SMC / BMC
Strong growth in the USA / 1994: 82,000 t / Excellent growth prospects for LPMC
1994 consumption of SMC/BMC in the US automobile industry increased by 14% over the previous year. Total volume of SMC/BMC used in automotive applications is estimated at 82,000 t. This is the conclusion of a market study of the reinforced plastics industry, made by J. Rich Alexander, Director of Plastic Reinforcement Marketing, PPG Industries Inc (Pittsburgh, PA, USA). Last year reinforced plastics parts were probably used in over 300 different applications by 28 different automobile manufacturers in 115 different types of automobiles and light commercial vehicles.
Growth rates for SMC/BMC are projected at 8% during 1995 and 1996, which in Alexander's opinion is extremely good for the industry. That SMC/BMC shows continuing strong growth during a period when automotive industry growth is cooling off, results from weight reduction and lower costs in comparison with steel.
Typical of the new structural GRP applications are the twin SMC fenders for the Cadillac Deaville, which are 40% lighter than steel, and still meet all the impact and crash test specifications. Use of GRP in body panels – already the largest application by volume – has been stimulated by success in new models in such areas as SMC doors, rear bumpers, roofs and spoilers.
A programme to improve the painting systems for SMC body panels is being actively promoted by the association, SMC Automotive Alliance, of which PPG is an active member. Priorities selected include the reduction in visibility of the fibrous structure, joins, microporosity together with achieving good degassing.
According to Alexander the development of Low Pressure Moulding Compounds (LPMC), which allows moulding at a pressure of 1 MPa, is of particularly high priority, since this reduces both manufacturing and maintenence costs for moulds. He accepts that a solution for the recycling of GRP automotive parts is not yet available. Members of the SMC Automotive Alliance are supporting a Canadian initiative, in which new SMC products are being manufactured from recycled parts. Already recycled SMC filling materials are being used in the instrument panel of the Chevrolet Corvette as well as in the motor housing for the Ford Ecoline Van. It is confidently anticipated that SMC/BMC will continue to replace steel, aluminium and also other plastics materials.
Growth rates for SMC/BMC are projected at 8% during 1995 and 1996, which in Alexander's opinion is extremely good for the industry. That SMC/BMC shows continuing strong growth during a period when automotive industry growth is cooling off, results from weight reduction and lower costs in comparison with steel.
Typical of the new structural GRP applications are the twin SMC fenders for the Cadillac Deaville, which are 40% lighter than steel, and still meet all the impact and crash test specifications. Use of GRP in body panels – already the largest application by volume – has been stimulated by success in new models in such areas as SMC doors, rear bumpers, roofs and spoilers.
A programme to improve the painting systems for SMC body panels is being actively promoted by the association, SMC Automotive Alliance, of which PPG is an active member. Priorities selected include the reduction in visibility of the fibrous structure, joins, microporosity together with achieving good degassing.
According to Alexander the development of Low Pressure Moulding Compounds (LPMC), which allows moulding at a pressure of 1 MPa, is of particularly high priority, since this reduces both manufacturing and maintenence costs for moulds. He accepts that a solution for the recycling of GRP automotive parts is not yet available. Members of the SMC Automotive Alliance are supporting a Canadian initiative, in which new SMC products are being manufactured from recycled parts. Already recycled SMC filling materials are being used in the instrument panel of the Chevrolet Corvette as well as in the motor housing for the Ford Ecoline Van. It is confidently anticipated that SMC/BMC will continue to replace steel, aluminium and also other plastics materials.
31.07.1995 Plasteurope.com [20649]
Published on 31.07.1995