Expanding upon one of its core competencies, Mar-Bal, Inc. has added Sheet Molding Compound (SMC) to be sold commercially through its existing materials division, AltraSet Composite Technologies. Built on the legacy of Mar-Bal's 40+ years of experience developing composite materials for its customers, AltraSet officially launched in 2018 in response to the growing needs of customers and market opportunities.
Its goal is to bridge a gap in the industry for customers seeking lower volume (up to 10K lb.) product orders, with short lead times and unique materials for custom formulations to meet specific application requirements.
This essential SMC formulation and material development includes, but not limited to, reinforcements that include glass fiber and glass mats, as well as materials such as polyesters, vinyl esters, hybrids and epoxies.
At the forefront of filling the gap for smaller volume run SMC order demands is a newly acquired Schmidt & Heinzmann GmbH & Co. KG SMC and Pre-preg machine. This machine comes equipped with a multicomponent pumping, dosing and mixing (PDM) system. The PDM allows a precise combination of the thickener or hardener with the pre-mixed resin paste-essential in the production of consistent, high quality SMC material.
Capable of producing high glass structural composites, the SMC machine is fully automated, holds tolerances well and is adept at doing small runs of different sizes up to 24"-48" widths.
Complementing the newly acquired system is Mar-Bal's Research & Development/Mechanical Lab that provides full testing capabilities associated with SMC requirements including, but not limited to, thermal analysis, ASTM and ISO testing methods, UL flame testing, mechanical testing and electrical testing.
According to Casey Blabolil, Mar-Bal's Director of Technology, "Our new SMC system is positioned to produce high glass structural composites for lower volume demands. We are now custom formulating, producing and selling SMC commercially in the USA. In fact, many of our existing BMC customers are beginning to take advantage of our SMC offerings to assist them with meeting their production needs."
Bruce Acord, Mar-Bal's Sr. VP Sales of Engineered Products, concluded, "Mar-Bal has a dedicated growth path in providing customers with comprehensive thermoset composite solutions-including part design, specialized material formulations, decorating, assembly and customized automation. The new SMC technology offering reflects this commitment and dedication to customer service."
Mar-Bal's growing and expansive materials portfolio, combined with vertical integration, allows customers to partner with Mar-Bal from concept to completion. Mar-Bal also owns a proprietary portfolio of BMC materials, molded insulators, detectable warning systems, fire resistant wastebaskets and can provide custom molding solutions to customers.
For more information contact:
Mar-Bal, Inc.
10095 Queens Way
Chagrin Falls, OH 44023
440-543-7526
www.mar-bal.com