Nov 25 2013
Molded Fiber Glass Industries (MFG), an innovation leader in the field of fiber reinforced plastic (FRP) composite materials and processes, announced the availability of a new proprietary sheet molding compound (SMC) material with non-flammable properties. Known as iNVENTA 616UL, the material received UL 723 approval from Underwriters Laboratories earlier this year.
UL 723 is recognized as the industry standard for evaluating surface burning characteristics of building materials.
Initially formulated for HVAC (heating, ventilation, air conditioning) system components, the attributes of iNVENTA 616UL are ideal for many applications where non-flammability is important and greater than ten square feet of composites may be required. Newly mandated safety regulations are forcing manufacturers in many industries to retrofit or redesign their product components or housings with fire retardant materials. In some cases, making a material change is a tipping point to a major redesign that leverages the natural benefits of fiberglass composites in other ways - such as parts consolidation, sound level reduction, corrosion resistance and weight reduction. This activity is contributing to the current robust growth in the composites industry. JEC Group, an international composites industry expert, published a forecast on Oct 2, 2013 predicting strong growth through 2018 in the Americas composites industry as a result of demand for advanced composites across multiple sectors.
According to MFG Director of Sales Alec Raffa, "It's becoming standard now for customers in many markets to ask for non-flammable and low smoke formula — heavy trucks, lighting, electrical utility parts for example. We see this growing trend as complexity and density of electronics increase along with safety regulation."
MFG offers a number of proprietary UL-approved materials designed to various certification levels. More information on MFG's materials expertise and specifics on UL-approved materials can be found on the company's website: moldedfiberglass.com.
About Molded Fiber Glass Companies
Molded Fiber Glass Companies (MFG) is a leader in the field of reinforced plastics and composites, serving diverse markets with a variety of composite material systems. The company has 16 operating entities in the United States and Mexico, strategically focused to supply high value, high quality products and manufacturing services for applications such as wind energy, automotive, heavy truck, defense, construction, material handling and water treatment. The company is headquartered in Ashtabula, OH and is privately owned.