What are the Benefits in using BMC?
Major benefits vs. competing materials

BMC replaces cast Aluminum: Housing for Key DUPLICATING MACHINE MANUFACTURED MORE EFFICIENTLY AND ECONOMICALLY

A fine example of cost saving is the housing of a special machine for the duplication of keys. Silica Group produces over 10,000 duplicating units every year. When the new machine was conceived, the aim was to find a more economical alternative to the previously used material, cast aluminum.

To produce the housings in aluminum would prove expensive due to the high level of post-moulding work is needed to obtain a number of precise holes. Also the painting of the parts was expensive and needed to be avoided, if possible.

Two plastics solutions were evaluated, one in the thermoplastic and the other in the thermoset, it was finally decided to choose compression moulded BMC for the following reasons

Technical advantages:

	Very rigid and stiffer than thermoplastics		Longer life of BMC tool
	Ability to integrate all the housing functions		Dimensional stability & higher precision compared to aluminum.
	No mechanical rework needed		Noise reduction: BMC has a dampening effect on vibrations
	Reduced cycle time compared to aluminum

Economical advantages: 50% total cost savings in comparison to cast aluminum. BMC compared to thermoplastics.

	Dimensional accuracy		Corrosion resistance in aggressive environments including solvents
	Dimensional stability (creep resistance) over broad range of temperatures		Non-melting, flame retardant, low smoke density, low toxicity and no halogens.
	Good property retention over long term/ high temperature conditions (ageing)		Fire resistant UL94V-0; glow wire 9600C
	Low thermal linear expansion (same as steel)		Customizing to meet specific needs, good speed to market
	High mechanical properties (strength, stiffness and impact)		BMC can be mass colored to match customer specifications
	Excellent electrical properties		Lower mould cavity pressure
	Design flexibility, thin to thick variable component sections		Faster cycle time (at medium to high wall thickness)
	Inserts can be integrated in the moulding process		Machine workability
	Direct screw assembly without previous threading		Low cost per liter

BMC compared to metals:

	Design freedom through parts, consolidation		Excellent dielectric strength, track resistance, arc resistance
	Good surface, mass colored, textured surface possible		Good strength/ stiffness weight performance
	Close tolerance often eliminates post - moulding operations		Outstanding sound deadening properties
	Excellent corrosion resistance (chemicals, water, humidity)		Low thermal conductivity
	No painting necessary		Faster time to market
	Excellent electrical (insulating) properties		Lower tooling cost