Prototype Thermoset part

[sunny81]

Is it possible to prototype a part that will resemble a part made of sheet molded compound. The tensile strength needs to be 14 KSI and compressive strength is 30KSI.

I am not familiar with plastics. So please advice.

Thanks

 

[berkshire]

You can prototype a part that will resemble SMC by using a filled polyester resin called Kitty hair troweled and smoothed over a suitable mold.
It will not be SMC and will not have the same tensile and compressive strength. But it will give you an idea what your part is going to look like.
B.E.

 

[Compositepro]

There are resins with properties that you listed but they will be brittle (low elongation to failure). SMC gets its properties by combining more flexible resin with high strength fiber. Pure glass is very brittle - fiberglass is not because cracks cannot propagate from fiber to fiber.

 

[loughnane]

If all you need is to simulate a specific geometry while maintaining the specified strengths. you might want to look at urethane casting.

A quick look @ RPDG and forecast shows urethane casting materials @ ~10-11KSI, which is close enough to make me believe you might be able to find a 14 KSI somewhere.

some good vendors to check out for urethane casting:

dynacept
forecast3d
RPDG
vistatek
scott models (in cincinatti... these guys make stuff look real good)

Chris Loughnane - Product Design

http://www.pdnotebook.com

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