Views: 0 Author: Site Editor Publish Time: 2025-12-16 Origin: Site
Sheet Molding Compound (SMC) is a ready-to-mold thermoset composite material supplied in sheet form. It consists of chopped reinforcing fibers impregnated with a resin system and is designed to be shaped using compression molding under heat and pressure.
SMC is most commonly reinforced with glass fibers, although carbon fibers can also be used for higher-performance applications. The material is known for its excellent balance of mechanical strength, surface finish, dimensional stability, and production efficiency.
SMC is a carefully formulated composite material made up of several key elements:
Reinforcing fibers: Typically chopped glass fibers (usually 25–50 mm long) that provide mechanical strength and stiffness.
Resin system: Most commonly unsaturated polyester resin, but vinyl ester or epoxy resins may be used depending on performance requirements.
Fillers: Materials such as calcium carbonate or aluminum hydroxide, used to reduce cost, improve fire resistance, and enhance dimensional stability.
Additives: Low-shrink agents, mold release agents, pigments, UV stabilizers, and flame retardants that tailor the material for specific applications.
Each component plays an important role in achieving the desired performance, processability, and cost balance.
SMC is primarily shaped using compression molding, a process that offers high efficiency and excellent part quality.
In compression molding:
Pre-cut SMC sheets are placed into a heated metal mold.
The mold is closed and pressure is applied.
Heat and pressure cause the resin to flow, fill the mold cavity, and cure.
Typical molding conditions include temperatures of 130–160 °C and pressures of 6–10 MPa, with cycle times often ranging from 1 to 5 minutes. This makes SMC especially suitable for mass production.
Due to its versatility, SMC is used in a wide range of industries:
Automotive: Body panels, battery enclosures, bumpers, truck roofs, and underbody components
Electrical and electronics: Electrical enclosures, junction boxes, switchgear housings
Construction: Panels, manhole covers, grating, utility boxes
Sanitary and bathroom products: Bathtubs, shower trays, wall panels
Industrial equipment: Machine housings, covers, corrosion-resistant components
To better understand where SMC fits, it is useful to compare it with other molding materials:
SMC vs BMC: SMC uses longer fibers than Bulk Molding Compound (BMC), resulting in higher mechanical strength.
SMC vs RTM/LRTM: SMC is better suited for high-volume production, while RTM processes are preferred for continuous-fiber structural parts.
SMC vs metals: SMC offers weight reduction, corrosion resistance, and design flexibility compared with steel or aluminum.
SMC is an ideal solution when applications require:
Medium to high production volumes
Good surface appearance
Consistent quality and tight tolerances
A balance between performance and cost
For these reasons, SMC continues to play a key role in modern composite manufacturing.
When you choose JLON SMC, you are working with a manufacturer that focuses on stable quality, industrial scalability, and application-oriented formulation.
With JLON, you can use SMC that is specifically designed for compression molding and optimized for industrial applications.
Product model: SMC V
Thickness range: 3–6 mm
Maximum width: up to 1.0 m
Resin systems: Unsaturated polyester resin / Vinyl ester resin
Fiber type: Glass fiber
Fiber content: 18–40%
Material type: Glass Fiber Reinforced Polyester (GFRP)
Molding method: Compression molding
Recommended molding temperature: 145 ± 5 °C
Typical molding pressure: 6–10 MPa
Color: RAL7035 Grey
When you use JLON SMC, you benefit from:
High mechanical strength with low shrinkage
Excellent dimensional stability for tight tolerances
Good corrosion resistance for demanding environments
Fire-resistant formulations meeting different UL94 requirements (HB, V0)
Stable processing behavior suitable for automated, high-volume production
When you work with JLON, you are supported by:
Annual production capacity of up to 10,000 tons
Manufacturing base located in Changzhou, China
Standard export packaging using corrugated cartons and pallets
Reliable logistics support for global delivery
Sheet Molding Compound (SMC) is a proven composite material that combines efficiency, performance, and design flexibility. When you choose JLON SMC, you gain not only a reliable material solution, but also a manufacturing partner that understands industrial composite applications and supports you throughout your project lifecycle.
