Roll forming of SMC and TMC, considering the resin-fibre interface

The principal purpose of this study is to develop a design procedure for a new roll forming process. With SMC, the advantages are reduced forming force and power consumption caused by a spherical stress tensor during compression moulding. Basic information on the deformation behaviour is obtained from a T-shaped profile using carrier type roll forming.

As the SMC is a laminate with heterogeneous properties, consideration must be given to the macroscopic and microscopic interfaces caused by resin-rich surfaces and different stiffnesses of fibre and resin. The effect of feed rate on the flow pattern is also an important problem for the fabrication of different shape products. The fabrication behaviour is investigated with relation to the interfaces in the sequent process to target areas for future development.