ResinCategory

ResinTypes

FiberMaterial PaintPart Size

RangeAnnualVolume

CycleTime Inserts Molded In

FeaturesSpecificGravity

MoldCost

MoldMaterials Benefits Drawbacks

COMPOSITION

Long Fiber Injection (LFI)

Reaction InjectionMolding (DCPD)

Reaction InjectionMolding (PUR)

Sheet MoldingCompound (SMC)

Resin TransferMolding (RTM)

Fiberglass ReinforcedPlastic (FRP)

ThermoplasticInjection Molding (IM)

VacuumForming (VF)

PROCESS CAPABILITIES MATERIAL CAPABILITIES TOOLING NOTES

Polyurethane

Polyurethane

Epoxy

Polyester

Vinylester

Glass,

Natural Steel

Epoxy

Aluminum

Nickel

Epoxy

Aluminum

Nickel

Steel

Epoxy

Aluminum

Nickel

Steel

Steel

Aluminum

Epoxy

Aluminum

Wood

Epoxy

Ren Board

Wood

Epoxy

Aluminum

N/A

Glass,

Mineral, Carb

on,

Aramid

Glass,

Mineral, Carb

on,

Aramid

Glass,

Mineral, Carb

on,

Aramid

Glass,

Mineral, Carb

on,

Aramid

Glass

Glass

Epoxy

Polyester

Vinylester

Epoxy

Polyester

Vinylester

PP, PE

PS, ABS

Nylon

PC, PE

PS, ABS

Acrylic

Dicyclopentadiene

SG =p

pH2O + -

$$

Thermoset Ribs & BossesIn-Mold or Post AppliedThermoplastic

S

S

M L

M L

M L

M

M

L

M L

M

M

L

M L

1K - 50K 1.04 - 1.33Low - Med

0.65 - 1.12Low - Med

0.9 - 1.2Low - Med

0.9 - 1.2Low - Med

1.3 - 1.9Med - High

1.4 - 1.9Med - High

1.5 - 1.9Med - High

1.04Low

1K - 50K

1K - 50K

10K - 50K

< 3K

500 - 5K

< 1K

25K - 100K+

LimitedIn-Mold

Post Applied

Thermoset

Thermoset

Thermoset

Thermoset

Thermoset

Thermoset

Thermoplastic

Thermoplastic

$25k - $200K

$$$25k - $200K

$$$25k - $200K

$$$$75k - $300K

$$$$75k - $300K

$$5K - $30K

$$5K - $25K

$$5K - $30K

Limited

- Large Part Sizes- In Mold Painting- Lightweight- High Stiffness- Material Optimizationfor Weight &Mechanical Properties

- Less Fiber Loading InDeep Draws

- Large Part Sizes- Lightweight- High Matl Toughness- Low Mold Cost- High ImpactResistance

- Engineered Resin Cost

- Large Part Sizes- In Mold Painting- Can mold solids,foams, elastomers, andcomposites

- Resin Cost is GreaterThan Thermoplastic

- Variety of SpecialtyResins- High Heat Resistance- High ProductionVolume

- Expensive Tooling- Less Fiber Loading inDeep Draws- Secondary ProcessesRequired for Good Surface Appearance

- Large Part Sizes- Can Vary MaterialProperties Greatly- Low Tooling Costs

- Annual tooling costsfor multi-yearprograms- Slow cycle times

- Low Cost Tooling- Very Large Parts Canbe Produced- Wide Range of PartProperties

- No B-side geometrysuch as bosses or ribs- Large part tolerances

- Very Fast Cycle Times- Lightweight resin- Very Good Part Detail- In Mold Color, NoPainting Required

- Expensive toolingcosts- Can't mold large parts

- Low Cost Tooling- Very Large Parts Canbe Produced- In Mold Color, NoPainting Required

- No B-side geometrysuch as bosses or ribs- Large part tolerances

Post Applied

Post Applied

Post Applied

In-Mold or Post

In-Mold

In-Mold or Post

COMPOSITEMATERIAL / PROCESS

SELECTION GUIDE

This is meant only as a guide. Conditions and factors will vary. Feel free to call us at 586-336-5800 to speak to a composite expert