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AOC Formulations (Collierville, Tenn., U.S.) has announced its new  for exterior sheet molding compound (SMC) automotive parts. First presented at SPE ACCE 2024, the innovation combines Atryl closed mold formulations with Chroma-Tek high-performing, UV-stable pigments. AOC’s approach involves producing all of the critical materials in-house to enable complete control over the formulation process. The result is a system that delivers the desired composite part specifications and enhances the overall manufacturing process, making it more efficient and cost-effective.

AOC’s team of scientists leveraged their extensive experience in chemistry and SMC formulations to address key challenges in truck bed performance. The first step included ensuring the formulation performed optimally during the compounding and molding processes.

According to the company, the resulting system delivers consistent viscosity build, optimal SMC shelf life and improved flow characteristics at high glass concentration, all while eliminating the degradation of the SMC’s handling integrity. In addition, the system enables finished parts that meet or exceed expectations for durability, UV stability and aesthetics over time. The system not only includes an ultra-black, molded-in color that resists fading and whitening, but also imparts optimized scratch resistance and low odor for finished parts.

AOC subjected the UV Resistant System to rigorous testing, both in the lab and in real-world conditions, to ensure the performance met the highest standards. This included a battery of tests to validate performance, including accelerated weathering, real-world outdoor weathering in Arizona and Florida, and scratch testing. Test results, which can be found , confirmed that the system can meet OEM targets for color stability and durability.