© Emil Frei
Opening photo: Mitras Composites GmbH manufactures housings using a sheet moulding compound (SMC), i.e. plate-shaped, dough-like moulding materials made from thermosetting reaction resins and glass fibres, to produce the individual components.
FOCUS ON TECHNOLOGY
Eliminating Process Steps, Increasing Quality. Manufacturer of SMC Housings Relies on FreiLacke’s PIMC Process John-David Mäbert, Mitras Composites GmbH Peter Lobendank, Emil Frei GmbH & Co. KG
T
he grey junction and distribution boxes
Those who take a closer look can detect the
Mitras Composites GmbH from Radeburg,
that can be found on pavements,
weathering of the top coats of older models,
near Dresden, manufactures these types of
in front yards or the edges of
as well as the corrosion of the resin layer on
housings. The company uses a sheet moulding
properties largely go unnoticed. Only
the surface, which allows the fibres of the
compound (SMC), i.e. plate-shaped, dough-like
children sometimes use them when they
housing to become visible. The result is that
moulding materials made from thermosetting
play hide-and-seek or as pommel horses.
not only their optics suffer but, to a small
reaction resins and glass fibres, to produce the
Their housings are exposed to the elements
extent, also their mechanical properties and
individual components (ref. Opening photo).
every single day – sometimes for decades.
fire-resistance.
The flat fibres guarantee very good mechanical
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N. 53 - SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2018 - international PAINT&COATING magazine