What is a Thermoset Material?
A thermoset material is made of polymer resins that are cured through a heat and chemical cross linking process. This curing process transforms the resin into its final form and once the crosslinking has taken place, the material cannot be melted or re-shaped. Thermoset materials are generally stronger than thermoplastic materials and are better suited to high temperature and high strength applications. Some examples of thermoset materials are:
- Polyester fiberglass systems such as sheet molding and bulk molding compounds
- Phenolic
- Melamine
- Epoxy
- Urea
- Melamine/phenolicdiallyl ortho phthalate
Why Choose a Thermoset Material?
Thermoset composite materials are an ideal choice when choosing a material for a product that needs the following property values.
- Dimensional stability
- High heat resistance
- Electrical insulation
- High flex strength
- Thermal insulation
- Corrosion resistance
- Creep resistance
- Low fluid absorption
What are Applications of Thermoset Material?
Typical applications for these materials are:
- Electrical enclosures, toggle bars, levers, switch bases, spacers, slip rings
- Automotive caps and housings
- Shower and bath fixtures
- Small and large appliance handles, control panels, side and end panels
- Outdoor grill shelves and control knobs
- Lighting luminaires, bases and covers
Thermoset materials are an excellent candidate for products being considered for metal replacement.