Every week we receive enquiries for cast iron, concrete, stainless steel or plastic manhole covers. We make none of those. Our covers are manufactured from SMC (Sheet Molding Compound) — a glass-fibre reinforced thermoset composite. If your project needs a traditional metal or concrete cover, we are not the right supplier. If you need a non-metallic, corrosion-resistant, high-load composite cover, here is exactly what SMC is and why it outperforms the alternatives.
SMC stands for Sheet Molding Compound. It is made by combining glass fibre, unsaturated polyester resin and mineral fillers, then moulding them together under high temperature and high pressure into a single, dense, load-bearing piece.
It is a thermoset composite — a fundamentally different category from the materials buyers usually search for. Unlike ordinary plastic, once SMC is cured it will not soften or melt when heated. It delivers far higher strength, anti-ageing performance and load-bearing capacity than common plastic products, without any metal content.
Our covers are non-metallic composite. Here is how SMC compares to the four materials buyers most often confuse it with.
If you are looking for cast iron, concrete, stainless steel or any metal manhole covers, please skip our product range — we do not make those. If you need non-metallic, corrosion-resistant, high-load composite covers, you are in the right place. Send us your specification, load class (e.g. EN124 B125 / D400) and dimensions, and we will recommend the right solution.
Tell us your application, load class, size and quantity. We respond within 24 hours with pricing, lead time and the relevant certifications.