The compression molding process is well known for its ability to produce highly complex, high-strength parts. This book not only covers the advantages and disadvantages of the molding operation with SMC/BMC (thermosetting) and GMT/LFT (thermoplastic) materials, it also provides the reader with relatively simple models for monitoring, troubleshooting, and quality control of their processes. Also covered is the important role of fiber reinforcement: how the quantity of fiber, the fiber length, and fiber orientation influence part strength and stiffness and how to calculate fiber breakage.

This book addresses traditional polymer processing as well as the emerging technologies associated with the plastics industry in the 21st century, and combines engineering modeling aspects with computer simulation of realistic polymer processes. This book is designed to provide a polymer processing background to engineering students and practicing engineers. This three-part textbook is written for a two-semester polymer processing series in mechanical and chemical engineering. The first and second part of the book are designed for a senior- to graduate level course, introducing polymer...

Combined with a solid engineering background, this book provides the information and industrial case studies an engineer needs to both make informed decisions about selecting appropriate testing techniques and effectively troubleshoot problems in the field of plastics manufacturing. The scope of this book also includes relevant and concise information for data interpretation using the most important characterization techniques.