The advanced D-SMC direct process opens up new possibilities for using thermosetting plastic composite materials in lightweight construction for the automotive industry.

The technology of direct compounding bypasses the cost-intensive steps of banding, storing and logistical handling that used to be required for SMC semifinished parts. The precisely reproducible process and direct further processing of the preform guarantee constant quality levels.

In the direct process for SMC, the SMC preform is manufactured directly before it is processed in the forming press. In a compounder, resin, fillers and glass fibers are formed into a flat material according to an individual recipe. This material can be processed like conventional SMC semifinished parts. An integrated SMC cutting machine creates pressing packs that can be supplied to the press die automatically

• Consistent Class-A quality
• Continuous process with a high level of automation
• Line control from the compound to finished component
• Individual standard sizes and a large range of applications
• Complete control, visualization and documentation of all process parameters
• Energy and cost savings in the process steps of storage and transport
• Individual recipes optimized to particular components, with a high glass fiber content