ShapeTex Demonstrates Successful Overmolding of Short‑Fiber SMC onto Continuous Carbon Fiber Preforms

Shape Group (Witney, UK) has successfully compression molded the first batch of parts that combine short fiber sheet molding compound (SMC) over an optimized, continuous carbon fiber ShapeTex preform. This process is commonly referred to as overmolding. Typically, the overmold is an injection molded compound, but in this case ShapeTex used a compression molded SMC.

The ShapeTex preform uses a continuous tow of carbon fiber that gives significant strength to the finished part, including both radial and axial reinforcement. The short fiber SMC uses epoxy resin. The finished part is 4.5mm thick.

The company cannot announce the customer for this demonstration. “But it’s an exciting development,” says Shape’s Managing Director, Peter McCool. “We use the continuous fiber of the ShapeTex preform as the structural backing on to which we consolidate a short fiber laminate that can flow and fill the mold cavity more easily.”  

“The potential of this technology is quite significant,” McCool continues. “We have been working on this combination for quite a while and feel that now is the time to bring it to market. We have several customers that like the aesthetic look of the SMC and the ability to press and cure parts with channels, ribs and fixing bosses means that we can incorporate features into a single composite part that would otherwise require multiple operations and parts. This process has been developed using epoxy thermoset resins and offers closed molded parts with optimized strength using approved resin systems.”

Although these trials were conducted in a flat mold the process lends itself equally to complex and double curvature parts. Shape is targeting high volume applications in the automotive and sports equipment market with this process.