Overview
ISO 8606:2025 - Fibre-reinforced plastics - Bulk moulding compound (BMC) and dough moulding compound (DMC) - Requirements and specifications defines the requirements, classification and specification framework for BMC and DMC used to produce moulded composite parts. This second edition updates and expands the 1990 version, adding fibre-type and shrinkage codes, formal designation rules and specific test properties. The standard applies to preimpregnated moulding compounds with or without thickening agents and is not limited to particular fibre or resin types.
Key topics and technical requirements
- Scope and definitions: Clear definitions of BMC (thickened by chemical thickeners) and DMC (high viscosity by filler content).
- Classification:
- By composition: resin/matrix (e.g., UP, EP, VE, PU, phenolic), reinforcement type (glass, carbon, natural, hybrids), fillers and additives.
- By linear shrinkage: general-purpose, low-shrink, very-low-shrink (low-profile), and zero-shrink grades.
- Designation: standardized naming and coding including fibre type and shrinkage class to support unambiguous material specification.
- Properties and testing:
- Properties for acceptance testing of the compound (physical, chemical, appearance).
- Properties for moulded specimens: mechanical (tensile, flexural, impact), physical (density, shrinkage, water absorption), and electrical properties.
- Reference to established test methods (e.g., ISO 527-4, ISO 14125, ISO 12115, IEC and other normative standards).
- Quality controls:
- Sampling and conditioning procedures for consistent testing.
- Shelf life determination and guidance on maturation.
- Packaging and marking requirements for traceability and handling.
Applications and who uses it
ISO 8606:2025 is practical for:
- Manufacturers of BMC/DMC compounds and compound formulators.
- Composite part producers using compression or transfer moulding.
- Material specifiers, procurement and quality assurance teams requiring traceable material designations and test criteria.
- R&D and testing laboratories performing acceptance tests and characterisation of moulding compounds.
- Designers and engineers in automotive, electrical, consumer goods and industrial applications where controlled shrinkage, mechanical and electrical performance are critical.
- Recyclers and producers working with recycled carbon fibre (RCF), as the standard supports various reinforcement types.
Related standards
ISO 8606 references and aligns with multiple test and material standards for composites and plastics, for example:
- ISO 12115 (flowability, maturation, shelf life)
- ISO 14125 (flexural properties)
- ISO 527-4 (tensile properties for fibre-reinforced composites)
- ISO 1172 / ISO 11667 (fibre and filler content)
- IEC and ISO electrical and flammability test methods
Using ISO 8606:2025 helps ensure consistent specification, testing and communication of BMC/DMC materials across supply chains and industries.
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