Astar works closely with the automotive and transportation industries. Our SMC and BMC materials are used for a wide range of automotive, bus, truck, agriculture, train, tram and underground parts, from headlamp housings to exterior body panels, under-the-hood components, heat-shielding components, structural parts, cosmetic components, seats, interior panels, doorframes, etc. The main automobile manufacturers include on their vehicles parts made of Astar’s materials.

Benefits of SMC/BMC in Automotive & Transportation applications:

• Design freedom (complex geometries and integration not possible in metals)
• System cost saving potential compared to steel, with lower tooling costs for shorter series
• Customization and speed to market are easier and faster with SMC/BMC
• SMC / steel / aluminium hybrids are fully compatible
• Weight savings with excellent strength/stiffness
• Permeability of electromagnetic waves for antenna systems
• Function Integration (e.g. antenna systems can be hidden between inner and outer panel shells)
• Parts Integration (e.g. single technical section can replace >20 individual metal parts)
• Class A surface with same appearance as steel parts
• On-line paintability
• Coefficient of Linear Thermal Expansion (CLTE) comparable to steel and aluminum
• Retention of properties after paint and thermal treatments
• Excellent sound dampening properties, substantially better than aluminium
• Engineered crash performance
• Mass coloured
• Resistance to corrosion from hot oil, petrol, coolants, brake fluid, glycols or road salts
• High heat resistance makes SMC/BMC suitable for underbonnet parts, headlamp reflectors and sunroof frames and assemblies
• Excellent electrical insulating properties
• Flame retardant and low smoke systems compliant with the highest standards
• Unlike thermoplastics, SMC/BMC does not melt or release burning droplets which spread fire
• Halogen-free formulations mean extremely low smoke and low toxicity