Astar
A European manufacturer based in Sondika, Biscay, formulating and producing thermoset SMC, BMC, and CSMC composites for molders and OEMs in automotive, energy, construction, and health care.
About Astar
Thermoset composite materials
Astar is a European company based in Sondika, Biscay, Spain, that formulates and manufactures thermoset composites: SMC (Sheet Molding Compound), BMC (Bulk Molding Compound), and CSMC (Carbon Fiber SMC). It serves molders and original-equipment manufacturers (OEMs) that need custom materials for compression- or injection-molding processes.
The company reports more than 55 years of experience developing custom formulations for different customers and applications, with the goal of supplying the most efficient material for each use.
Products
Astar's materials use an organic matrix of unsaturated polyester (UP), vinyl ester (VE), or epoxy (E) resins, with inorganic fillers and glass- or carbon-fiber reinforcement. Formulations may also include catalysts, release agents, thickeners, stabilizers, pigments, and other additives to achieve the required properties and suit the forming process.
- SMC (Sheet Molding Compound): for hot compression molding, including large parts requiring high mechanical performance and a good surface finish.
- BMC (Bulk Molding Compound): for injection or compression molding and high-volume production of compact, small- to medium-size parts with complex designs.
- CSMC (Carbon Fiber SMC): combines the low weight of carbon composites with compression molding, enabling short production cycles for large industrial runs.
Applications
Astar organizes its solutions by industry and part type:
- Transportation and automotive: exterior panels, including lightweight options; structural components, including lightweight parts; carbon fiber; under-the-hood components; lights, headlamps, and LEDs.
- Rail: train, tram, and subway applications.
- Electrical and energy: enclosures, cabinets and boxes, lighting, medium- and low-voltage applications, insulators, conductive parts, and ATEX-rated equipment.
- Construction: water tanks, building panels, door coverings, manhole covers, and utility boxes.
- Infrastructure and roads.
- Health care, home, and other uses: bathroom components, appliances, and service trays.
Contact
Head office: Sangroniz 30, E4815, Sondika, Biscay, Spain · Phone: +34 944 531 598 · Email: astar@astar.es · LinkedIn: Astar.
Thermoset SMC, BMC, and CSMC composites