Sioux Manufacturing Corporation (SMC) has a number of processes it can utilize in meeting the molding requirements a customer may require.

Clean Room

SMC has a Clean Room complete with six vacuum drops and two walk-in freezers for prepreg storage measuring 10' x 15' and 12' x 24'. The Clean Room provides an environmentally controlled atmosphere for part lay-up and adhesive bonding.

Compression Molding and Processing

SMC's compression molding facilities contain seven hydraulic presses with tonnage capabilities ranging from 110 to 450 tons. The press beds range in size from the smallest at 28" x 36" to the largest being 54" x 101". Each press is equipped with programmable controllers that allow for easy entry of different control parameters, thereby ensuring that special process steps can be repeated exactly.

Autoclave Processing

SMC's autoclave processing capabilities include the use of two vessels. One autoclave is 3' in diameter by 12' long, while the other is 9' in diameter by 23' long. Temperature and pressure for each vessel is controlled and recorded by controllers. In addition, the autoclaves are outfitted with a datalogger where part temperature, vessel temperature, part vacuum, and vessel pressure are recorded and stored in a computer data file.

Oven/Vacuum Molding and Processing

SMC also offers Oven/Vacuum molding as a lower cost alternative to autoclave processing. In conjunction with a vacuum pump, parts are molded in an 8'W x 7'H x 15'L, natural gas oven equipped with a system analyzing monitor. Part size is limited only by the tooling and/or oven capacity.

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