MAR-BAL, INC. EXPANDS THEIR EXPERTISE TO SMC SECTOR FOR CLIENTS SEEKING LOW-VOLUME, UNIQUE MATERIAL SOLUTIONS.
Chagrin Falls, OH−August 2024
Expanding upon one of its core competencies, Mar-Bal, Inc. (Mar-Bal: Chagrin Falls, OH) has added Sheet Molding Compound (SMC) to be sold commercially through its existing materials division, AltraSet Composite Technologies. Built on the legacy of Mar-Bal’s 40+ years of experience developing composite materials for its customers, AltraSet officially launched in 2018 in response to the growing needs of customers and market opportunities.
This addition enhances their industry commitment as ‘The One-Source Solutions Provider’ as their goal is to bridge a gap in the industry for customers seeking lower volume (up to 10K lb.) product orders, with short lead times, and unique materials for custom formulations to meet specific application requirements.
Mar-Bal’s Development of Business into the SMC is akin to its BMC growth origins in the 1970s, where they started with small orders that larger entities didn’t want and built from there. The goal is the same, provide superior low-volume formulation of high glass structural composites for companies that are left behind by current leading suppliers−that won’t meet their needs because they are high-volume driven.
This ‘next-level’ of essential SMC formulation and material development includes (but not limited to):
REINFORCEMENTS:
• Glass Fiber
• Glass Mats
MATERIALS:
• Polyesters
• Vinyl Esters
• Hybrids
• Epoxies
MAR-BAL’S SCHMIDT & HEINZMANN SMC MACHINE ADVANTAGE:
At the forefront of filling the gap for smaller volume run SMC order demands is a newly acquired Schmidt & Heinzmann GmbH & Co. KG (Bruchsal, Southwest Germany) SMC & Pre-preg machine. This machine comes equipped with a multi-component pumping, dosing, and mixing (PDM) system. The PDM allows a precise combination of the thickener or hardener with the pre-mixed resin paste−essential in the production of consistent, high quality SMC material.
A leader in SMC production technologies since 1949, the Schmidt & Heinzmann machine is one of the most updated commercial SMC machines on the market. Capable of producing high glass structural composites, it is fully automated, holds tolerances well, and is adept at doing small runs of different sizes up to 24”-48” widths.
MAR-BAL’S TESTING ADVANTAGE:
Complimenting the newly acquired system is Mar-Bal’s Research & Development / Mechanical Lab, that provides full testing capabilities associated with SMC requirements including (but not limited to): Thermal Analysis / ASTM & ISO Testing Methods / UL Flame Testing / Mechanical Testing / Electrical Testing.
MAR-BAL SMC ADVANTAGE CONCLUSION:
In the 1970’s Mar-Bal identified the needs and requirements of smaller volume customers that were “left behind” and served them well. This trajectory continues with the advent of Mar-Bal’s SMC sector offerings and a focus on outstanding customer service−no matter the size of the company.
According to Casey Blabolil, Mar-Bal’s Director of Technology, “Our new SMC system is positioned to produce high glass structural composites for lower volume demands. We are now custom formulating, producing, and selling SMC commercially in the USA. In fact, many of our existing BMC customers are beginning to take advantage of our SMC offerings to assist them with meeting their production needs.”
Mar-Bal’s Sr. VP of Technology, Larry Landis noted, “We are not interested in high volume traditional materials (body panels, drain pans, etc.). Our goal is to fill a gap in the marketplace for those seeking optimal, lower volume demand formulation and material value−meeting the most exacting standards for a variety of applications.”
Bruce Acord, Mar-Bal’s Sr. VP Sales of Engineered Products concluded, “Mar-Bal has a dedicated growth path in providing customers with comprehensive thermoset composite solutions–including part design, specialized material formulations, decorating, assembly, and customized automation. The new SMC technology offering reflects this commitment and dedication to customer service.”
Through forward-thinking, growth and automation, Mar-Bal has continued to establish itself as “The One-Source Solutions Provider” within the composites industry. Its growing and expansive materials portfolio, combined with vertical integration, allows customers to partner with Mar-Bal from concept to completion. Mar-Bal also owns a proprietary portfolio of BMC materials, molded insulators, detectable warning systems, fire resistant wastebaskets and can provide custom molding solutions to customers.
Mar-Bal’s mission is to understand their customers’ business as well as they do. Investing in equipment and its people−Mar-Bal’s main goal is to support their customer base through development, production, and delivery.