Compared with steel automobile parts, SMC automobile parts formed by moulding plastics have many advantages. For example: (1) The production cycle is short, it is convenient for automobile modification, and the investment benefit is good; (2) Light weight, saving fuel and less pollution; (3) Freedom of design; (4) Good integrity of the parts and small number of parts; (5) Good durability and heat insulation. SMC also has shortcomings, such as: (1) non-recyclable, polluting the environment; (2) Although the performance and price are relatively good, the one-time investment (such as SMC units, press and die) is often higher than the corresponding steel parts.
SMC auto parts are divided into four categories: (1) functional parts, with clear functions, such as oil corrosion resistance of oil pan, heat insulation plate high temperature resistance; (2) The outer panel of the car shell is divided into two kinds: the vertical outer panel (such as side panel and door) and the horizontal outer panel (such as roof and hood). Car hulls are required to achieve A-class surface accuracy. At present, the exterior panels of cars and light trucks worldwide are worth 30 billion US dollars, while the proportion of SMC exterior panels is very small (with the exception of the United States). However, the development of SMC car shell (especially engine hood) is very fast. (3) Structural components, impact strength and overall structure are all excellent, and design is free to ensure the safety of drivers and passengers after the crash, such as the space frame of Formula One (n) racing cars and cars; (4) Semi-structural parts, with good mechanical strength, versatility and integrity, such as radiator brackets, beams, which support the dashboard, and lower radiator SMC brackets in the front of Taurus and Mercury Sable cars, have only two parts (22 parts in the original steel bracket). The quality is greatly reduced and the cost is reduced by 14%.
Many new plastic forming processes have been developed with the help of the automotive industry. In today's fierce competition, only by constantly innovating and developing new plastic forming process, can we meet the needs of automobile lightweight and occupy more shares in the future market competition. Without mastering the special new technology, the enterprise will have no future. With the development of new technology and application technology, they will be more and more widely used in the field of automotive plastic forming.