Objective
With polyester moulding compounds (SMC, BMC) a major quantity of scrap both in producing compound and moulding is caused by the lack of control of the moulding properties. The scrap rate is ranging from 1 to 3 % up to ca. 15 % with an additional rate of 50 to 75 % of parts to be reworked and repaired. Especially the uncontrolled flow properties produce a varity of unwanted technical effects and must be seen as one basic reason for that situation. The task is to establish a Total Control of the Flowability of compounds along the whole sequence of processing. The control shall include assessing of the individual stages of the material. Since flowability is a physical property, a correlation with QA specification elements of the moulded part must be established, using always compatible physical expressions. Interfaces and programme modules must be defined for the control of each following step. The platform for the definition of flowability shall be given by the raw materials (level of causes) and shall be traced and controlled at the interfaces (level of effects) to finally result in a defined QA specification of the part. A cost reduction of ca. 5 % shall be achieved by reducing scrap, increasing productivity and reducing rework. Additionally an important increase of the market is expected from constant and reliable quality.
Funding Scheme
EAW - Exploratory awardsCoordinator
7800 AE Emmen
Netherlands
Participants (1)
56626 Andernach
