SMC (sheet molding compound) is a glass-fiber-reinforced thermoset in sheet form. It is shaped under heat and pressure and is particularly suitable for the fast, series-capable production of complex components.

How does the SMC press process work?

In the SMC press process, a prepared cut of the semi-finished product is placed in a heated tool. The press closes and builds up a defined pressure under which the material flows and completely fills the tool geometry. The heat of the tool triggers the curing reaction of the thermoset. After the holding time has elapsed, the press opens and the dimensionally stable component is removed.

Which components are manufactured on SMC presses?

Typical components include exterior body parts, structural components, and trim parts in the automotive industry, housing parts in electrical and power engineering, and technical molded parts for industrial applications.

How long does a cycle take on an SMC press?

Depending on the component and process, a complete press cycle with automatic tool change can be completed in around two minutes.

Can an SMC press also be used for RTM?

Yes, depending on the design, an SMC press can be configured so that it also meets RTM process requirements. The decisive factor is that the press enables precise gap control and controlled pressure management as required in the resin injection process. The specific suitability depends on the respective component, material system, and process design.

Which information is required for the design?

The following information is required for designing an SMC press: material system (e.g. SMC, resin type), component geometry, tool concept, desired surface quality, required production volume/cycle time, degree of automation, and layout and foundation conditions.

SMC Presses for Compression Molding

Press systems for SMC compression molding

SIEMPELKAMP develops SMC presses for the compression molding of sheet molding compound (SMC) in series production. The press systems are designed for short cycle times and reproducible component quality – including media connections for tool supply, options for tool change, and integration into complete production lines.

Benefits

Designed for high production volumes and short cycle times
Reproducible component quality through controlled process management
High plant availability thanks to straightforward tool run-in and stable parallel guidance
Scalable from a single press to a fully integrated production line
Clear project structure through system delivery including peripheral equipment (one point of contact)

Siempelkamp SMC Sheet Molding Compund Presse

Features

Press technology for SMC compression molding (thermoset)
Media connections for tool supply (e.g. temperature control, oil, vacuum)
Options for tool change (manual to fully automatic), including shuttle concepts
Support for process-near functions such as IMC (gap control in the tenth-of-a-millimeter range)
Line integration: handling, loading and unloading stations, cooling, and post-processing

What sets SMC presses from SIEMPELKAMP apart

SMC press systems are designed for industrial series processes in which precision, repeatability, and high availability are crucial. Our technology is geared toward making every stroke as reliable and efficient as possible.

High cycle performance

SMC presses from SIEMPELKAMP achieve high closing speeds up to just before the end position and then decelerate in a targeted manner when the tool makes contact. This coordinated movement reduces cycle times while also supporting precise process management.

Higher availability

The backlash-free mounting and parallel guidance of the upper tool ensure tool halves run in without tilting. This reduces mechanical loads, extends tool service life, and contributes to high plant availability.

System solution

SIEMPELKAMP supplies complete systems for the SMC press process. These include the integration of peripheral equipment, media connections, and post-processing stations as well as modular concepts for tool change. For flexible applications, we also offer multifunction presses for different process requirements.

For which applications are SMC press processes used?

SMC hot presses are used wherever fiber-reinforced plastic components are produced in high volumes with precise requirements for surface quality and dimensional accuracy. Depending on the requirements, they can also be combined with processes such as PCM pressing (prepreg compression molding). Typical fields of application range from the automotive industry and aircraft components to industrial housings and insulators.

The SMC process at a glance
From press to production line

SMC is supplied as roll or sheet material and pressed in the compression molding process. Depending on the product requirements, process-near steps (e.g. IMC, cooling, edge machining, and joining) can be integrated into one line.

Shuttle systems can be integrated for material loading and tool change – from manual solutions (sliding table) and single- and double-sided shuttles to fully automatic tool change systems.

Process chain in the SMC hot-pressing process (SMCHP)

Unwinding and cutting

Weighing and loading

Pressing and unloading

Cooling

Edge machining and joining

Here you will find the right services

Customer service

Keep composite plants ready for production: remote diagnostics, on-site service, and structured maintenance support precise parallelism control and stable press processes.

Spare parts service

Secure composite press systems with correctly identified original parts, digital spare parts information, and plannable supply for precise high-performance material processes.

Retrofit & modernization

Modernize composite presses in a modular and efficient way – from drive technology and control system to cylinder guidance, energy consumption, and plannable production start.

Consulting & audit

Use audits for composite press systems to transparently evaluate component geometry, process requirements, energy efficiency, and maintenance potential.

FAQs on SMC presses

Let’s talk about your requirements!

From the initial idea through to implementation, our specialist departments will advise you on customized plants, components, and services.

SMC presses for series production

Press systems for SMC compression molding

Benefits

Features

What sets SMC presses from SIEMPELKAMP apart

High cycle performance

Higher availability

System solution

For which applications are SMC press processes used?

The SMC process at a glanceFrom press to production line

Unwinding and cutting

Weighing and loading

Pressing and unloading

Cooling

Edge machining and joining

Here you will find the right services

Customer service

Spare parts service

Retrofit & modernization

Consulting & audit

FAQs on SMC presses

Let’s talk about your requirements!

Benefits

What sets SMC presses from SIEMPELKAMP apart

High cycle performance

Higher availability

System solution

The SMC process at a glanceFrom press to production line

Unwinding and cutting

Weighing and loading

Pressing and unloading

Cooling

Edge machining and joining

Here you will find the right services

Customer service

Spare parts service

Retrofit & modernization

Consulting & audit

FAQs on SMC presses

Let’s talk about your requirements!

The SMC process at a glance
From press to production line

The SMC process at a glance
From press to production line