Stahlin Non-Metallic Enclosures Expands SMC Formulation and Compounding Capabilities
Belding, MICHIGAN --- Stahlin Non-Metallic Enclosures, manufacturer of the world's most frequently specified fiberglass enclosure products, has significantly expanded its SMC production capabilities and, in doing so, has also enhanced the ability of its inhouse FormRight(TM) Laboratories to develop SMC formulations with highly specific application benefits such as UV-protection, anti-microbial properties and anti-ballistic/high impact performance qualities.
Central to this expansion of capacity and capabilities is an entirely new SMC compounding system featuring fully automated, computer controlled mixing, a 5,500 pound batch capacity, mass flow metering of paste, pigment and thickener, continuous SMC compounding with 10%-60% glass or carbon fiber reinforcement capability, and a 24 inch SMC line with chain compaction and adjustable VFD's (Variable Frequency Drives).
According to Jeff Seagle, president of Stahlin Non-Metallic Enclosures: "Inhouse SMC formulation and compounding has always been one of our strengths. Our new system, however, brings a truly state-of-the-art level of consistency and reliability to our commitment to providing the highest quality material for production of our diverse electrical and industrial enclosures. It also significantly boosts the volume of SMC we are able to produce in keeping up with the growing global demand for our products."
As part of the overall expansion of SMC capabilities, Stahlin has also constructed a completely enclosed laboratory area that meets all new EPA (MACT) requirements. This area features fully controlled temperature and humidity and will become the home for Stahlin's FormRight(TM) Laboratories, a well-established, value-added program developed to further the evolution of specialized SMC formulations and to provide a unique service to engineers and designers who require enclosures with physical performance qualities not currently being met by standard, off-the-shelf products.
" Stahlin has always been active in pursuing new formulation benefits," says Jeff Seagle. "A prime example is our proprietary SolarGuard(TM) SMC formulation, developed in our FormRight(TM) Laboratories because of the need for certain enclosures to retain gloss and color after exposure to concentrated UV light. SolarGuard(TM) is able to reduce effects of UV degradation such as surface roughening and fiber blooming and possesses a second layer of protection through a sacrificial additive that acts as a UV absorber. We intend to apply our new formulating flexibility to exploring the development of compounds that serve as solutions for challenges in a wide variety of areas including impact resistance and anti-microbial properties."
Additionally, FormRight(TM) Laboratories will provide measurement, testing, evaluation and analysis capabilities to assist in providing end-users premium products, with proven performance attributes, for a broad range of enclosure applications.
For more information about information Stahlin's SMC capabilities or FormRight(TM) Laboratories, contact Sam Layle, 500 Maple Street, Belding, Michigan 48809. Phone: 616-794-0700, fax: 616-794-3378. E-Mail: slayle@robroy.com. Worldwide web: www.stahlin.com.
Stahlin Contact: Sam Layle 616-794-0700
J4 Communications: Mark Bruner 330-764-9444
