Frequently Asked Questions
What are composites?
A composite is any product composed of two or three different types of materials that are combined to form something completely different than one of the original three. A simple example is making a brick from mud and hay; the brick is much stronger because of the hay. That principle is applied today in the composites field, also referred to as reinforced plastics. Composite structures combine a resin, a reinforcement such as fiberglass or carbon fiber, and a core material such as balsa wood or foam core. This combination of plastic and reinforcement produces some of the strongest materials for their weight that technology has ever developed.
Where are composites used?
Composites are used as a structural material in a wide variety of applications. The boatbuilding industry was a pioneer in the use of these materials: the first product built using modern composites was a boat built in the 1930s, and in the 1960s the marine market was the largest user of these materials. Today, boat builders have been building fiberglass boats for decades; more recently, builders of high-performance boats are using advanced composites (which use high-modulus/high-strength fibers with an advanced resin system, compared to general composites that use glass fiber and polyester resin). In addition to the marine industry, composites are used for: commercial, private and military aircraft (including components for aerospace and related applications); automotive/transportation; civil infrastructure, including buildings, roads, bridges; building wind-turbine blades; in the construction of homes, offices, and architectural components; in consumer products such as golf clubs, tennis rackets, and mobile campers; and in corrosion-resistant equipment such as tanks, piping, and ducting. According to the American Composites Manufacturers Association (ACMA), in the U.S. alone the composites industry employs about 550,000 people and generates almost $70 billion in revenues per year.
How important are advanced composites to the future of boat building?
There is no question that advanced composites are going to become more important to the marine industry. Reducing weight increases operating efficiency, so fuel efficiency and better performance involves reducing the weight of a boat. In addition to that, the advanced composites material systems tend to be greener than general composites, and they produce less emissions in the manufacturing process. In fact, composite technology allows manufacturers to reduce weight and increase fuel efficiency in many types of structures. According to composites industry veteran Richard O'Meara: "Advanced composites are the future for anything that rolls, floats, or flies … Composites are really coming of age now because there is a need for humanity to reduce the mass of material that we use to build things—because we are running out."
What topics and skills does the IYRS composites technology program cover?
The six-month Composites Technology Program is designed to give students a foundation of training in processes, techniques, and technology while advancing students to the leading edge in advanced-composites knowledge and skill. The program is divided into four course components: Composites Fundamentals, Composites Manufacturing Methods, Composites Tooling Development, and Composites Repair and Refinishing. Click here for more specifics on the program.
What distinguishes the IYRS composites technology program in the field?
Many individuals working in the composites field get their training on the job or occasionally in short-term training courses. While these individuals may learn the hands-on process of how to work with composites, they may never develop an overall understanding of the varied composite applications and grasp the reasoning behind why certain materials and processes are best-suited to certain applications. The IYRS program is unique in the world of composites because of its 9-month length, because of the depth and comprehensive nature of the program, and because the program is designed to teach both the how and the why of composites technology. According to industry veteran Bob Lacovara, former technical director of the American Composites Manufacturers Association who consulted with IYRS on the development of the program: "The IYRS program is absolutely unique—from the standpoint that it vertically integrates all the skills needed to move forward in the emerging composites industry." Graduates will emerge from the program equipped with the knowledge and practical experience needed to make an immediate contribution to the marine industry and other fields where qualified composites professionals are in demand.
Will I have an opportunity to practice hands-on skills?
The Composites Technology Program has a balance of classroom and hands-on work. Students will get an opportunity to not only learn the theory behind composite technology, but they will also gain practical experience working with these materials.
Will the marine-industry skills learned at IYRS prepare me to work in other fields?
The Composites Technology Program is first and foremost focused on the needs of the marine industry, but learning about composites in a marine context is an effective way to learn about composites technology and processes: there are many different components on boats that can be manufactured in composite applications, and students will deal with creating unusual, challenging shapes that need to withstand the rugged conditions of an ocean environment. The fundamental processes students learn at IYRS cut across the entire composites industry.
What types of jobs will the Composites Program prepare me for?
The course is designed to provide the foundation for a career in composites manufacturing. Graduates will be prepared to step into positions such as a composites technician, production supervisor, or group leader. Another career path is in the field of prototype development and composites tool making. Accomplished pattern makers and composites mold builders are in demand, and these skills provide a marketable career option. Another option is the area of composites repair. Repair technicians are employed by production plants and marinas. For those with an entrepreneurial spirit, starting a composites repair business is a consideration.