual SPI RP Conference February 7 11 1983
- Boenig H. V. “Unsaturated Polyesters: Structure and Properties” Elsevier Publishing Company New York, NY 1964
- Owen M. J. “Fatigue Damages in Glass Fiber Reinforced Plastics” Composite Materials 5 Broutman L. J. Academic Press New York, NY 1974
- Lee B. L. Howard F. H. Rowe E. H. “Effect of Matrix Toughening on the Crack Resistance of SMC Under Static Loading” 38th Annual SPI RP Conference February 1983
- Atkins K. E. Gandy R. C. Gentry R. R. “A New Generation of Low Profile Additives,” New Developments in Plastics SP-490 SAE technical Paper #810740
- Owen, G. E., Jr. “A Comparison of Impact Tests for Assessment of Fiberglass Reinforced Plastic Toughness” Polymer Engineering and Science 21 8 June 1981 467 473
- Atkins, K. E. Seats R. L. Rex G. C. 1991 “Advances in Thermoset Injection Molding.” 46th Annual SPI-RP Conference
- Atkins, K. E. Rex G. C. Reid C. G. Seats R. L. Gandy R. C. 1991 “Vertical Body Panels: Class A Surface from Flexible Sheet Molding Compound.” 46th Annual SPI-RP Conference