SMC / BMC
Glass-fibre sheet and bulk moulding compounds for compression-moulded body panels and housings.
Overview
Sheet moulding compound (SMC) and bulk moulding compound (BMC) are glass-fibre thermoset compounds — typically polyester or vinyl-ester matrix — compression- or injection-moulded into body panels, spoilers, lamp housings and structural closures. This is a distinct process family from the library's GFRP page (generic glass composite) and from carbon SMC. SMC arrives as a sheet; BMC as a dough. Both are chopped-fibre compounds, not continuous-fibre laminates. Used at volume for Class-A panels, including some Lotus-class specialist bodies, and for under-bonnet mouldings. As thermosets, mechanical recycling is limited.
Automotive Applications
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Properties
Category
Type
Sheet/Bulk Moulding Compound
Available Forms
Key Properties
- Chopped-fibre thermoset compound
- Compression-mouldable Class-A surface
- SMC sheet or BMC dough
- Distinct from generic GFRP laminates
- Not continuous-fibre carbon
- Limited recyclability