Connection - Composites Australia Aust 0907 sept.pdfBrisbane, Australia. We work very closely in...

From the Desk of the Office of Education and Employment by Gerard Murphy

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Pre-Vocational Training – KBT’s experience in Victoria9

Letter from the President

New Member Profiles4

Composite Engineer’s Viewpoint by Rik Heslehurst

Designing with Composite Materials Part 8 - Design Review Number 212

www.compositesaustralia.com.auCompAust074 RMC

Gold Sponsor

Silver Sponsor

Bronze Sponsors

Copper Sponsors

Composites Australia Level 15, 10 Queens Rd Melbourne 3004 Tel 03 9866 5586 Toll Free 1300 654 254 Fax 03 9866 6434

www.compositesaustralia.com.au

Composites Australia Level 15, 10 Queens Rd Melbourne 3004 Tel 03 9866 5586 Toll Free 1300 654 254 Fax 03 9866 6434

The official magazine of Composites Australia Inc. Issue 14 September 2007

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NSW – Intensive Training Provides Local Industrywith Vital Skills Base

StateNews

The focus of thisissue of themagazine iseducation andtraining. You will finda number of featurearticles and news onthis subject, alongwith a list of our

training institute members and someupcoming independent courses. As always, also keep in mind that oursupplier members can provide training for you on the resins, gelcoats and otherproducts they supply as well as on manyprocesses such as vacuum infusion andso on. The Composites CRC can providerequested training too, and in fact havedeveloped and presented our recentcourse on Textile & Fibre Reinforcementsfor Advanced Composites, which washeld in Victoria in August and earlySeptember.

In September of last year, the associationconducted a nationwide survey offabricators. Three messages camethrough loud and clear when thecompleted surveys were tabulated :

n ”We need workers”,

n “We need skilled workers”, and

n “We want training for our existing staff”.

During the past year, and since theappointment of an Education Officer forthe association, we have been successfulin setting in progress a number ofprograms to meet these wants and needs.

As mentioned in my June letter, we haveconducted a number of pre-vocationalcourses to get new workers for the industry– people who will have the basic skills to start work in your factory. These arepeople who perhaps had been long-termunemployed or were new to Australia, andwho complete these courses knowing thefundamental processes and proceduresfor fabricating composites, knowing thecritical health and safety procedures –and knowing what styrene smells like!

Once the pre-vocational course iscompleted, the new graduates are readyto start employment. This is where youcome in. Need workers? Let GerardMurphy, our Education & EmploymentOfficer, know! There are still some“graduates” of these courses available

for employment. These people are“composites ready”. These pre-voccourses have been held to date in Victoria and Queensland, and we willexpand the offering if there is interest for it from our members.

Gerard has also been working with the various TAFEs, PARTEC and othereducational and training institutions toprovide training and upskilling for existingstaff (with least disruption to work, as mostfabricators have requested). A project to build mobile training units has beenproposed; these would be able to cometo the factory site, rather than requiringemployees go offsite to learn.

In other areas, I would like to welcome our very newest member, and new BronzeSponsor, Nupol Composites to CompositesAustralia. We are very grateful to all our sponsors for their support.

We have a number of events coming up in the next months, several of themquite new. Our “mission to the US” is thefirst, taking place in mid to late October.Working closely with our Americancounterpart association ACMA, we’ve puttogether a two-part package that givesyou the opportunity to attend theComposites PolyCon conference andtrade show in Florida (17-19 October) ,and/or to join us on a two-day bus tour of site visits to top US Fabricators who haveopened their doors to us especially.Whether or not this event is a one-off is yet to be seen – so if you are one ofthose who is saying “Maybe I’ll go nexttime”, remember – tomorrow nevercomes!. You won’t want to have missedsuch a great opportunity to get inside the factories of these boat builders, pool manufacturers and others.

We are also already gearing up for the2008 Conference & Exhibition, which willbe held in Melbourne on 13-14 March. It will be held over two full days for the firsttime. These days lead into the Formula 1Grand Prix, and we plan to have somerelated activities and events along with all the usual excellent trade displays,demonstrations and presentations. Put it on your calendar now!

Letter from the PresidentThe 2007 Board of

Composites Australia

NORM WATT – PRESIDENT

BUCHANAN ADVANCED

COMPOSITES

Email: [email protected]

MARK STERBIC

DIAB AUSTRALIA


TREVOR PANOZZA

AMPELITE AUSTRALIA


ALEXANDER KRYGER

APTEC COMPOSITES


FLOREANA COMAN

AUSTRALIAN COMPOSITES


GARY TUNKS

COLAN PRODUCTS


IAN CROUCH

COMPOSITES CRC


MICHAEL DI STASI

FIBER GLASS INTERNATIONAL


MALCOLM WESENER

GLAS-CRAFT AUSTRALIA


BILL REES

KANGAN BATMAN TAFE


SHARON SWAN

LSM ADVANCED COMPOSITES


GRANT PEARCE

EXEL COMPOSITES


SIMON TAYLOR

VALSPAR (AUSTRALIA) CORP


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n Murray Burns Dovell - Andrew Dovell (NSW)

n K&C Snow - Karl Snow (VIC)

n Fly Synthesis - Caz Monteleone (VIC)

n Sigmatek - John Salisbury (QLD)

n Ten Cate Australia - Amanda Cautela (NSW)

n Composites Constructions - Stephen Campbell (VIC)

n TAFE NSW North Coast Institute - Peter Millmore (NSW)

n Master Glass Industries - Glenn Smith (NSW)

Composites Australia Welcomes New Members:

NEW MEMBER PROFILE: COMPOSITES CONSTRUCTIONSComposites Constructions is a small business based in theMoorabbin area. We are builders of custom racing, cruisingboats and composite components. We also carry outmaintenance and repair work on site throughout the various yacht clubs and mariners around Melbourne.

Steve Campbell has been building boats for nearly 20 years, and has been involved in several Americas Cup and other high-profile boat builds.For further information, please contact Steve Campbellon 0438 342 597

NEW MEMBER PROFILE: FLY SYNTHESIS

Caz Monteleone, who immigrated to Australia from Italy as a 1-yr-old after an earthquake devastated his parents’ home,always had a talent with his hands and was able to fix almostanything that came his way. So it’s not surprising that he hasspent most of his working life being involved in eithermanufacturing or invention. Of course the two are reallyinseparable anyway. As a qualified Industrial Electrician, Cazspent years doing night school and learning Electronics. In oneproject with the R&D department of a well known steel pipemanufacturer, he worked trying to blow up filament woundcomposite pipes under enormous pressure. To say that they had little success in proving that steel was better than compositegoes a long way!

Although he spent years dreaming about flying and all thingsaviation, it wasn’t until 3 years ago that Caz decided to make the first step and learn to fly. Caz learnt like most pilots on old andoutdated aircraft. “The aircraft were either aluminum or rag andtube, not the sort of aircraft I saw myself flying let alone owning.”His cyber-search for the perfect sport aircraft led him to a manufacturer in Northern Italy that constructed onlymodern composite aircraft. He quickly brushed up onhis Italian and before he knew it he was on a plane toItaly and flying these great little machines.

The Fly Synthesis factory was nestled among openfarmland and vineyards and was a beautiful location totest fly these equally beautiful aircraft. Although at thetime he was a novice to aviation, Caz felt he was anexpert when it came to evaluating the attributes thatwere important to him. “These aircraft were a work ofart, and not a pop rivet in sight.”

The company had as many people employed in thedesign department as they had actually making theplanes. Caz could see that this company were at theforefront of sport aircraft design; they didn’t have a hardtime convincing him that carbon fiber composite wasthe premium material of choice if aerodynamic,strength and functionality were concerned.

By the end of his week in Italy Caz was the Australian and NZ importer of the Fly Synthesis range.

Fly Synthesis have so far imported 35 aircraft and are going fromstrength to strength. Caz says, “My reason for joining CompositesAustralia is simple: it allows us the opportunity to network with ourpeers and keep abreast of new developments within our industry.

“With the strong growth in the sports aviation sector, our companyis in the early development stage of a new and exciting design.Our aim is to build Australia’s first carbon fiber advanced sportsaircraft, an aircraft capable of meeting the highest safetystandard whilst maintaining a sleek and functional pilot friendlypurpose. The new design will be manufactured in Australia and exported to world markets.”

For more info see the Fly Synthesis websitewww.flysynthesis.com.au

SigmaNEST software is a product of SigmaTEKSystems, LLC, which is based in Cincinnati, Ohio. We are a global leader in the Nesting and NCprogramming of Knife cutting and Routing machinesutilised by many industries including Composites. We have many offices around the world includingBrisbane, Australia. We work very closely in Australia with OEM’s includingARISTO Knife cutting machines. Our software hasfeatures that are specific to the Composites Industryincluding: part structure and ply fibre management,High Performance Composite Nesting module, automatic processing of flat pattern data from 3D CAD systems.If you would like further information, please contact John Salisbury on 07 3246 5213.

Email: [email protected] Website: sigmanest.com

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NEW MEMBER PROFILE: TAFE NSW – NORTH COAST INSTITUTEBrief Background

TAFE NSW- North Coast Institute consists of 17 campuses locatedbetween the Great Lakes region in the south to the Tweed Headsregion on the Queensland border.

As a leading award-winning education and training provider in Australia, the North Coast Institute places great emphasis oninnovation and responsiveness, with new flexible learning andworkplace training strategies ensuring that a whole range ofindividual learner needs may be met. The Institute enrolsapproximately 40,000 students each year.

The Institute has Registered Training Organisation (RTO) statusunder the Australian Quality Training Framework (AQTF) and the international ISO 9001:2000 quality certification.

What the Institute can offer

The Institute’s range of qualification levels and scope of ourprograms means courses are available to meet the requirementsof students from entry-level learners and school-leavers to peoplemaking a career change and higher education graduatesseeking specialised vocational expertise.

The North Coast Institute also provides comprehensive learningsupport for students. This begins with computer-linked libraries and learner support centres with internet access providingstudents with excellent learning support resources, and extends tostudy assistance, career and personal counselling. Campuscanteens, child care facilities and active student associationsalso contribute to positive and friendly learning environments.

With a focus on equipping people for jobs, the Institute makesspecial provision for disadvantaged and minority groups, withexpert staff responsible for ensuring access to the best vocationaleducation for people with disabilities, women, Aboriginal andTorres Strait Islander people and other groups with special needs.

Composite and Plastics Programs

In response to the needs of industry, especially the marine and boating industries, the Institute’s Manufacturing & EngineeringFaculty is developing programs under the Metals and EngineeringTraining Package MEM05 and the Plastics, Rubber andCablemaking Training Package PMB01 (soon to be replaced by PMB07) to deliver training in composites.

n MEM30705 Marine Craft Construction

n PMB20101 Plastics(Composites) – CertificateII (AQF) to be replaced byPMB20107 Certificate II in Polymer Processing

n PMB30101 Plastics (Composites ) – Certificate III (AQF) to bereplaced by PMB30107 Certificate III in Polymer Processing

The marine and boating industries are located at Tweed Head onthe Tweed River, Yamba on the Clarence River, Port Macquarie onthe Hastings River and Taree on the Manning River. Consequentlytraining will be provided in these locations. The Bus, Truck andTrailer Industry is also located at Macksville and NambuccaHeads and there is a demand for training in composites andNorth Coast Institute is anticipating delivery to this industry.

North Coast Institute is proud of its record of working with industryin the delivery of training and most of the training will take placein the workplace.

For more information contact Peter Millmore on 02 6620 4715or email [email protected]

NEW MEMBER PROFILE: SIGMATEK AUSTRALASIA PTY LTD

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The following Composites Australia (CA) events are scheduled for 2007 and 2008. Please contact Ann Byrne at the CA Secretariat for further details and registration. Don’t forget to check the website for regular updates: www.compositesaustralia.com.au.

Date and Time Venue

Wednesday 14th November5.00pm – 7.30pm

Members’ Briefingn Presentations on Fibrelogic Pipe Systems and moren Free for members. Members’ guests are welcome at $15 eachn Refreshments will be served

Fibrelogic Pipe Systems11 Christie Rd, Lonsdale (Adelaide) SA

15th – 24th October US Mission n Attend huge ACMA conference & trade show n Organised visits to US Composite Fabricators – 2-day bus tourn Space limited but still available – BOOK NOW!

Tampa, Florida USA

Thursday6th December4.30pm – 9.00pm

Annual General Meeting / Members’ Briefing / Christmas Party / CA Board meeting n Free for members. Members’ guests are welcome at $15 eachn Refreshments will be servedn First Annual Composites Australia Poker Tournament

Championship – (No money involved – Fun Only!)

Hi-Class Composites, Factory 3, 29 Barry Street,Bayswater (Melbourne), VIC

Wednesday6th February10.30am – 12.30pm

CA Trainingn Workplace Health & Safety Risk Assessment workshopsn Refreshments will be servedn No charge – Supported by the Queensland Government

Brisbane, QLD – TBA

Wednesday27th February10.30am – 12.30pm


Gold Coast, QLD – TBA

Wednesday27th February5.00pm – 7.00pm

Members’ Briefingn Free for members and members’ guests. Supported by the QLD Governmentn Refreshments will be servedCA Board meeting

Brisbane, QLD – TBA

Wednesday12th March10.30am – 12.30pm


Sunshine Coast, QLD – TBA

Thursday 13th &Friday 14th March 8.30am – 5 pm daily

CA Annual Conference & Exhibition (in association with Composites CRC)n Presentations, round table discussions, tutorialsn Trade show and demonstrationsn Conference dinner and go-kart racing

Melbourne, VIC – TBA

Thursday 3rd April10.30am – 12.30pm


Cairns/Townsville,QLD – TBC

Wednesday 30th April5.00pm – 7.30pm

Members’ Briefingn Free for members Members’ guests are welcome at $15 eachn Refreshments will be served

Western Australia – TBA

Wednesday11th June4.30pm – 7.00pm

Members’ Briefingn Free for members Members’ guests are welcome at $15 eachn Refreshments will be served CA Board meeting

New South Wales - TBA

Events Schedule2007-2008

This schedule is subject to availability of venues and may change from time to time.

COMPOSITES HEALTH & SAFETY WALL POSTERS ARE NOW AVAILABLEThe posters are A1 size (approximately 59 x 84 cm), laminated. andinclude a dedicated space for local emergency services contactdetails to be inserted. Display them on your factory floor, and areaswhere chemicals are stored or used, and in the office or tea room,so that staff become familiar with the information.

The information on the charts is also now available on the Composites Australia website – simply go towww.compositesaustralia.com.au/healthsafe.htm and click onany of the drop-down menu items from the red “Health & Safety”button on the left hand side. (Remember to “bookmark” this page!)

To order free copies of Health & Safety Information posters for your business, please contact Ann at Composites Australia on [email protected] or (03) 9866 5586.

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NAME of INSTITUTION STATE PHONE NUMBER

Aviation Australia QLD (07) 3860 0900Brisbane Institute of TAFE QLD (07) 3259 3051Chisholm Institute of TAFE VIC (03) 9212 5234Hunter Institute of Technology – TAFE NSW NSW (02) 4923 7249Kangan Batman TAFE VIC (03) 9254 6100PARTEC Institute Composites Training Centre QLD (07) 3849 7878RMIT – School of Aerospace, Mechanical & Manufacturing Engineering VIC (03) 9925 6214

NAME of INSTITUTION STATE PHONE NUMBER

South West Institute of TAFE VIC (03) 5521 0448South Western Sydney Institute of TAFE NSW – Aero & Auto Facility NSW (02) 9722 5362TAFE NSW – Western Sydney Institute NSW (02) 9204 4630TAFE NSW – North Coast Institute NSW (02) 6620 4715TAFE SA SA (08) 8303 2751The Innovation & Training Skills Centre SA (08) 8251 5049University of Southern Queensland QLD (07) 4631 2548Victoria University VIC (03) 9919 8422

For your composites training needs, contact Gerard Murphy, Education & Employment Officer, on 03 9866 5586or [email protected], or contact one of our member institutions directly:

Good News EverywhereThe pre voc training is really starting to make a difference to staff retention – so far out of 21 placements we have only lost one employee!

We continue to mentor all the placements achieved so far andthe most positive element is that they have been able start a jobwith sufficient product/process knowledge to feel that they cancontribute to production. The opportunity to be a valued memberof a production team very early in the employment processcertainly seems to ensure that staff is retained.

One of the new starters from our Gold Coast training has already moved into a supervisory role in a detail area – excellentresult for a person with no previous composite experience – or even interest!

Victorian Trade ApprenticeshipThe competencies and their content are nearly finalised for the introduction in 2008 of a Certificate III in Polymer Processing(FRP/Composites) which will recognise Composite Technicians as a trade qualification. This will bring us in line with NSW, QLD and WA and will assist us our application for further funding and support such as the apprentice’s toolbox subsidy etc.

The Textile & Fibre Reinforcements for AdvancedComposites Resource & WorkshopThe recently held Textile and Fibre workshops (see photos) were

extremely well received. The many hours of preparation by Frank Rosselli and Mick Crossthwaite of the Composites CRC has enabled CA to provide a valuable training resource to thecomposites industry. The attendees have ranged from fabricatorsfrom automotive manufacturers, TAFE Teachers, CSIRO Engineers,product suppliers and textile manufacturers.

The feedback from the participants has been very positive and it is fantastic to think that one course can offer so much to such a diverse range of composite workers.

We will be running another course in October in the northernsuburbs of Melbourne; the details will be posted on theComposites Australia web site.

We are currently working on a similar training session on resins and a half-day session for the cutting and laying of fabrics.

Portable Training FacilityThe concept of a portable training facility has created a lot of interest from the composites industry. It is also gaining ofinterest and support from many other industries that are sufferingthe same problems in being able to find suitable training venues.Manufacturing Skills Australia and Manufacturing Learning Australiaare working with us in formulating a proposal for the funding of the facility. This will ensure that the sustainability of the facility can be shared and the exposure will be broader than just thecomposites industry.

Office of Education and EmploymentFROM THE DESK OF THE OFFICE OF EDUCATION AND EMPLOYMENT by Gerard Murphy

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The prevocational programs held acrossMelbourne in May and June this year gaveKangan Batman TAFE the opportunity todemonstrate what we believe is “NewTAFE” in action. As association members,and represented on the educationcommittee, we have been involved in the planning of these programs for overtwo years, but once Gerard got moving in the new Education and Employmentofficer position the courses actually cametogether very quickly. What had beenoriginally envisaged as a longer program was tailored to respondto the feedback received from industry and from the JobNetworks who ultimately provided our new entrants.

At various forums all over the country we have been talking upwhat we reckon we can do to assist and train local industry. As far as we are concerned, this was the opportunity to provewhether we are serious or not; literally, to stand up and becounted. Easy enough to provide a week long program in-houseon our own turf, something else altogether when presented with an empty shed on the other side of the city, or in another city altogether!

Usually when training over distance, we can rely on some level ofresource at the other end – establishing a supply chain for trainingover a two week period is something different. Kangan BatmanTAFE has become proficient in delivering training using what canbe carried in the boot of the car – notebook computer, dataprojector, printed notes etc. – but seldom are we required toload up a truck to provide tables and chairs, raw materials and allmanner of training aids (in two weeks, the trainees at Hallam andGeelong actually got to the stage of laying up a small boat hull!).

The programs did serve to illustrate, I think both to the Associationand to ourselves, that where we do have dedicated facilities for training in composites, we are very fortunate, because thealternative can be primitive indeed. Whilst we are thankful even

for the most primitive of facilities (especially to Jeff Morrison and all at Maxitrans at Hallam for their invaluable assistance, and alsothe Gordon Institute in Geelong), it does provide that extrachallenge for both trainer and trainees.

What these programs also showed us is that there has been some very mediocre training taking place out there in the past.Some employers spoke to us on the back of these programs to request that we deliver something similar in their workplaces – to ensure that their workers have at least the basic lay-up skillsand some understanding of the fundamental knowledge requiredto plan and carry out a lay-up. We are only too happy to talk to any member companies (or non-members for that matter),about providing customised technical training on-site in yourworkplace, whether that be a series of short workshops aroundspecific skills issues, or longer programs leading to a qualification.Even if you have already been down the traineeship road, there’sno reason why you still can’t benefit from some specific technicaltraining from a registered training provider.

I could not mention these programs without paying personal tributeto our trainer for all three of these courses, Phill Bovis, who in effectabandoned his normal working conditions for six weeks to ensurethat the trainees were able to achieve something meaningful in the short time that they spent with him.

PRE-VOCATIONAL TRAINING – KBT’S EXPERIENCE IN VICTORIA Bill Rees, Kangan Batman TAFE

Pre–voc students gain hands-on experience during the training course

Conference & Exhibition 2008Formula for the Future

Melbourne13-14 March 2008

It is with great pleasure that Composites Australia, in conjunction with the Composites CRC, invite you to participate in the 2008 Conference & Exhibition in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia, Thursday & Friday 13-14 March 2008. (and note that the Formula 1 Grand Prix will take place in Melbourne on Sunday 16 March!)

The Conference will feature two days of presentations, a trade exhibition, short workshops, panel discussions and livepractical demonstrations. Among the speakers will be experts in the industry presenting exciting applications and pointingto new opportunities available for composites in the 21st century.

Invitation to Participate n Speakers n Exhibitors n Sponsors n Delegates

Call for Papers - Give a PresentationRegister your interest below to be sent a PresentationApplication.

Sponsor an eventTake up the opportunity to advertise your company and its support of the industry to the attendees by sponsoringthe satchels, dinner, lunch, golf or drinks. Register yourinterest below to be sent more information.

Exhibit your products and services – and/orgive a practical demonstrationRegister your interest in reserving a booth and/ordemonstration space with the form below.

Attend – take part in the conference &exhibition and all that comes with itRegister your interest in taking part as a delegate with the form below. The Early Bird Registration Form will be sent to you hot off the presses!

Please complete the form below and mail to: Composites Australia Inc, PO Box 344, HAWTHORN, VIC. 3122 or FAX TO: +61 3 9866 6434

Melbourne and its surrounds have an abundance to offer in terms of sightseeing, leisure activities, entertainment, relaxationand culture. The weather in mid March is generally warm and sunny. Stay the weekend and attend the Grand Prix; bringthe whole family for a mini-holiday!!

Be involved with this major event - as a speaker, an exhibitor, a sponsor or a delegate. Showcase your company! Learn,experience, expand your contacts and meet the “who's who” in the world of composites.

Start your engine and plan now to be there in March!

For more information please contact Ann Byrne at Composites Australia on +61 3 9866 5586 [email protected]

I hereby register my interest in participating in the Composites Australia/Composites CRC Conference & Exhibition 2008– Formula for the Future – in the following capacity(ies):

nnnnn Speaker/Presenter nnnnn Exhibitor/Demonstrator nnnnn Sponsor nnnnn Delegate

Company Name...................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Contact name .....................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Position / Title ........................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Postal Address ......................................................................................................................................................................................................................

City ............................................................... State/Province ................................................................... Zip/Postcode ............................................

Country ..................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Phone ........................................................................................ E-mail Address ................................................................................................................

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0, 90, 45… CHASING THE LIGHTWEIGHT DREAM… by Phil Wilson

Ever since my childhood I’ve been fascinated by carbon fibre…Being a competitive cyclist during my teens, I was fascinated by the way bicycle manufacturers used advanced composites to design and create the ‘machines’ that were ridden in the Tourde France and Olympics. The cutting edge technology that wasthese lightweight, high strength machines was what amazed me most. By the end of my teen years I had accumulated someinjuries that forced me to give up all hopes of making a careerout of riding a bike for a living. Thus, I was faced with decidingwhat I really wanted to do, for possibly the remainder of my life.

I had already made some carbon fibre fairings for a bike when I was 16 so I figured I was interested in one of two things: makingPre-Preg carbon fibre components, or fabricating the moulds that are needed to make this type of product. The formerseemed almost impossible to find in Australia, but the latter was almost as far off – or was it?

Living in Wollongong, I knew that I would have to look elsewhereto find anything even remotely close to my desire. To my surprise,looking through a Sydney newspaper one day, I came across a job titled Apprentice Patternmaker. I didn’t even know exactlywhat this was at first, but I enquired and was informed that it was one of the best engineering trades around. I applied for theposition and succeeded, starting at Reid Lalor Displays, a point ofsale display company in January 2000. Part of the apprenticeshipmeant that I attended Ultimo TAFE in Sydney one day per weekfor the first three years for off the job training. At TAFE I wasenrolled in the ‘Engineering – Fabrication Trade IV (Patternmaking)’.In these three years at TAFE we were taught a tremendous rangeof things, including pattern construction of all kinds, engineeringdrawing, foundry processes, OH & S, trade calculations andcosting and estimating. The years went quickly and before I knew it, I was saving all I could to fund my next mission.

During ‘my time’ I researched more and more about advancedcomposites, concluding that Europe would be the best place tofind work making the genre of things I wanted to make. I finishedmy apprenticeship in January 2004 and set off not long after with the goal of working with advanced composites.

I endeavored to be different from most Aussies who travel ‘O.S.’on ‘working holidays’ and went to the Netherlands first. I foundcomposites work there and although the projects we were workingon were unique, it just wasn’t the greatest of times. I was stuck in what could be dubbed as “the Netherlands’ dullest town”, builton reclaimed land 70 odd years ago; this was not the mostinteresting town on earth by a long way. After six months there I decided to go on holiday before settling in London. Prior toarriving in the UK, I had made some enquiries and a few daysafter arriving I was interviewed by a company in the midlands.After the interview I made a decision, which in looking back mightnot have been the best decision at that specific moment, butwas also a blessing in disguise: I turned the job down as I wantedto stay in London. This unfortunately meant I was resigned to my temporary job of working behind a bar.

Although it wasn’t the greatest job in the world, positive thingsevolved from the time I spent working behind this bar. One ofthose was that I was able to meet lots of people and create a network by doing so. By luck, I managed to meet someonewho knew a guy who had a contract to construct the chassis’ ata certain Formula One team each winter. I thought that this mightbe a bit too much of a jump for me but nevertheless a goodcontact to further the network. It took some persistence to obtainthe contact details of this chassis guy but I managed to find himin the end. By this stage I was frustrated with the spasmodic hoursat the bar, and had moved on to work at a joinery workshop.

When I contacted the chassis guy he suggested that I contact DPSComposites in Bookham, just outside of London. Luckily for me, theManaging Director at DPS could see that, with my short experiencein the Netherlands company and with being a patternmaker, I hadmore then enough skill to work with composites. DPS manufacturedpre-preg components for the likes of Formula 1 firms Mclaren,Jordan, Mercedes High Performance Engines and an array ofother Motorsport and Aerospace companies.

Time went by, and everything was fine at DPS. Then, that August I received an email that offered me the chance of a lifetime: totravel to Switzerland to work the winter at the BMW Sauber Formula1 Team. Yes, you guessed it, I took the chance. During thecontract we constructed four chassis’. Each monocoque tookapproximately 5 weeks to construct, requiring us to work onaverage about 80 hrs a week over 7 days. The constructionprocess of the chassis include laminating the outer skins, fitting andbonding the core, structural inserts and bulkheads, followed bylaminating the inner skins and to finish off, a similar joining process.

In between two Swiss winters, I was lucky enough to spend the summer in Gothenburg, Sweden, working at the Volvo Car Corporation for a few months. Whilst there I was involved in working on a concept car project within the R & D centre. As Volvo is one of the leaders in automotive safety, it was truly an eye-opener to see their crash testing facility in Gothenburg -– not to mention the beautiful Swedish girls.

Unfortunately I won’t be returning to Switzerland this winter as thecontract isn’t happening this time round. So here I am back inAustralia – taking a well deserved rest, you may think – but no, I havemoved to Melbourne to embark on yet another stepping stone: anengineering degree at RMIT University, which I have just begun.

I endeavour to stay in contact with the composites industry andhopefully there is someone out there reading this that could utilisemy skills, no matter where you are located. I’m hoping that Uni’ssummer break will provide me with the chance to getreacquainted with some advanced composites work to fund mystudy and continue down the path I want to follow, one daydesigning lightweight, high strength machines – but machineswith twice the amount of wheels and a bit more power than I once visualised.

Phil Wilson [email protected]

How one man began a career in composites – focus, persistence, adventure and luck!

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COMPOSITE ENGINEER’S VIEWPOINT Rik Heslehurst PhD, MEng, BEng(Aero) FIEAust, FRAeS, CPEng

Designing with Composite Materials Part 8 –Design Review Number 2

Let us now review the design process as it currently stands.Previously we had selected our constituent materials (fibre andresin), and the material form (tape, cloth, etc.); we had decidedon the manufacturing process and determined the laminate lay-up configuration to meet the design requirements. Now that wehave worked through the design detail we have determined:n the size and location of holes and cut-out, and determined

the effect of their stress concentration;n all the areas where joints are required, the type of joint needed

and the load transfer requirements of the joint assembly;n the areas where possible interlaminar stresses may be of

a concern, and ways to eliminate or reduce the impact of interlaminar stresses;

n where we would like to have sandwich core stiffening; andn how we will delete or add plies at discrete locations.

With this level of detailed design we again check that the compositestructure is still meeting the design specification. This review will takethe form of a comparison of the design attributes against theperformance and operations requirements. So we again refer backto the original design specification. The following flow chart illustrateshow this review will take place as ‘Evaluate Design’.

From the tabulated comparison of the design against the designspecification we can ask the following questions:n Is the design meeting the essential customer requirements?n Does the design satisfy the engineering specification targets?n Is the design competitive against the benchmarks?n Should the design process continue or be cancelled?n Can the design be improved against the customer

requirements and engineering specification?

n Is the design too complex in its current form, and should it be decomposed to several sub-problems or sub-systems?

n Do we need to review the design requirements and revisethem based on the design detail outcomes?

Your answer to these questions will allow you to make modificationsto the composite laminate design detail to meet the designspecification, or recommend revisions to the design specification.The cost of any design changes at this stage of the designprocess are minimal and will actually save substantial resources.

In the next article, we conduct an optimisation process on the design. With design optimisation we consider changes to the design to reduce weight and cost, but maintain or improve the overall structural performance. An equally important aspect at this stage of the design process is to check the robustness of the design against small changes in design parameters.

I also welcome questions, comments and your point of view. Feel free to contact me via [email protected]. I may publish your questions and comments, and my response in a future newsletter.

Subsystem Decomposition

CommunicateInformation

UpdatePlans

EvaluateDesign

DesignDetail

DesignReview

Sub-Problem

Education for me in the composites industry began the day I started work in a fibreglass factory, but I was hungry for morethan what was learnt on the job and in factories you often getpigeon-holed in specific job roles. So in 1976 I enrolled in F.R.P.Certificate 1 & 2 at R.M.I.T. to expand my knowledge andunderstanding of the composites industry.

I enjoyed the mental challenges and stimulation plus theopportunity to learn new or different composites processes not available at my workplace. It also enabled me to networkwith other people from the industry which is a valuable asset at any level.

Later, I went on to delivering F.R.P. classes at R.M.I.T. on a part timebasis and then taught composites at Chisholm Institute. I alsomentored university student projects & secondary school projects.

Over the years (24) as a composites teacher and workplacetrainer I have observed the many ways in which people learn.The most rapid and satisfying learning process is projectorientated. There is a definite start and finish, usually with an immoveable deadline for completion (i.e. race day!), media launch, expos and show times.

Some of the more interesting projects of this nature are R & Dprojects, particularly those undertaken at educational institutes:i.e. solar electric vehicles, Formula SAE race cars and human

powered vehicles. I have assistedschools, TAFE’s anduniversities on theseextremely excitingprojects both inAustralia andoverseas, since 1988.

Recently I was invitedto help the De LaSalle University inManila (Philippines) with their solar car project, pictured above.They are a highly enthusiastic group of people, but know very littleabout composites, especially advanced composites as we knowit. They learned very quickly as I demonstrated constructiontechniques for every phase of the solar vehicle construction.Although the media launch of their vehicle was delayed byregional typhoons and inclement weather, they will be in Australiain October to compete in the world’s premier solar car race – The World Solar Challenge which is run from Darwin to Adelaide.Another team that I assisted this year is one of our own highlyvisible Australian entries – Aurora Solar Car Team, which won the World Solar Challenge in 1999, and will be again competingthis year with 40 other teams from around the world.

THE JOYS OF A CAREER IN COMPOSITES EDUCATION AND TRAININGDon Elliott, Chisholm Institute of TAFE

In conjunction with PARTEC Institute and Kangan Batman TAFE,Glas-Craft Australia is bringing RTM North Ltd of Canada toAustralia to conduct their 5-day hands-on workshop on Light RTMComposites Tooling. There will be two sessions of this valuablecourse, one in Brisbane on 5-9 November and one in Melbourneon 12-16 November.

In this intensive, practical workshop, you will learn pattern designand preparation, mould construction and mould seal design, tool construction, demoulding, and finishing, among many other topics. Learn how to do it all accurately and efficiently. Your company will be able to “Close the Gap with ClosedMoulding Technologies”.

Registrations for each course are limited, so be sure to book now– the flyer is enclosed in this issue of your Connection magazine.Alternately, you can contact Glas-Craft Australia at Phone: 07 3888 0866, or email: [email protected]

RTM LITE TRAINING IS COMING TO AUSTRALIA

Also upcoming at PARTEC (QLD)Composites (CMX-1) – Methacrylate Adhesives Technical

Workshop (One day: choose 10 Oct or 11 Oct)

Contact PARTEC – (07) 3849 7878 [email protected]

Composites Technician Apprenticeships are also available – Stage 1, 2, and 3. Includes Trade Skills for each level

plus essential workplace knowledge and skills.

Contact PARTEC as above.

Safety Equipment Australia have recently released the SundströmSR500 Powered Air Purifying Respirator in Australia. The fan-assisted,battery-powered SR500 is suitable as an alternative to normal filterrespirators where these are recommended. The PAPR is ideal insituations requiring work for extended periods or in warm conditions.

The SR500 comprises a powerful fan unit that first filters the air and then channels it to the face piece through a breathing hose. A range of soft hoods and hard helmet-type shields is available,and the fan unit can also be connected to the Sundström SR200full face mask for the best possible protection.

The air is filtered through two sets of Sundström particle and gasfilters, specially designed to cope with the high air flow generatedby the fan unit.

The standard battery uses the latest ion-lithium technology thatcouples short recharging times (about 1.5 hours) with up to 8 hours’ running time. An optional heavy-duty battery lasts up to 13 hours. Operating times depend on type of filters used and the condition of the battery.

The self-calibrating internal management system is sophisticated,yet simple to operate with a single button push on the visualcontrol panel. A single glance can ascertain fan speed, batterycharge, and that the unit is functioning properly.

For more information on the SR500 range of products, call S.E.A.on FreeCall 1800 655 129 or visit www.theseagroup.com

PRESS RELEASE:S.E.A. INTRODUCES SUNDSTRÖM PAPR

15Connection

SOUTH AUSTRALIAApprentices, Trainees & Careers 2007With the establishment of the Lower Murray Regional Polymer SkillsCentre, located at the Murray Bridge High School, a number ofpartnerships have been established with industry in order toprovide young people with relevant training that meets localindustry needs.

In 2006 a trial program placed students in local businesses forwork experience; these included the Newell Group, HouseboatConcepts and Hallett Ski Boats.

Students spent time working with experienced staff putting skillsthey had begun to develop at the Skills Centre into a commercialbusiness situation, thus gaining valuable workshop experience. Theday started in Murray Bridge looking at tank manufacturing at TheNewell Group, followed by a ski boat fit out at Hallett Ski Boats andfinished in Mannum at Houseboat Concepts looking at largescale houseboat manufacturing. The day showcased theopportunities for future careers to over thirty students.

In 2007 the Polymer program continued to grow and is nowoperating three days per week under the guidance of privatetraining partner, The Innovation Training & Skills Centre. Thirtystudents from almost all year levels at four high schools are nowparticipating. We encourage students from year 9 onwards toundertake this program, providing the opportunity for students todevelop skills over a number of years with the view to providemore work-ready students, increasing their chances of entering

into successful careers in manufacturing and trades industries.

Over the past 5 weeks students have been undertaking workexperience at The Newell Group in a structured and expandedtraining program. Dennis Newell, a long time supporter of Polymer(fiberglass) training at the Murray Bridge High School, has furtheropened up his manufacturing facility for students. Each student isnow spending 5 days at Newell’s under the guidance of Workshopmanager Rob August, in a structured training program thatprovides not only training and experience, but also writtenfeedback on how they went. We are seeing the benefits in thepolymer program as these students bring their experiences backto the others, demonstrating new skills, increased confidence andpassing on valuable stories about their week at work.

We hope to put up to fifteen students through this program in2007 and also further extend the work experience program withour other industry partners as the year progresses and morestudents become ready to participate.

As the host training partners of the Lower Murray Regional SkillsCentre, the Murray Bridge High School & the Innovation Training & Skill Centre would like to take this opportunity to thank thoselocal businesses for this ongoing support.

Darren O’Connor, Technology Coordinator Murray Bridge High School,

Normand ClementsTrainer/assessor, The Innovation Training & Skill Centre

STATE NEWS

Kent, WA – Magnum Venus Plastech (M.V.P.) is pleased toannounce that the Light RTM Training Course, pioneered byindustry expert Alan Harper, will now be offered at locationsaround the world.

Alan Harper developed this comprehensive Light RTM TrainingCourse over 20 years ago, and though many have tried toduplicate the techniques and training offered in this course, none have come close to matching the original.

Now the course has expanded to include eight detailedclassroom presentations covering the LRTM process frombeginning to end, another full day of training and three of theindustry’s leading experts as training instructors. Between them,these instructors, Alan Harper, Charles Tur and Ward Creasey, haveover 80 years of Composites Industry experience. The course willbe held at the facilities of MVP Distributors around the world.

The purpose of this course is to provide customers who areconsidering the move to closed mould technology, with the toolsand training to make the changeover successful. To that end,the 3 day training course includes extensive classroom lectures onthe technology and techniques of the process, the real costs andbenefits of using Light RTM, and hands-on training from tooling the

mould and counter mould, to the injection of a finished part.

The full training course is set up to be a strong transfer of thetechnology of mould building, to allow attendees to gain a goodbasis of knowledge to easily put into practice. Each attendeereceives the comprehensive training course manual, whichdiscusses in detail the practices they learn during the class, as wellas other training materials to use as reference.

If you are considering the move to closed mould production, orhave already begun using closed moulding in your production,then it is likely you will find the training and techniques learnedduring this course essential in taking your production to new levels.

Bill Waits of Correct Craft, Inc., a recent student of the first NorthAmerican training course, said of the training course: “The bestRTM class that I have seen or been a part of. The hands-ondemos were great…also, the class room format and thereference material given were also the best. M.V.P. now has one stop composite shopping for F.R.P.”

For more information on the Light RTM Training Course, or the full line of M.V.P. Systems, contact MVP or visit their Web site at www.mvpind.com.

PRESS RELEASE: M.V.P. TAKES LIGHT RTM TRAINING WORLD-WIDE

16Connection

QUEENSLANDQLD SKILLS FORMATION STRATEGY HOLDS FIRST MEETING The first meeting of the QLD Fibre Composites Skills FormationStrategy (SFS) was held on 12th of September 2007 at PARTEC.Some lively discussion, on topics such as fast trackingapprenticeships and promoting the image of the industry, suggestthat this will be a very proactive group working for your industry.

Members span all sectors of the industry including suppliers,educators, CA, Composites CRC and fabricators. Though it is earlystages, they have already embarked on 2 major initiatives that willhave a significant impact on the industry in 3-5 years time.

ANZSCO Trade ClassificationThe first of these initiatives is the development of a proposal tohave the qualification of Composites Technician recognised as atrade occupation under Major Group 3 of ANZSCO (AustralianNew Zealand Classification of Occupations).

So why is this proposal important to you and the compositesindustry? Currently, the classification of the compositesoccupation does not sit within the “recognised” tradeoccupations and as a result receives no funding for traininginitiatives and no access to skilled migration programs.

The need for skilled migrants is becoming increasingly evident withthe advances in composites internationally. To remain globallycompetitive the Australian composites industry needs to be ableto “import” talented staff who can bring in fresh ideas and skills.

However, the Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC)will use ANZSCO to determine which occupations are eligible forskilled migration through the Migration Occupations in DemandList (MODL). Only the first three major groups of ANZSCO will beeligible to access skilled migration.

Equally, the strength of the Australian composites industry lies in thecreative and talented people already here. To retain these peopleand build the future talent pool it is essential that we continue toprovide affordable training programs. The funding provided by DESTfor skilling and training will give the composites industry an equalfooting with other trades such as boat builders who can alreadyaccess federally funded life long learning programs.

As with DIAC, the Department of Education, Science and Training(DEST) will also use ANZSCO and MODL to determine whichoccupations receive funding for training initiatives such as Tools

For Your Trade and apprentice bonus payments. Only those tradesthat are classified under the ANZSCO trade occupation willreceive funds.

So what is being done? Composites Australia in collaboration withthe SFS will prepare a proposal to the Australian Bureau of Statistics(ABS) and the Department of Employment Workplace Relations(DEWR). This proposal will ask for a review of the classification ofComposite Technician to be included in Major Group 3 as arecognised trade occupation. More details will follow outlininghow you can be involved.

Composites in Engineering DegreesThe second initiative is a proposal to the Australian Council ofEngineering Deans to have more composite content in theundergraduate engineering degree. This proposal will be lead bythe university representatives of the SFS.

Why is this important to the composites industry? Simply thisrepresents future work for your business. Currently, engineers aregraduating with little to no knowledge of composites; as a result theydo not think to design using composite materials. By increasing theirunderstanding at the undergraduate level, we expect a greaterinterest in using and designing composites in future projects.

Whilst this will not be an easy proposal as there are a limited numberof courses in an engineering degree, the accreditation authority inEngineers Australia has already lent their support to our initiative.

Industry ImageThe composite industry specific web pages to be linked into the‘Create It, Make It, Live It’ campaign are currently underdevelopment. This campaign is targeted at getting teenagersinterested in careers in the manufacturing sector and it is believedthat this will have the same positive impact that other industriessuch as marine and aviation have already experienced. Alongwith the website, the opportunity will exist for the compositesindustry to be involved in careers expos and school-industryengagement activities in collaboration with the State Government.

If you would like more information on the SFS, the initiativesmentioned above, or would like to put your opinion forward aboutwhat the SFS needs to focus on, you can contact me at:

Robert McRuvie – SFS Project ManagerPh: (07) 3222 2593Email: [email protected]

“STATE NEWS” welcomes submissions – please email news of interest to the composites community which is taking placein your State to [email protected]

NEW SOUTH WALESTraining Provides Local Industry with Vital Skills BaseIn 2005 – 2006, Composite Fabrication was identified as a skillsshortage area in the Newcastle region. Recently, the CompositeTechnology Department at Hunter TAFE was successful in tenderingfor state funding to run a series of three week intensive trainingcourses to provide local industry with a skills base to draw on.

The training was conducted at Hunter TAFE’s purpose-builtComposite Training Facility at Tighes Hill. A total of 68 participants,ranging in age from 16 to 65, received nationally accreditedtraining and instruction in safe handling of composites and inbasic hand laminating skills. This training resulted in theproduction of ten composite row boats, which were later donatedto local charities and community groups.

Feedback about the course from student surveys was verypositive, with over 90% of participants saying that they nowconsider composites a potential career option.

Head Teacher Ross Mitchell said that a number of participantsreturned this year as trainees and apprentices after securingpositions in industry.

“The new recruits have an advantage over other job applicantsdue to their basic training.

“They’re very happy with the credit gained towards theirqualification, and employers find the reduced hours away fromthe job an advantage.” he said.

Hunter TAFE also provides training in advanced composites suchas vacuum bagging, resin infusion and pre-pregs and offers arange of flexible training options including distance educationand block release.

Do you need help with industry training?Contact Ross Mitchell, Head Teacher of Boat andShipbuilding / Composite Technology at NewcastleCampus on (02) 4923 7249.

17Connection

Swift & Company Limited has been part of the IMCD Group for many years. Jointly with our New Zealand sister company, wehave continued to grow our range of products/services and ourskilled team of techno-commercial sales professionals. The IMCDGroup has succeeded in realising a number of successfulmarketing initiatives in Europe, Africa and Asia Pacific, bringingefficiencies to customers and principals alike, based on the growing presence and reputation of the IMCD brand.Accordingly, Swift and all its sister companies across Europe and Africa have now moved to operate under the simplified and successful IMCD heading. As at 3rd April 2007, Swift &Company Limited has become IMCD Australia Limited. Our ABN and ACN numbers, telephone numbers, GST number

and bank account number remain unchanged.We are confident that the name change will enable us to continue strongly along our growth path and we are committedto continuing to deliver excellent service backed by strong,modern infrastructure in health, safety, environment, quality,logistics and IT… and most importantly our high calibre teams of people.IMCD Australia and IMCD New Zealand represent Akzo NobelPolymer Chemicals for their range of Butanox, Cadox, Perkadoxand Trigonox Organic Peroxides. If you have any queries please contact your local IMCDrepresentative or Customer Service on 1300 130 295.

PRESS RELEASE: SWIFT & COMPANY LTD BECOMES IMCD AUSTRALIA LTD

n Converts previously announced joint venture agreement into outright acquisition

n Accelerates Owens Corning’s global growth strategy

n Improves Owens Corning’s ability to serve Compositescustomers on a global and regional basis

Owens Corning (NYSE: OC) has announced the signing of a definitive agreement under which Owens Corning will acquireSaint-Gobain’s Reinforcement and Composites business for $640million. The acquisition further builds Owens Corning’s position as a market leader in glass reinforcements and composites.

In 2006, the acquired Saint-Gobain Reinforcement andComposites business had sales of approximately $900 million,with approximately 4,500 employees. With this acquisition, the expanded Owens Corning Composite Solutions business will have 42 production facilities in 16 countries. On a pro formabasis for calendar year 2006, the new Owens Corning CompositeSolutions segment would have had about 9,000 employees and combined sales of approximately $2.2 billion, comparedwith actual reported segment sales in 2006 of $1.6 billion.

The transaction is expected to close by the end of 2007and remains subject to regulatory approval in several jurisdictions,

along with customary closing conditions.

“This is a transformational acquisition for Owens Corning,” said DaveBrown, Owens Corning president and chief executive officer. “Thisacquisition expands Owens Corning’s footprint around the worldand strengthens our position in key markets such as Russia, China,India, Mexico and Brazil. It also balances our exposure to thecyclical downturns associated with the residential constructionmarket in North America. Composite Solutions is a core business at Owens Corning and we are committed to its continued growth.”

“Glass fiber markets are global, diverse and growing at two-timesglobal GDP,” said Mike Thaman, Owens Corning chairman and chief financial officer. “This strategic acquisition expands ourglobal presence in a capital-efficient way that adds near- andlong-term value to shareholders.”

Chuck Dana, the president of Owens Corning CompositeSolutions business, said, “This acquisition will accelerate the abilityof Owens Corning to grow with our customers in both developedand high-growth emerging markets. Customers will benefit froman expanded product range, world-class applied materialstechnology, improved logistics and supply capability. Moreover,Owens Corning will own a growing global fabrics business.”

PRESS RELEASE: OWENS CORNING TO ACQUIRE SAINT-GOBAIN’SREINFORCEMENT AND COMPOSITES BUSINESS

NCS was established in 1907 as the Natal Chemical Syndicateproducing rectified spirit for the South African tanning industry. In 1960, NCS began to produce unsaturated polyester resin,gelcoats and pigment pastes and became NCS Plastics.

In 1988 NCS Plastics was purchased by the Sentrachem Group, a large diverse South African company already producingpolyester resins. The name was then changed to NCS Resins.

In 2001 NCS Resins returned to private ownership and nowoperates under license agreement with Reichhold tomanufacture the Norpol and Polylite brands. Outside of Australia,NCS distribute the Ashland Derekane vinyl ester resins.

NCS Resins own the largest Unsaturated Polyester Resin and Gelcoatmanufacturing facilities in the southern hemisphere throughoutAfrica, the Middle East, Indian Ocean Islands and beyond.

NCS Resins manufactures to the ISO 9001:2000 qualitymanagement systems.

In 2003, NCS Resins purchased the former Mega Resins businessin NSW. The name was changed from Mega Resins to NCS Resins

in April this year. NCS Resins Australia are now planning to growtheir Australian operation and are very excited about thesegrowth plans that will support the Australian Composites industry.

In addition to the existing distribution and blending operation at Mt Druitt in NSW, NCS Resins are also establishing a distributionand blending facility at Dandenong in Victoria, and will be expanding on their existing infrastructure at Acacia Ridge,Queensland. This will allow NCS Resins to better service the Australian market and meet customer needs.

To help support these changes and growth, NCS Resins haveacquired a number of new employees. In Queensland, JulieWoolley, Brian Stick and Katherine McLeod will join forces with SteveBurt. In Victoria, Geoff Houghton, Enzo Palma and Norm Parsons willmake up the new Victorian team, while Gavin Davies will join thecurrent NSW commercial team of Dan Naiker and Tony Heard.

NCS Resins are looking forward to the future and to working withyou to develop sound opportunities and business relationships.Please contact us on telephone number 1300 886859.

PRESS RELEASE: INTRODUCING NCS RESINS AUSTRALIA

19Connection

ARE YOU USING AUSTRALIAN MADE REINFORCEMENTS?WHY NOT? These premium products are available directly from Colan, and from all fibreglass distributors in Australia.

COLAN PRODUCTS is Australia’s only weaver of glass, carbon and aramid reinforcements, proven over many years at major composites fabricators in Australia and overseas.

Why would you buy Colan’s products?

• Quality accreditation – ISO 9001 and approvals from Det Norske Veritas (DNV), Lloyds Register.

• Availability of custom designed product or special widths.

• Wide product range available from stock.

• Delivery to all states – warehouses in Melbourne and Perth.

Product Range:

• E-glass multiaxials – with and without chopped mat.

• E-glass premium performance cloth .

• E-glass woven rovings – widths 150mm to 3200mm.

• E-glass tapes from 25mm to 300mm.

• Carbon tapes and fabrics.

• Aramid tapes and fabrics.

See our website, www.colan.com.au or phone head office for moreinformation and quotes. 02 9672 7888

POSITION WANTED by a Student CA Member

A PhD researcher is looking for a suitable jobafter submitting his thesis at the University ofNewcastle for a PhD in MechanicalEngineering (with the main research onComposite Materials).

His PhD thesis title is, “Syntactic foams andtheir sandwich composites: manufacturingand properties”. He has 10 years ofprofessional experience.

Potential employers, please contact:Md Mainul Islam, BSc Eng (Mechanical), MEng

(Civil & Structural), MIEB, MIEAust

EC108, Discipline of Mechanical EngineeringThe University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308.

Phone (02) 4951 3360 Home (02) 4921 6210 Fax (02) 4921 7050

[email protected]

TO ADVERTISE IN THE

CONNECTION MAGAZINE

PLEASE CONTACT ANN AT

COMPOSITES AUSTRALIA

ON 03 9866 5586 or email

[email protected]

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