Composites Technology Curriculum

The Composites Technology program includes the following course components:

Composites Fundamentals

Introduction to composites uses and applications. Establish an understanding of two major areas of composites applications – advanced composites and general composites. Develop proficiency in the safe handling of composites materials. Experience a range of composites molding processes – Open Molding, Vacuum Bagging, Vacuum Infusion Processing, Resin Transfer Molding, Filament Winding, and Advanced Composites Prepreg Processing. Establish a context for manufacturing composites products - custom molded, low volume products and higher volume production molding.

Composites Manufacturing Methods

Develop proficiency in the broad scope of composites production processing methods. Equip students with a detailed understanding of safety practices. Provide an introduction to plural component application equipment and develop state-of-the-art skills in spray equipment set-up. Develop skill in the application of in-mold coating (gel coat). Develop the practical skills and technical knowledge of a range of composites molding methods including open molding, vacuum bagging techniques, vacuum infusion processing, prepreg processing, and advanced prepreg applications in complex structures. Students will demonstrate proficiency in the execution of each of prescribed molding processes.

Composites Tooling Development

Develop the prerequisite skills for reading drawings and hands-on lofting, including exercises in manually lofting the lines for pattern (plug) development. Introduction to computer aided design (CAD) drawing and operation of computer numerical controlled (CNC) machining equipment for development of patterns. Develop skills for CNC pattern fabrication, uploading tool path files, and the operation of CNC equipment including exercises in the machining of pattern stock into a plugs used to build FRP molds. Develop proficiency in finishing machined patterns. Develop proficiency in the fabrication of FRP and advanced composites tooling, including tooling surface development, tooling laminate application, and development of mold support structures.

Composites Repair and Refinishing

Develop knowledge and skill to identify specific types of cosmetic defects and structural damage. Recognize the delineation between minor and major structural damage. Develop practical skills using cosmetic repair techniques for gel coat and paint finishes. Demonstrate proficiency in damage assessment and executing structural repairs of general composites and advanced composites. Develop skills on advanced composites repairs.