Fiber Reinforced Plastic Specialist Online (Blended Learning)

New Blended Learning course covers the manufacture and repair of a wide range of FRPs

Image Fiber Reinforced Plastic Specialist
© Fraunhofer IFAM

The Fraunhofer IFAM offers the »Fibre Composite Plastic Specialist« course, which teaches the whole range of materials, procedures, manufacturing methods and production processes of the material FVK in theoretical and practical learning sessions.

Training courses with digital learning elements are increasingly in demand. Against this background, the Training Center for Fiber Composite Technology of Fraunhofer IFAM is Specialist qualification in an online format with a presence phase for practical training (blended learning). Contents and final certificates correspond to formerly face-to-face courses.

With this new concept, the theoretical content is mainly taught online. This enables you to work on the topics during the entire course without time pressure, whenever and wherever and as often as you wish. You will be supported by the possibility to discuss questions with the trainers or other course participants during weekly video conferences as well as by self-executed learning checks and further learning materials.

Course dates

Video FRP-Specialist Online

Detailed information

Dates and
registration

Course language:
English

Pilot course with 20 % discount (4404 € instead of 5505 €):

FRP-S-BL-1-24

Online learning phase: August 26 – September 06, 2024

Presence time in Bremen including practical sessions and exam: September 17 – 20, 2024 and September 23 – 26, 2024

Course Language:
German

For courses in German language please visit our FVK-Fachkraft webpage.

Course content

Fundamental principles, materials, manufacturing methods, health & safety at work and environmental protection

Preconditions for
taking the course

Good knowledge of the course language

Examinations

Each course week ends with a written examination to test your knowledge. There are final oral and practical examinations on the last day of the course. A prerequisite for taking the examinations is regular attendance at the course sessions.

Certification and
accreditation

DIN EN ISO 9001, DIN EN ISO/IEC 17025, DIN EN ISO/IEC 17024

Industries

Rail vehicle manufacture, automotive, machinery and plant construction, wind energy, and many others

Figure 1: Fiber Reinforced Specialist online format with attendance phase (Blended Learning)

Participants must have a personal e-mail address and access to the Internet.

Fundamental principles

The course starts by covering the fundamentals of fiber reinforced plastics (FRPs). In theoretical and practical sessions, the participants learn about the special features of these materials and about the various components of FRPs (fibers, matrix materials, core materials, fillers) and their effects on subsequent component properties. The differences between thermoplastics and thermosets are explained as are the typical features and properties of different fiber materials. Also covered are special aspects relating to the machining of FRPs and the practical sessions highlight the advantages and disadvantages of the various joining methods for FRPs (e.g. adhesive bonding, bolts/screws).
 

Influencing factors

In order to adapt the component properties to meet specific requirements, it is vital to have knowledge about all influencing factors and their effects on the final products. The participants learn to estimate the effects of the individual starting materials (matrix, fiber type, textile semifinished product) on the resulting properties of the FRP component and to use this knowledge for production process planning. They also learn that not only the nature of the raw materials has a key effect but also their percentage share and spatial distribution. Optimal laminate structure and component geometry to maximize fiber/matrix interactions are also dealt with.
 

Manufacturing methods

The participants are introduced to the principles of manual and machine-based production technologies. In addition to manual lamination, the special features of modern production methods such as thermoplastic processing, vacuum infusion technology, resin transfer molding (RTM), press methods, autoclave technology, winding methods, and pultrusion are discussed. The effect of the choice of matrix on the FRP production process is covered as are the necessary boundary conditions for production processes. Also discussed is how the production process, as well as the choice of raw materials and laminate structure, can affect the resulting properties of FRP components. In addition, the identification and prevention of errors and defects are discussed.
 

Health and safety at work and environmental protection

Safety measures to be taken when working with fibers, plastics, and auxiliary materials are discussed. The proper use of work equipment and protective equipment is also covered.
 

Repair methods  

In order to carry out effective repairs it is vital to know the extent of the damage. The course participants learn how to identify typical types of damage to FRP materials and potential sources of the damage. They acquire a basic knowledge of non-destructive and destructive test methods. The course outlines what preliminary work is required for effective repair (e. g. removal of damaged sections, surface preparation). Strategies for repairing fiber reinforced plastic components are explained and these are then consolidated in practical assignments.

The course FRP-specialist is aimed at employees in companies who are planning the production of fibre composite plastics and their implementation in the process chain in their professional practice or who want to introduce the production of fibre composite plastics in their company.  

The participants will be qualified for independent and professional work with fibre composite plastics in company production. After successful completion, they will be able to select a matrix material that meets the component requirements in order to produce high-quality fibre composite structures. You will also receive a comprehensive overview of current manufacturing methods and the differences between thermoset and thermoplastic processing.