SMC takes the heat
October, 2009 : Collierville, TN
State-of-the-art technology, a free trade market and quick supplier response proved to be the right ingredients for new business at Pilot Automotive SRL. Headquartered in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Pilot Automotive is a world-class manufacturer of sheet molding composite (SMC) parts.
Pilot Automotive added a heat shield to the list of products that it provides Ford Motor Company, using sheet molding compound (SMC) from SMC SA, Montevideo, Uruguay, the leading SMC supplier in South America.
The heat shield, which is used to insulate the fuel tank from the high temperature of engine exhausts, presented a new challenge. The composite requires an unconventional chopped glass fiber loading of 50%. The compound also has to flow smoothly as it is being processed in heated matched metal dies on high compression presses.
“We needed a new compound very quickly if we were going to get the Ford heat shield business,” said Leandro S. Solofrizzo, Purchasing Manager for Pilot Automotive. “Jacinto Muxi and Yamandu Bermudez in charge of the production department at SMC SA met our needs in record time. Thanks to this, we added new business at a time when the automotive market is soft.”
The heat shield is the latest in the list of SMC components that Pilot Automotive makes for Ford and was formulated with AOC resin. The resin is especially formulated for structural SMC applications that require higher mechanical properties when exposed to a hot or corrosive environment.
SMC SA produces molding compound for automotive parts using unsaturated polyester resin from AOC. The resin is specified for its good fiber wetting characteristics, proven high reactivity for a broad range of end-use applications, and smooth surface finish when used for appearance parts.
The partnership between Pilot and SMC SA began many years ago and together both enterprises have developed several parts, always with success. The most technically complex, is a structural cross vehicle beam which integrates several functions into a single component with stringent safety requirements.
Pilot also supplies components for other automakers Dodge, Peugeot, Citroën and Chery International, bus manufacturer Tatsa Motors. Components are sold in Argentina, Brazil, Mexico and Uruguay.
Argentina and Uruguay are full members of Mercosur. Pointing to the role of the Southern Common Market, or “Mercosur,” in the project, Solofrizzo added, “It is very important for us to have a qualified SMC supplier in a Mercosur partner country.”
About Pilot Automotive
Pilot Automotive SLR is a major supplier of sheet molding composite parts and systems for automotive, truck and mass transit vehicles. Pilot Automotive develops proactive design, process and material solutions for its customers. In addition to SMC molding, company capabilities include injection molding, welding, tube-bending, pressure testing and subassembly. For more information, phone company headquarters in Buenos Aires, Argentina at +54 11 4003 5500, fax +54 11 4003 5501, or go to www.pilotaut.com.ar.
About SMC SA
SMC SA is an ISO 9001 and 14001-certified producer of fiberglass-reinforced polyester sheet molding compound for compression molding operations. From state-of-the-art facilities in Montevideo, Uruguay, the company ships SMC to composite manufacturing facilities throughout South America. SMC SA supplies products for the automotive industry, as well as the electrical and construction industries. For more information, phone the company factory in Montevideo, Uruguay, for Jacinto Muxi or Yamandu Bermudez at +(598 2) 305-3568, fax +(598 2) 305-3567, e-mail info@smc.com.uy or jmm@smc.com.u.
About AOC
Headquartered in Collierville, Tennessee, USA, AOC LLC is a leading global supplier of materials and systems for composites and cast polymers. AOC products are manufactured in twelve manufacturing plants strategically located throughout North America, Europe and the Asia-Pacific region. AOC knows technology, lives quality and delivers service better than any other supplier. To discover more, phone Steve Martin at (901) 854-2847, e-mail smartin@aoc-resins.com or go to www.aoc-resins.com.