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MFG debuts new UL-approved non-flammable SMC material

23 Nov '13

2 min read

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.”

Molded Fiber Glass Industries