Thermoset Structural Composites resist moisture and chemicals.

Press Release Summary:




Consisting of single and hybrid chemistries using polyester, vinyl ester, polyurethane, and epoxy resins, Engineered Structural Composites experience little or no degradation in extreme hot and cold temperatures, making them suited for most demanding industrial and outdoor environments. Products maintain rigidity, resist corrosion, and can be molded using variety of standard processes and tools. Composites are available as both Sheet Molding Compounds and Bulk Molding Compounds.



Original Press Release:



IDI Composites Announces New Line of High-Performance Thermoset Structural Composites



NOBLESVILLE, IN (USA) - IDI Composites International, the premier global formulator and manufacturer of BMC and SMC thermoset molding compounds, announces a new line of "engineered structural composites" (ESC) for high-reliability applications, such as aerospace, transportation, and alternative energy, among others.

IDI's new high-performance product line builds on the most popular properties of the company's standard thermoset products, such as corrosion resistance and durability, but adds to that exceptionally light weight and superior mechanical strength. In addition, these ESC products experience little or no degradation in extreme hot and cold temperatures, making them ideal for the most demanding industrial and outdoor environments.

IDI's structural composites consist of single and hybrid chemistries using polyester, vinyl ester, polyurethane, and epoxy resins. This hybrid technology combines the best properties of the individual resins to create a unique thermoset composite with enhanced properties. Whether in its native state or built into a hybrid chemistry, the ESC line will always yield exceptional strength relative to its weight. As a result, ESC products are substantially superior to standard thermoset product chemistries, and dramatically less expensive than metal alternatives. The hybrid technology also allows for green resins to be incorporated, enhancing the customer's position on renewable feed stocks. The following are key features of IDI's new line of engineered structural composites:

Flex and Tensile Strength: ESC materials offer higher tensile strength per unit weight than most metals, and higher flexural strength than many thermoplastics. Structural composites maintain excellent rigidity and other physical properties during prolonged exposure to harsh environments.

Dimensional Stability: In high-temperature applications, a structural composite part is far less susceptible to relaxation or creep failure. ESC products experience little or no shrinkage, ensuring close tolerances in molded parts and often eliminating the need for secondary operations, such as drilling or machining.

Corrosion Resistance: ESC parts do not rust or corrode when used outdoors or in harsh environments. In fact, structural composites provide long-term resistance to both moisture and chemicals.

Cost-Effective Alternative: Engineered structural composites have a very long life span and feature low maintenance requirements. They also reduce manufacturing costs by enabling parts consolidation and virtually eliminating final finishing and coloring.

Design Flexibility: ESC materials can be molded using a variety of standard molding processes and tools, including high-volume and prototyping systems. And, due to their superior molding properties, they enable the creation of complex shapes and intricate details that are impractical or even impossible to produce with metals.

"We're very excited about our new ESC product line," said company Vice President and General Manager Tom Flood. "No only does it complement our existing thermoset product line, but it opens the door for many new and challenging applications."

IDI's ESC product line is available as Sheet Molding Compound (SMC) and Bulk Molding Compound (BMC). Reinforcement fibers for SMC structural composites consist of traditional fiberglass materials, plus carbon fiber reinforcement for applications that require exception strength coupled with severe weight restrictions.

Applications for IDI's ESC product line center on high-strength, light-weight, and thin (down to 0.060" thickness) alternatives to sheet metal. Markets include Military & Aerospace, Transportation, Industrial, Safety, Medical, Electrical, Automotive, Energy, and Marine for components such as heat shields, skip plates, safety helmets, and much more.

About IDI Composites International: IDI Composites International is the premier global formulator and manufacturer of thermoset molding compounds for custom molders and OEMs. The company provides customized polyester/vinylester-based bulk molding compounds (BMC) and sheet molding compounds (SMC) for the world's most demanding markets, including military & aerospace, transportation, industrial, safety, medical, electrical, automotive, energy, and marine.

Headquartered in a 200,000 square foot manufacturing facility and research center in Noblesville, IN (USA), IDI has a strong presence in the international thermoset composites market. To support a growing customer base world-wide, the company operates multiple wholly-owned manufacturing facilities in Europe, Asia, and The Americas.

IDI Composites International is a Registered Trademark of IDI Composites International.

All Topics