Composite Solutions Reinforcement Guide - OCV Reinforcements

proCess nAme desCription tYpiCAl mArkets produCts used
Compression molding A mass production method where molding compounds Automotive, appliance, heavy
multi-end roving, chopped strands,
& other resin/glass combinations are compressed in transportation
Chopped strand mat (Csm) &
matched metal tools located between the platens
Continuous filament mat (Cfm)
in a press. pressures of 150 lbs/in2 & temperatures
between 265ºf (130ºC) & 340ºf (170ºC) are required.
typical cycle times of 2 - 3 minutes are achieved.
molding compounds comprised of a thermoset resin,
chopped roving, fillers & a catalyst are used in both
sheet form (smC) & paste (BmC). smC is placed in the
tool to produce parts such as automotive body panels,
appliance housings & composite doors, while BmC –
which can be injected – is used for parts needing less
overall strength & no Class A surface.
Chopped strand mat (Csm), fabrics
& veil
Consumer goods, infrastructure, marine,
wind energy; hand lay-up is suited for
making high strength parts of any size at
low to medium production volumes
hand lay-up A combination of reinforcements including chopped
strand mat & woven or knitted fabric, is laid into
an open mold with a gel-coat surface & impregnated
with resin layer by layer. the resin is manually rolled
into the reinforcement to remove any air pockets & to
produce a consistent part. once the resin cures, the
finished part is removed from the mold.
Composite proCesses 24