WHAT ARE COMPOSITES?

A composite is a mixture of two or more materials which when physically combined exhibits greatly improved properties over the individual materials. Hadlock Plastics Corporation specializes in the molding of reinforced thermoset composites. Glass fibers provide structural properties and thermosetting resins provide the matrix to hold the fibers. Additional components, such as pigments, fillers, flame retardants, and low shrink additives enhance or modify the composite’s performance.

Unlike thermoplastics, thermosets do not soften once they cure during the molding process. Compared to reinforced thermoplastics, reinforced thermosets offer the following advantages. Higher mechanical properties such as flexural strength, flex modulus, tensile strength, and compressive strength. Higher impact resistance. Greater resistance to change in shape and change of dimensions due to changes in temperature and passage of time, called creep resistance. Low thermal conductivity and thermal expansion. Excellent dielectric strength and greater resistance to most chemicals. Lower cost per pound compared to engineered thermoplastics.

Our primary process is compression molding. We use a precompounded mixture of glass, resin, and additives in the form of sheet molding compound (SMC) to mold parts. Compared to structural foam and RRIM, SMC parts have lower shrink rates, higher strength properties, and a much more consistent surface color and finish. In some applications, SMC can remain unpainted, when a reinforced thermoplastic must be painted for an acceptable finish.

It is in comparison to machined metal castings and sheet metal fabrications you will find reinforced thermosets truly surpasses the competition. Hadlock Plastics currently molds several examples of individual plastic parts which replaced multi-part, higher cost metal fabrications. Reinforced thermosets’ strength to weight ratios are higher than steel. We can provide molded in color, higher corrosion resistance, and a better surface for painting.