Classes
Class Category:

Introduction to Composites

This class is designed for participants experienced with composites who wish to learn about newer materials and techniques. In addition to a detailed look at compositematerials, resins, fiberglass reinforcements, and core materials, this class will offer an opportunity to explore and compare specifications of various fabrication methods. During the lab portion of this class participants will work on identifying and troubleshooting simulated infusion problems and will begin to work on repair methods. The class is approximately 50% theory and 50% lab.

Introduction to Closed Mold Technology

Closed mold processes are an important part of the industry’s future: learn the basics and benefits of the closed mold technology. This course is for individuals with prior knowledge of the materials used in the composites industry, and will provide the knowledge required to start smaller applications successfully while preparing participants for more intensive training in closed mold technologies. The course is also suitable for vendor reps, engineers, architects, and managers who are required to understand closed mold processes and the mechanics of using such a process. Prerequisites are Introduction to Composites course or fiberglass experience and basic knowledge of resin chemistry. Instruction will involve 50% classroom and 50% hands-on training.

ACMA Certification class: CCT-VIP, Review and Exam

This 3 day class provides additional course work designed as preparation for the American Composites Manufacturers Association (ACMA) Certified Composite Technician (CCT) - Vacuum Infusion Process (VIP) exam, a new certification for the industry. Instruction will include an in-depth classroom review of the ACMA CCT VIP study guide, followed by the certification exam on day three. Please register and receive course materials early to allow time for pre-study. Class is held from 8 am to 4 pm on Thursday and Friday and from 8 am to noon on Saturday.

Multi-Axis CNC Programming

This course compliments AMAM-285 Multi-Axis CNC Machining. Emphasis is on advanced multi-axis computerized numerical control (CNC) programming of CNC milling machines and CNC lathes. Students will work on process development. This course is designed for the student who holds an AAS degree in Integrated Manufacturing Technology of equivalent or has significant CNC machining experience.

Multi-Axis CNC Machining

This lab complements the theory taught in AMAM-280 Multi-Axis CNC Programming. Students will apply skillsreviewed in AMAM-280 including: programming of CNC milling machines and CNC lathes, machine set-up planning, machining of parts and process development. Development of best work practices including safe work habits, building student confidence, and advanced CNC machining skills will be emphasized. This course is designed for the student who holds an AAS degree in Integrated Manufacturing Technology or equivalent or has significant trade experience.

Orientation to Composites

If you are exploring careers or a career change, have always like working with your hands, and have considered working in the growing field of composites, this is your opportunity to see what it is about. What are composites? What are the advantages? You will find out the answers to these questions, learn about the manufacturing processes industries use today, and gain an understanding of the materials used. The morning will include a demonstration of the closed mold process and a tour of a composite manufacturing plant. During the afternoon, you will experience what it is like to work in a composites shop, working with a team to build a composite product using the vacuum infusion process.

Advanced Closed Mold Technology

Learn the physics behind closed mold technology and gain hands-on experience using the advanced techniques that make CMT work in the shop. This course provides training for professionals with existing closed mold skills and experience. The program will give fiberglass technicians, mold makers, and laminators a chance to focus on specific issues that the closed mold technician encounters, such as multi component mold sealing, troubleshooting repeated errors or quality issues, and designing laminates with reverse-engineering techniques.

Temperature Controlled Molding

Emerging Technology

The TCM™ concept: Temperature Controlled Molding is an innovative approach to molding, curing and post-curing composites at specific temperatures. So what differentiates TCM™ from heated molds and curing ovens? These are after all technologies that are well established and frequently used to produce high quality composites for wet lay-up, infusion and prepregs applications. But TCM™ goes way further: TCM™ controls the temperature at the mold surface within very precise margins, using both heating and cooling during the composites manufacturing, generating gradual cross-linking progress at any stage of the process. Unlike heated molds or ovens, which rely on an extensive array of sensors and separate controlled zones to modulate the amount of heat added to achieve specific ramp rates and dwell temperatures, CMT can change the process temperatures both up and down, a critical requirement to control exotherm reactions during cure. This makes TCM™ far superior to the most sophisticated electrically heated molds: it can match all the heat input requirements that an electrically heated mold or a forced-air oven can provide, but TCM™ can generate heat and cooling, and it has the potential to do it at a much faster rate than other systems, thus providing optimized curing profiles. This allows the manufacture of complex laminates and/or thick stacks with complete exotherm control and minutely dialed in ramp/dwell/descend rates.

Teaching Composites at the High School Level

Teaching Composites at the High School Level:

A Train the Trainer and Discussion Opportunity for Composites Education

Are you in the process of adding a unit on composites or creating a new program for composites technology? Or even thinking about how to begin? Are you a high school or CTE teacher? If you answered “yes” to any of these questions, please read on.

You are invited to work with an experienced high school educator who has developed his own composites program and is here to share what he has learned in the process.

In this two day workshop you will review lesson plans for five 80 minute sessions geared to high school students. Lesson plans may be adapted for use in science, technology, engineering, or math as well as used in CTE’s. Instruction will cover kitting and infusion of a product using a mold and kitted materials that you will have available for your classroom use through the MATC’s Small Mold Library (see more information under the NEWS tab). In addition to curriculum, you will receive written opportunities for evaluation of student learning, an instructional video to be used in the classroom, and a resource list. Day one will be held at the Maine Advanced Technology Center in Brunswick. On day two, the class will meet at Foster Technology Center in Farmington, where you will experience working in a high school lab.

Quality Assurance and Quality Control: Methods for Resin Infusion

Curriculum for this class was developed from the work of Jon Kenerson on his recent masters’ degree thesis, with Robert Lindyberg, Habib Dagher, and Roberto Lopez-Anido as his advisory committee. This is an interactive session focusing primarily on quality assurance, including documentation and records. Following a summary of Jon’s research, the presentation will cover key elements of a quality system and lessons learned. Discussion on how to implement a QA plan in specific companies will provide participants with an opportunity to relate course information to specific applications. Participants will leave the session able to:

Identify the key aspects of a composites Quality System
Identify which of the recommended quality practice they should implement
Begin setting up a Quality System at their company

Prerequisite: Closed Mold Technology

Marine Design

This Marine Design course presents topics required for understanding ship design at an introductory level. Why does it float? What effect will materials have on buoyancy and stability? Students will be introduced to the vocabulary of the marine industry as they develop an understanding of the basic requirements of design and an appreciation for systems engineering principles. The course will cover maritime history, dynamic forces on a ship, and design for manufacture concepts, and will include concepts involving basic geometry and algebra. Students will tour a working shipyard.

ACMA CCT-VIP

The American Composites Manufacturers Association (ACMA) is offering a Certified Composite Technician (CCT) credential for the Vacuum Infusion Process (VIP). The CCT-VIP program is designed to elevate standards in the composite industry. Attaining the Certified Composite Technician-VIP designation indicates that you have obtained critical knowledge of the composites vacuum infusion process. This workshop provides facilitated in depth classroom review followed by the certificaiton exam. Participants are encouraged to register early to receive course materials for study prior to the class.