This part of prEN 14598 specifies the methods of preparation of test specimens and the test methods to be used in determining the properties of Sheet Moulding Compound (SMC) and Bulk Moulding Compound (BMC). Requirements for handling test material and for conditioning both of the test material before moulding and of the specimens before testing are found here.
Procedures and conditions for the preparation of test specimens and procedures for measuring properties of the materials from which these specimens are made are given. Properties and test methods which are suitable and necessary to characterize SMCs and BMCs are listed.
The properties have been selected from the general test methods in ISO 10350-1, Plastics - Acquisition and presentation of comparable single-point data - Part1: Moulding materials. Other test methods in wide use for or of particular significance to these compression and injection moulding materials are also included in this part of prEN 14598, as are the designatory properties found in Part 1 : Designation and basis for specifications.
In order to obtain reproducible and comparable test results, it is necessary to use the methods of preparation and conditioning, test-specimens with the dimensions and the test procedures specified herein. Values determined will not necessarily be identical to those obtained using test-specimens of different dimensions or prepared using different procedures.