Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation announced plans to launch its European carbon fiber sheet molding compound (SMC) production facility in Italy.
The new plant, which is scheduled to begin production in September 2020, is adjacent to the C.P.C. SRL ("CPC") base, where Mitsubishi Chemical owns a 44% stake.
SMC developed by Mitsubishi Chemical is an intermediate material of carbon fiber reinforced plastics (CFRPs). In this sheet material, the carbon fiber is cut to a few centimeters long and dispersed in the resin. It can be molded in about 2 to 5 minutes Is processed into parts in a short time.
Compared with prepreg intermediates (uncut carbon fiber fabrics impregnated with resin), this SMC has high moldability for complex parts.
Mitsubishi Chemical produces SMC at its Aichi plant in Japan.
Japanese automakers have used SMC for structural parts of doors, trunk inner panels and rear doors.
Through CPC, Mitsubishi Chemical has developed its mobile business in Europe, using CFRPs as the main structural material.
With the development of SMC, the company has obtained automotive application certifications mainly from several European luxury car manufacturers, and they are expected to adopt this material more widely in the future.
To meet such strong demand, Mitsubishi Chemical will launch its new SMC production facility in Modena, Italy, to provide greater capacity.
Modena has a tradition of providing cutting-edge engineering, which facilitates Mitsubishi Chemical's smooth entry into the automotive market and the recruitment of highly skilled employees.
In addition to its current plant in Aichi, Japan, the new plant will support SMC production and help drive Mitsubishi Chemical's global sales growth.
Mitsubishi Chemical will actively provide the best solutions for the mobile market.
Combining its carbon fiber production bases in Japan, the United States, and Europe, CPC's molding technology, and the marketing capabilities of Mitsubishi Chemical Advanced Materials Co., Ltd. (“MCAM”), Mitsubishi Chemical will demonstrate significant technological innovations.
MCAM has been renamed from Quadrant AG since April 1, 2019. It has strong marketing capabilities and sales networks in Europe and the United States. Its global operations are as follows: various super engineering plastics containing fillers, and A thermoplastic resin that combines carbon fiber, glass fiber, and polypropylene fiber.