An Experimental Study on Sink Mark Formation in Compression Molded SMC Parts with Rib

리브를 가진 일체형 SMC 압축성형재의 Sink Mark 형성에 관한 실험적 연구

Compression molding of SMC (Sheet Molding Compound) in a thin plaque with substructures like a rib is involved with the formation of surface defect along the centerline over the rib area called by sink mark depending on process parameters. The surface quality of the external panels in automotive manufacturing is so critical that this kind of defect should be eliminated during manufacturing stages. The effect of process parameters on sink mark formation and the distribution of chopped fiberglasses in the compression molded thin plaque with a rib was experimentally investigated in the present study. In order to estimate the effect of the molding parameters such as molding temperature, mold closing speed, depth of the rib, corner radius of the rib, and final molded part thickness of flat portion on the depth of sink mark and the distribution of fiberglasses in the molded SMC part with the rib under the present experimental conditions, the molding parameters used in experiments were non-dimensionalized equation for predicting the depth of sink mark was determined through dimensional analysis based on the experimental data. The orientation and distribution of fiberglasses and fillers which directly affect the formation and depth of sink mark were investigated by taking the photographs of the cross-sectional area of the molded specimen using scanning electron microscope. The experimental results proposed from this investigation are useful in understanding the formation of sink mark and predicting the depth of sink mark in compression molding of SMC with substructures.