Training

NetComposites has developed a series of training courses and technical workshops designed to supply the industry with the educational capacity it needs to thrive in a global recession. The courses and workshops will each span over one day covering several topics of current significance and will be held at NetComposites new premises in Chesterfield.

Technical Workshops

Opportunities for Thermoplastic Composite Materials
23rd September 2010

The aim of this seminar is to provide a forum to showcase new developments in materials, processing and design for thermoplastic composite materials, identify key advances, and highlight technology gaps that require further research investment. Applications and new end-user opportunities will also be explored.

The event will be of interest to those involved with high performance  thermoplastics generally or thermoplastic composite materials specifically, in particular with their development, manufacture, research, design and end-use.

Registration

Full details can be found at - http://www.netcomposites.com/calendar_details.asp?980

Repair of FRP Structures
18th November 2010

Fibre reinforced polymer (FRP) materials are designed to get the best performance for a particular situation, and their ability to be maintained, replaced or repaired to a verifiable standard is of prime importance. When damage occurs due to material breakdown from wear, fatigue, external impact or misuse, then the decision to repair or replace is taken. Many replacement parts are very expensive, and so repair must be an option to make a product viable in a service situation.

The more primary a structure is, and the closer it operates to its design limits, the more difficult the repair. However, even heavily-loaded primary structural FRPs have been successfully repaired for many years. Heavily loaded, oriented fibre, advanced FRP structures require careful engineering design of major repairs; it is not simply a matter of applying a patch.

This workshop will look at current best practice, new developments in repair methodology and examine the importance of preparation, repair assessment and the skill requirements of the operative involved. Any gaps in technology or knowledge will be identified and ways to address these discussed.

We are currently accepting presentation submissions for this workshop. Please click here to download the full call for papers.

Papers should be submitted by 30th September 2010.

End of Life Options for FRP Composites
2nd December 2010

Fibre reinforced polymers (FRPs) are increasingly being used across many sectors due to their light weight, ease of installation, low maintenance and tailor made properties.  The UK FRP industry produces around 160,000 tonnes of waste per annum, with about 70% of this coming from end-of-life and 30% post-production.  At present the most common disposal method for UK FRP waste is landfill.  Current and impending waste management legislation will put more pressure on the industry to address the options available for dealing with FRP waste.  Such waste legislation focuses on dealing with waste through the waste hierarchy and will therefore put more pressure on solving FRP waste management through recycling and reuse.

To assist in the transition from disposal in landfill to recycling, the FRP industry needs to consider designing materials and components for easier deconstruction, reuse and recycling at the end of the product life. Successful composite recycling requires incentives, infrastructure, recycling techniques and market commitment.

This workshop will enable delegates to learn about waste disposal options for FRP waste. Current UK recycling programmes and facilities will be presented along with plans for the future.
Any gaps in technology or knowledge will be identified and ways to address these discussed.

We are currently accepting presentation submissions for this workshop. Please click here to download the full call for papers.

Papers should be submitted by 8th October 2010.

Reports from Previous Workshops

Non Destructive Evaluation of Composites - 15th June 2010

Training Courses

Sustainable Manufacturing -
Improving Environmental Performance whilst cutting the costs of your Composites Business
21st October 2010

This course helps organisations to monitor and measure the sustainability of their manufacturing processes. It looks at the energy efficiency of procedures already used in the industry and how these can be made to be more cost-effective, not only saving the company money but also improving the overall environmental performance of the business.

The programme is aimed at anyone who wants to improve their understanding of the environmental issues relating to the manufacturing process from how energy can be saved to how waste can be reused, or even turned into another saleable product thus reducing overheads, creating higher sales and giving your company a unique selling point.
Download full course information (.pdf 100kb)
Download Registration Form - Word Version (119kb)

Introduction to Composites for Engineers
3rd November 2010

This course is specifically aimed at designers and engineers who require a working knowledge of composite materials, their properties and relevant processes. Once covered, you will learn how to translate this new knowledge into appropriate designs.

Designing with composites is more complex than many other materials however, the extra opportunities that can be exploited once the process is understood are well worthwhile.
 
This course removes much of the mystery surrounding composite materials to allow practical and economic designs to be achieved.
Download full course information (.pdf 95kb)
Download Registration Form - Word Version (119kb) 

REACH for Composites
24th November 2010

The course will be based on the European Chemical Agency's (ECHA) official guidance for Downstream Users. REACH does not impose many new legal obligations on the users of chemical products. The main impact is likely to be the supply of some raw materials and new requirements to use them safely. It is vital, however, that companies understand where they sit in the supply chain; Importers from non-EU suppliers are at particular risk if they have missed some critical deadlines.
 
Reach for Composites will not attempt to discuss the Regulation in detail.  It will instead address the practical consequences for moulders who purchase raw materials and convert them into finished parts.  It will outline the information that needs to be exchanged and changes to the legal position of Safety Data Sheets.
Download full course information (.pdf 130kb)
Download Registration Form - Word Version (119kb)

Introduction to Composites for Commercial Staff
8th February 2011

This course has been specifically designed for people working for composites companies in sales, marketing, quality and production roles who need to be conversant with the terminology but who haven't been formally trained in composites before.

The course will explain the materials, their properties and the processes, what can and cannot be done with them and what applications are appropriate. Personnel are then more aware and are able to compare options on an informed basis, choosing the most appropriate action and dealing with clients more effectively. There is no chemistry or higher maths in this course, but the simple 'sums' that your staff need on a day to day basis are covered by worked examples.
Download full course information (.pdf 100kb)
Download Registration Form - Word Version (119kb)

Introduction to Composite Manufacturing
Date TBC

The aim of the course is to introduce delegates to the various processes available using composite materials.
 
The course is designed to give people a broad overview of composite materials, including Health and Safety, reinforcement types, resin systems and the processes currently available.  It has been designed to show the typical applications along with the advantages / disadvantages and limitations.  The course is classroom based with no practical elements.
Download full information of previously run course (.pdf 94.5kb)
Download Registration Form - Word Version (119kb)

Venue

All courses and workshops will be held at the NetComposites offices at:

4A Broom Business Park, Bridge Way, Chesterfield, S41 9QG, UK

For directions and hotel information, please see the contact us section.