Compression molded parts are key to many aircraft applications in which strength, reduced weight and cost are a factor. Compression molding (or compression molding–we’ll use both spellings interchangeably here) applies temperature and pressure to form, cure, and bond aerospace components. Compression molding introduces a resin, compound or rubber to a fabric, impregnating it in order to create a bonded compression material to perform to specific strength and force standards.

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Sheet molding compounds, or materials used in compression molding can utilize thermoplastic compression molding compounds such as Nylon, PEEK, PEI and PPS. Or they can be thermoset such as  BMI, cyanate ester, and epoxy.