Advantages and Benefits of SAAM Systems

Advantages And Benefits Of SAAM Systems

• SAAM's, and Low Pressure Molding Compounds (LPMC™), offer a way to bridge the gap between the RTM process and SMC molding. Think of it as a method of molding Fiberglass Reinforced Plastic parts with consistent quality, as in SMC molding, but with the lower costs generally associated with Resin Transfer Molding.

• When SAAM's and LPMC™ materials are being used, the pressures needed to compression mold can be dropped by up to 90% vs. conventional SMC systems. This means mold costs can be greatly reduced, and by comparison, a conventional press becomes a very expensive means of aligning, opening and closing molds.

• A SAAM leverages the low molding pressures and reduced tooling costs into a completely portable, turnkey, production molding system.

• Capable of low, medium and high volume production runs.

• SAAM's can be built with the tool being "dedicated" (a permanent tool), or with a platen for interchangeable tooling.

• When SAAM's are coupled with LPMC™ materials, the "financial barrier to entry" into the compression molding arena is dramatically reduced.

• As a result of operating at low pressures, SAAM's are able to incorporate Fabricated Steel Tooling (FST) instead of more expensive tooling normally required in conventional SMC environments. This type of tooling challenges traditional mold construction by fabricating molds instead of milling and gun boring a billet of steel. Because of fabrication the tool requires less machining and offers significantly improved heating characteristics.The cost savings in mold production can be significant.

• Tools are evaluated using FEA for deflection, stress, and heat transfer performance. This insures maximum performance at minimum cost.

What Benefits Will Be Realized As A Result Of Using
SAAM's And/Or LPMC™?

For Resin Transfer Molders (RTM) and Open Mold Operators –

• A dramatic cost savings with regards to the "barrier to entry" into the automated
compression molding arena
• Elimination of secondary trimming by molding net size parts
• Dry glass preform operation is eliminated
• Waste reduced to between 1 – 3%
• Will see a dramatic reduction in cycle times
• VOC’s will be reduced tremendously (5% of open molding VOC’s)
• Improved dimensional and surface finishes (both sides)
• A user friendly process with minimal operator training

For Traditional SMC Molders –

• Lower molding pressures
• Reduction of tooling and tool maintenance costs
• An ability to mold larger surface area parts in existing presses
• Better flow and rib fill
• Capable of using more elaborate inserts