Primary process: Compression Molding. The full route, materials, tolerances and design tips for a smc panel, with an indicative cost.
Compression MoldingPrimary process
PolymerFamily
7Route steps
+/-0.2mmTypical tol.
A smc panel is primarily made by Compression Molding. Compression moulding presses a measured charge of material into a heated mould that closes and cures or sets it, common for thermoset and rubber parts. Below is the full route to make a smc panel, the materials it suits, the tolerances to expect and the main design points. The route is free, from the finder.
Step by step
How a smc panel is made
The usual route, raw material to finished part. The amber step is where the smc panel gets its basic shape.
Material
Select the polymer grade and colourant for the smc panel.
Tooling
Cut the steel or aluminium mould that forms the smc panel.
Compression Molding
Press the charge in the heated mould and cure to make the smc panel.
Tooling Medium to high Tolerance ±0.1 to 0.5mm Lead 6 to 12 weeks
Trim
Trim the edges, flash and any waste material.
Secondary
Where the smc panel needs them, add inserts, printed graphics or machined details.
Tooling None Tolerance ±0.125mm, to ±0.025mm Lead 1 to 10 days
Assembly
Where the smc panel joins other parts, snap-fit, weld or bond it into the finished product.
Tooling Low Tolerance good Lead immediate
Inspection
Check fit, finish and any functional dimensions.
Need the real cost for a smc panel? The free route above is yours. Unlock the full dossier to quote and source it.
Rubber seals and thermoset parts; robust molds, good for mid-to-high volume elastomer/thermoset parts.
PER-PART COST vs VOLUME
Per-part cost drops as volume spreads tooling and setup over more parts. The exact figures for a smc panel at your volume, in your currency, are in the dossier.
MODEL EST.
$10 to 18per part at 100 off
A rough ballpark only. The dossier gives should-cost at your exact volume and currency, with the full breakdown.
GET THE FULL DOSSIER
Everything you need to quote and source it
The free route above is yours. To actually put a number on a smc panel and buy it well:
Should-cost at your exact volume in 12 currencies, with the material, processing, tooling and overhead breakdown
Who to source from, typical MOQ and lead time, and the exact RFQ checklist to send
A quote checker that tells you if a supplier quote is fair, and the red flags to watch
SistematikWork is a whole IE platform. Past the free finder, there are 41 ready Excel calculators, templates and CAD guides, each built from real coursework and checked against known values.
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A smc panel is primarily made by compression molding. The route is: Material; Tooling; Compression Molding; Trim; Secondary; Assembly; Inspection.
What does a smc panel cost?
It depends on size, tolerance and volume. As a rough ballpark it starts around $10 to 18 per part at 100 off and falls with quantity. The dossier gives should-cost at your exact volume and currency. A model estimate, not a quote.
What material is a smc panel made from?
Common choices are NBR (nitrile); EPDM; Silicone.
What is the main process for a smc panel?
Compression Molding. Rubber seals, composite panels, electrical parts and silicone moulds in medium volume.
See the exact route and should-cost for your part
The free finder maps your part to its process and full route. Pro adds should-cost at your volume, sourcing and an RFQ draft.
