Use of Thermography and Ultrasound for the Quality Control of SMC Lightweight Material Reinforced by Carbon Fiber Tapes

Growing requirements of Sheet Molding Compound (SMC) parts make new material combinations necessary. One strategy is to reinforce SMC with unidirectional carbon fiber tapes to improve its mechanical properties. As quality assessment of cured parts is necessary, examination of semi-finished materials would be favorable. Two types of nondestructive testing methods, Thermography and Ultrasound, are compared to determine the best control method. These methods are examined on cured plates and semi-finished material to identify defects like air inclusions, delamination, misaligned fibers and microstructural changes. The focus of this paper is an assessment of the testing methods for the manufacturing process.