Promoting and Connecting the Composites Industry
Newsletter of the Composites Institute of Australia Inc.
Visit: www.compinst.asn.au
Issue 3, 2003
acid had contacted. Repair was required and this was performed
by Ron Gee Enterprises. Damaged areas were ground back to
sound material and chopped strand matt laid up using Hetron
980 resin. Nexus surface veil was used in the final layers.
Typical laminate construction for service in sulphur dioxide gas
and weak sulfuric acid is:
The Delights of Condition Assessment
Materials Performance Technologies
Lucy Cranitch, pictured, was doing
an inspection of a fibreglass duct,
wearing a full acid suit and artificial
breathing apparatus to go into a
duct that led to a drying tower
(steel) which contained 96%
sulfuric acid.
Fibreglass can be used in some
harsh chemical environments. One
example of this is in sulfuric acid
service. Fibreglass can be used in
sulfuric acid up to concentrations
of approximately 75%.This works
out nicely since whilst carbon steel
corrodes in lower concentrations
The Moon Suit
of sulfuric acid, in higher
concentrations it is resistant and thus used for concentrated
sulfuric acid storage tanks.
In concentrated form (>76%), sulfuric acid displays reducing
properties which makes it more aggressive towards fibreglass.
Furthermore, the sulphur trioxide associated with concentrated
sulfuric acid has a very high affinity for water, and can chemically
dehydrate polyesters or vinyl esters to yield a charred surface.
The duct in the investigation above contained approximately
10% sulphur dioxide gas at 40°C. In addition to the duct, the
plant in question had many components made from fibreglass in
sulfuric acid service.This included radial flow scrubbers, gas
cooling towers, electrostatic mist precipitators, cooling water
tower fans, ducts and kilometres of pipework. Many of these
components were manufactured by Ron Gee Enterprises.
The conditions at this plant were sulphur dioxide gas, sulphur
trioxide gas and sulfuric acid at various concentrations and
temperatures.The resins used were Bisphenol A vinyl ester
resins (standard vinyl ester resins); Brominated Bisphenol A vinyl
ester resins which offer fire retardence with the addition of
antimony compounds; and Epoxy Novolac vinyl ester resins
(premium vinyl esters) which offer resistance to higher
operating temperatures.
The fibreglass duct in this plant had experienced splash back of
concentrated (96%) sulfuric acid from the drying tower.This
resulted in corrosion of the fibreglass in the areas where the
2N2M3(MWMWM)C* to give a thickness of approximately
20 mm
N = Nexus
M = 450 gm/sq.m chopped strand matt
W = 800/300 biased woven roving (800 in hoop direction)
C* = C glass veil with a fire retardant resin
This example highlights the exemplary performance of fibreglass
in an application where many other materials corrode. It also
shows that fibreglass can be repaired when process conditions
lead to damage.
With correct material selection and control of operating
conditions fibreglass can give extremely long service life even in
harsh environments. Reichold quote service of Atlac 382 in
sulfuric acid for over 40 years without problems.
Lucy Cranitch, BSC (Hons), PhD (Polymer Chemistry)
Inside This Issue
The Delights Condition Assessment
1
The Australian Advanced Composites Market an Elite-Niche
2
Environmental Planning for the Composites Industry
3
20,000 Brisbane Residents to Walk on Water
4
Duratec Vinylester Fairing Primer Used for 100’ Power Launch 4
Composite Engineer’s Viewpoint – Designing with Composite
5
Materials Part 2: Materials Selection and Processes
6
Call for Papers, Presenters, Sponsors – Set Your Course III
6
Australian Composite Structures Society
8
Chisholm Institute Dandenong offers Workplace
Campus Training Courses 2004
8
First Female ‘Composites Technician’ in Australia Graduates
10
Australian Composites Introduce New Prepreg Technology
‘VBUVC’Vacuum Bag UV Curing
10
Stop Press News Breakers
3, 10
CIA Welcomes New Members
10
New CD’s Released
12
What's On
12
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this year’s Fastnet race, they have shown that things are far from
constant at the elite end of yacht design.
90ft long, 135ft high all carbon fibre
Alfa Romeo, built by McConaghy Boats
– Moan Vale, Sydney Australia is a
world-beating leader being followed
by their current project and others
like the new 98ft Wild Thing out of
Hart Marine Mornington, Melbourne
Australia.These boats are definitely
large elite uses of advanced
composite materials.
The premier motor sport class in Australia,V8 super cars has
been on the fringe of AC composite utilisation for a number of
years with teams like Holden Racing and Ford producing the
fascias, wings, IP's and trim to lighten these super modified
sedans. But full on adoption has been limited by class regulations.
Never-the-less over the past 5 years we have seen increasing
utilisation of advanced composites at all levels of motor sport
with a number of small companies setting up to produce
components for the race track and street car mod's.
Companies such as LSM in Toowoomba run a number of
autoclaves and although they supply other markets it's safe to
say they are based primarily in motor sport. As conventional
composites begin to gain ground in mainstream automotive
applications the design studios and advanced engineering
departments are also adopting advanced composite materials
for prototyping and prove out applications.
Composites are becoming a viable alternative in niche
applications. GM Holden is about to release their new all-wheel
derive sports utility with a composite roof. As the Australian
automotive industry reaches the critical mass that allows it to
utilise different materials we see increased usage of composites.
The Australian car industry has a long way to go to catch up to
U.S. and European usage, some predict they will jump the
thermosets and go straight to the new generation of thermo
reinforced plastics.The major Australian car companies tend to
wait for technology and materials to be proven elsewhere and
then cherry pick to suite their needs. Some small amounts of
advanced composites are used in custom sports cars but in the
main these vehicles tend to run conventional high quality FRP
laminates and there is no dedicated large high performance
vehicle manufacturer in Australia.
V8 super cars run AC
fronts, rears, fascias,
interiors and wings and
are the glamour class in
Australian motor sport.
Composite Institute
member Holden Racing
are processing in-house
Composites used in Holden Adventra roof
autoclave capabilities and
looking to expand their composite division to supply their sister
company Holden Special Vehicles with AC enhancement and
performance improving components.
The largest Boeing operation outside the United States provides
a corner stone to the Australian aerospace industry.Their
Hawker de Havilland Company is a multi-site operation
employing approximately 1450 people at the Fishermans Bend
site in Melbourne and Bankstown site in Sydney. Core
capabilities cover R&D, design, test, fabrication, repair and
assembly of components. Significant components such as control
The Australian Advanced Composites
Market an Elite-Niche
Applications in aerospace, recreational and high-tech marine
form the basis of the Australian Advanced Composites (AC)
industry. Not withstanding some early developments in
infrastructure, which may develop a new sector?
A recent survey of the members of the Composites Institute of
Australia (CIA) identified approximately one fifth of its members
used or had the capabilities to process advanced composite
materials. Many of these were small companies supplying niche
markets or larger companies that were project driven (i.e. they
process advanced composites when circumstances demand).
CIA Survey Summary
Of 278 CIA member companies, 177 completed the survey as
far as possible. Of those, 65 do not manufacture – 112
manufactures surveyed.
This seems to reflect that many of the Australian composite
manufactures are adaptable in their abilities to process various
materials and don't just specialised in singular techniques. With
the bulk of the industry using polyester resins, open moulding
and spray up, it is interesting that bagging and autoclave
capabilities are significant bearing in mind that no large
aerospace companies were in the survey sample.
When asked what were the trends in AC's in Australia, two
major material suppliers believed that change was occurring in
how these materials were processed, not changes in the
materials themselves. One example given was a movement
towards infusion system rather than using pre-preged materials.
It was felt that some leading-edge yacht manufactures were
trying to avoid interlayer adhesion problems that were thought
to be behind some recent failures. Another supplier felt there
was a movement from open molding to pre-preg products. Z
Preg and SPRINT were also given as examples of changes in
processing technology. Sydney's leading yacht manufacturer
McConaghy's agreed that changes in processing along with
changes in design tools were driving the high performance yacht
market. Once described as standing under the shower tearing
up $100 bills today's ocean racers are still doing that, but are
riding hulls virtually designed and built in an environment of
change, increasing sophistication and cost. In the past three years
each major project at McConaghy's has involved changes in
materials, processing and design; they are currently using SP
Systems SPRINT material to produce another high-end ocean
racing yacht. Having built 4 out of the first 5 boats to finish in
Composites Australia Newsletter – Issue 3, 2003
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surfaces and major structural assemblies are produced for most
of the world's large commercial and military aircraft. ‘Hawkers’
has major contracts with the world's leading aircraft
manufactures such as Airbus, Boeing Commercial Airplane,
Boeing Integrated Defence Systems, Lockheed Martin,
Bombardier and BAE SYSTEMS.
Most of Hawker de Havilland's Research and Development
expenditure goes towards developing techniques and processes
to design, cure and assemble composite aerostructures.This
provides an idea of the growing importance composites play in
aerospace manufacturing.The development of efficient new
manufacturing technologies for aerospace applications is the
major thrust of Hawker de Havilland and their Australian
research partners. In addition to dedicated internal research
programs, research is also conducted in collaboration with the
Cooperative Research Centre for Advanced Composite
Structures (CRC-ACS) where Hawker de Havilland is the
principal aerospace industry participant, the Cooperative
Research Centre for Intelligent Manufacturing Systems
Technologies (CRC-IMST) and a number of Australian
Universities.
‘Hawkers’ core capability is in advanced composites.They have
comprehensive in-house capabilities for composite and metalto-metal bonding within a world class facility. One autoclave
used for curing composite structures is the largest in the
southern hemisphere -– allowing the Company to cure large
composite structures.
doing as the world’s top ice-skate manufacturer in sunny
Queensland?
One common thread has been apparent throughout all the
applications mentioned, it is the need for speed. It is often linked
with success as well as enabling success.The Australian advanced
composite industry is a very successful niche in the Australian
composites industry.The general industry is estimated to be
growing at over 5% p.a. – the advanced end may be more or
less, we don't have the figures.
Graeme Smith, Executive Director
Composites Institute of Australia
Environmental Planning for the
Composites Industry
Released with this issue of the Composites Institute of Australia
newsletter is the Model Environmental Management Plan for the
Composites Industry. It is a product of a partnership between the
NSW Chapter of the CIA and the NSW Department of
Environment and Conservation (formerly the EPA) Cleaner
Industries Unit. Under a grant from the DEC Industrial
Partnership Program the Model EMP has been developed as
walk-through document to aid composites fabricators to develop
site-specific environmental management plans for their sites.
The philosophy behind the Model EMP is to go beyond
compliance with regulatory requirements and adopt industry best
practice that will reduce costs and lessen environmental impacts.
The previous booklet, Environmental Information for the Composites
Industry in the Solutions to Pollution Series, was aimed at assisting
fabricators and regulators with compliance issues. It is still
available from the NSW DEC on their website at
www.epa.nsw.gov.au/small_business/composites.htm along with
similar booklets for other industries.
The Model EMP has been published in booklet form and on a
CD.The CD contains the Model EMP document in PDF format,
worksheets and Case Studies.The worksheets are in Word
format and can be used interactively.The case studies illustrate
the use of the worksheets and demonstrate cost savings that can
be made.The CD should start up automatically, however, if it
does not, the document files can be accessed through Windows
Explorer. At a later date the Model EMP will be accessible on the
CIA website.
The booklet and CD are being distributed to the NSW
members of the CIA.The NSW Department of TAFE has also
developed a resource module for the EMP to be included in the
Rubber and Plastics Technicians Certificate.
Approximate summary of Composite products to
be used at Hawker de Havilland in 2004
Carbon Fabric and Tape Pre-pregs
Adhesive Films and Foams
Fibre Glass Pre-pregs
2.3 million square feet
560,000 square feet
520,000 square feet
(List does not include any Potting Compounds, Adhesive/Foam Sealants for
Production or Repairs, nor any Adhesive Primers)
Information prepared by Hawker de Havilland
The aerospace industry in Australia is often regarded as a stand
alone entity and it is. But importantly it requires and drives high
standards that can flow to the rest of the industry. It may also in
part account for the significant number of CIA manufacturers
that have an understanding of AC materials and processing. As
with the other applications discussed it is elite use.
An outsider might think that these specialised elite applications
could be prone to falling over. However they have inherent
advantages which give them the ability to ‘keep on standing’. As
did Steve Bradbury in his gold medal win in the1000 metres fast
track speed skating at the Atlanta Olympics February 2002.
When he won gold, he was wearing his own boots made by his
unique niche company the Revolutionary Boot Company (RBC).
With his partner Clint Jensen, they have become part of the
Australian AC industry.
The Revolutionary Boot
Company can tailor the shape of
the boot to match the skater’s
foot contours exactly, that enables
a superb fit which in turn
provides direct power transfer
from the skater to the skate (i.e. speed). By altering the lay-up,
the boots stiffness can be altered to suit the individual skater.
The mounting points for skate attachments are plastic injected
moulded discs which are co-cured in the laminate. RBC –
another successful niche elite application – but what are they
Stop Press News Breakers
Georgia Institute Of Technology, USA wins the 2003 Formula
SAE-A (Society of automotive Engineers) Competition
In a competition where 21 international student teams design
and build formula SEA cars the overall first place has gone to
Georgia Institute, closely followed by Chalmers University from
Sweden in second place and The University of Queensland in
third place. 15 teams from Australia and 6 international teams
competed in the event held at Tailem Bend in December.
Full results are available from the Formula SAE-A Home Page,
www.sae-a.com.au
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Visit: www.compinst.asn.au
20,000 Brisbane Residents
to Walk on Water
Duratec Vinylester Fairing Primer Used
for 100’ Power Launch
An innovative fibre composites truss structure and a range of
other fibre composite technologies will enable an estimated
20,000 Brisbane residents per day to literally walk on water.
The new showcase floating walkway of Brisbane's RiverWalk
project near New Farm will allow the people of Brisbane to
stroll or cycle along one of the most scenic reaches of the river.
Executive Director of the University of Southern Queensland's
Fibre Composites Design and Development (FCDD) Centre of
Excellence, Professor Gerard Van Erp, said the construction of
the RiverWalk has pushed the boundaries of structural
technology.The 850 metre walkway on the river at New Farm is
the centrepiece of the 30km-long RiverWalk project.
"When engineers
looked to provide
access from the
waterfront onto the
floating walkway of
the RiverWalk project
at New Farm, the
extremely high
dynamic loads and harsh environment made traditional design
solutions a prohibitive option," Professor Van Erp said.
"We needed to provide an extremely durable and high capacity
solution to a difficult engineering problem.The 18 metre-long
fibre composite truss stabilises the downstream end of the
floating walkway and will allow safe access on and off the main
walkway during peak usage of the RiverWalk. It provides an
extremely durable and high capacity solution to a difficult
engineering problem."
He said the truss was partially submerged in salt water and
subject to severe dynamic loading so the design posed significant
problems for traditional construction materials. Estimates on an
alternative stainless steel solution were nearly three times the
price of the new composites truss.
"Because of its light weight, the truss also offers significant
benefits in terms of construction time with assembly of the
structure taking only two hours at FCDD on the USQ campus
in Toowoomba.
"This project represents a major step forward in engineering
technology. It is the first fibre composite truss in the world that is
capable of carrying these high loads in such a severe
environment.The spin-off effects will be significant and are likely
to change the way structures in, or near salt water, will be built
in the future. Due to the high durability of composites there will
be a major reduction in maintenance costs which will result in
considerable savings for the community for many years to
come," Professor Van Erp said.
In addition to the truss, FCDD has also provided a range of
other new structural fibre composite technologies for the
floating walkway.These have all been based on FCDD's novel
design solutions which use composite materials to address
specific shortcomings of traditional structural materials.
"The RiverWalk will cater for jogging, cycling, walking and
recreation and will join the people of Brisbane and the river
together," Professor Van Erp said.
Composites Australia Newsletter – Issue 3, 2003
Formulated for all applications above and below waterline, on polyester,
vinylester or epoxy constructed boats
Formulated for all applications above and below waterline,
topside, decks and complete superstructures on polyester,
vinylester or epoxy constructed boats, the Duratec Vinylester
Marine Fairing System includes a vinylester hand trowelable
putty, sprayable vinylester Fairing Primer and sprayable vinylester
Primer.
The Duratec Vinylester Marine System offers excellent resistance
against osmosis and blister damage.The unique chemistry has
proven its performance on more than 2,000 boats and yachts,
worldwide.
Formulated with hollow
glass microspheres, the
Duratec Vinylester
Primers can be spray
applied, wet-on-wet
without sagging, cures
rapidly and will be ready
to sand in 2 to 4 hours
depending on thickness
The light blue colour of the VE Fairing primer
and temperature.This
is an accurate surface guide while fairing
quick turn-around means
time and labour saving, especially on a project like the 100'
Classic Motor Yacht recently faired at Azzura Yachts on the Gold
Coast.The Duratec Vinylester Fairing System offers an extremely
high HDT making it the perfect system for dark coloured boats.
ATL's
POWERBOARD
Fairing Machine was
used extensively on
the project to further
reduce the time
required to fair large
projects like Azzura's
100' Classic Motor
Yacht.
The full range of Duratec vinylester based fairing products plays
an integral role in today's marine fairing industry, adding quality,
saving time while building in added protection for custom built,
or production moulded, projects.
For more information on the Duratec Vinylester Marine Fairing
System, or any of the Duratec Plug/Pattern, Mould Repair or
Mould Re-Surfacing products, visit www.atlcomposites.com.
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Visit: www.compinst.asn.au
The following table clearly shows this effect with stiffness
efficiency.
Stiffness Efficiency Index = Stiffness Index xVf
Composite Engineer’s Viewpoint
Designing with Composite Materials
Part 2: Materials Selection and Process
Vf (Uniaxial)
The selection of materials to be used in the composite, i.e. the
fibre and the resin system, and the manufacturing process to
form the structure are most critical in the development of the
final composite engineering and physical material properties.The
fibres generally hold the key to the majority of the properties.
There is a wide range of fibres to select from, but generally, the
end result comes down to cost, weight and performance.
Table 1 shows the general stress/strain relationship between
several common fibre types.The fibres also come in a number
of forms, i.e. continuous unidirectional, woven cloth or short
fibre mat. Each form represents a different level of achievable
properties.The most efficient fibre form (weight vs.
performance) is the continuous unidirectional, then followed by
woven cloth and last the short fibre mat.The effect of fibre
form is illustrated through the achievable fibre volume ratio and
relative performance, see below.
The resin system is used to bind, protect and assist the fibres
Stiffness
Index
Axial
Biaxial
Random (Planar)
Random (3D)
0.70
0.60
0.35
0.30
1.00
0.42
0.15
0.05
The selection of the manufacturing process, and there are
several to choose from, will be dependent of equipment
availability, cost, time, materials selection, product quantity, for
example. However, whatever process is selected, the
development of composite material properties will be based on
ply or fibre orientation and the fibre volume ratio.
Your choice of fibre type, fibre form, resin system and
manufacturing process will determine the composite material
properties… as the Knight protecting the Holy Grail said to
Indiana Jones, in the movie, The Last Crusade, "choose wisely".
In the next article, we will see how you can determine the
number of plies required in various orientations to meet the
structural properties of the structure. 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 future newsletter.
Rik Heslehurst PhD, MEng, BEng(Aero), CPEng
Call for Papers, Presentations and
Sponsors
with load transfer. Based on a simple micromechanics rule of
mixtures approach the two major properties (axial strength and
stiffness) of the composite structure are proportional to the
fibre properties and the fibre volume ratio.The typical aim is to
have both a high fibre stiffness and fibre volume ratio for
structural efficiency. During the process of composite structure
fabrication, the fibre volume ratio is dictated by the removal of
excess resin. As the fibre volume ratio changes there is a
proportional change in the mechanical and physical properties
of the composite structure.Thus, to achieve a specific
engineering deflection (stiffness dominated) or load bearing
capacity (structural strength) for example, a reduced relative
stiffness due to fibre form, or a reduced strength because of a
low fibre volume ratio will require a thicker section to be made.
Noting that the higher performance fibres are generally lighter
than the matrix, then combined with an overall larger crosssection dimensions you have a heavier structure.This is also
directly related to a higher cost in terms of materials and labour.
Cost estimate will be covered in a future article.
Composites Australia Newsletter – Issue 3, 2003
1.00
0.50
0.30
0.12
Maximum
Stiffness
Vf
Efficiency Index
Australia's Industry Association (CIA) &
Composites Australia presents
Set Your Course III – The Third Mark
20 – 21 May 2004
Chancellor Resort, Gold Coast, Queensland
Adjacent to and concurrent with Sanctuary Cove International
Boat Show
Papers: Submit abstracts prior to March 1 2004,
Full papers are required for submission by 5 April 2004
Enquiries and Submissions to:
Composites Institute of Australia
PO Box 878, Mt. Eliza,Vic 3930 Australia
Email: [email protected]
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Visit: www.compinst.asn.au
Australian Composite Structures Society
The use of composite structures has become an increasingly
important factor in engineering design. Australia has a rapidly
developing composite industry which is supported by
commercial, government and university research departments as
well as international collaborations.To enable discussion of ideas
and foster developments in the application of composite
materials in engineering structures within Australia, the
Australian Composite Structures Society (ACSS), a Technical
Society of Engineers Australia, was established in 1992 with the
aim to provide a forum for such activities.
The Objectives of the ACSS:
To act as a learned society, embracing all aspects of
engineering theory and practice, relevant to the structural
application of composite materials in Australia
To promote the wider structural application of composite
materials in the interest of Australian economic development
To inform its members of local and overseas activities of
scientific and engineering significance in the field of composite
structures
To provide opportunities for intellectual and fraternal
exchange for Society members with a common interest in the
development of composite structures and associated
technologies
To liaise with other scientific and engineering bodies with
similar aims, and in particular to represent Australia on
international organisations, such as the International
Committee on Composite Materials
Application for membership may be made by contacting the
Membership Secretary at [email protected].
Chisholm Institute Dandenong offers
Workplace Campus Training Courses 2004
Workplace Training: Certificates I, II & III in
Process Manufacturing – Composites
Dandenong Campus: Basic Competencies
OH & S
Mould Preparation
Hand Lay Up
Finishing/Assembly
Demoulding
Repair
Advanced Competencies
Interpret Technical Drawings
Plugs/Patterns.
Mould Construction.
Jigs & Fixtures.
We are currently processing enquiries and applications and
enrolments will commence on 4 February 2004, 6.00 pm,
Chisholm Institute, Building F, 121 Stud Road, Dandenong.
Enquiries: Les Cooper: Program Co-ordinator – Automotive
& Engineering or Don Elliott: Teacher – Composites.
For further information please do not hesitate to contact us
on (03) 9212 5234
Composites Australia Newsletter – Issue 3, 2003
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Visit: www.compinst.asn.au
First female ‘Composites Technician’ in
Australia Graduates
Australia's first female
'Composites Technician'
Jodie Duffy has
graduated from the
Plastics and Rubber
Technical Education
Centre (PARTEC)
Jodie works for
Whitsunday Fibreglass
at Airlie Beach, North Queensland. Whitsunday Fibreglass
manufactures ocean racing outrigger canoes exporting them to
the United States. Jodie has completed all of her training at
PARTEC Composites Training Centre,Townsville and spent her
final week at PARTEC Institute, in November.
The composites sector was previously known as fibreglassing,
but now includes the use of advanced materials, such as Kevlar
and carbon fibre.The trade of 'Composites Technician' was
approved by the Commissioner of Training in February 2000,
with the first wave of graduates entering the workforce this year.
Australian Composites Introduce a
New Prepreg Technology ‘VBUVC’
Vacuum Bag UV Curing
This technology has been developed to meet the demands of
the modern composite manufacturer. It enables the low cost
manufacturing of small and large composite structure without
the requirement for heavy moulds, refrigeration or ovens.
These prepregs ‘Cure at the speed of light’ so to enable rapid
turnover of your moulds.
Some of the great benefits of Auspreg UV are:
Up to 60% reduction in styrene
No heating required for curing
12 months shelf life at room temperature
Controlled fibre volume fraction Vf
Rapid curing – as low as 3 minutes for single layer with Barcol
readings up to 70
Extremely low shrinkage – <0.2%
No post curing required
Can be used for layup of very thick parts in one step
Very little mess – eliminates resin handling in house
Stop Press News Breakers
Composites Institute Elects New President and Board
of Directors – New Board Faces Funding Crisis
At the CIA Board Meeting and AGM held on Friday 12th
December the following Board of Directors was elected:
New President
Sharon Werka representing Kangan Batman TAFE, was re-elected
for a second 2 year term and elected President
Elected for 2 year terms
New Board Members:
Floreana Coman, Australian Composites
Simon Taylor,The Valspar (Australia) Corporation
Re-elected Board Members:
Nicholas Cossich, ATL
Michael Distasi, FGI
Alan McGowan, Colan
David Perkins, PPG George Fethers
Board members with 1 year to serve
Grant Pearce, Pacific Composites
Brian Hughes, CME
Norm Watt, Buchanan Advanced Composite
Ian Crouch, CRC – ACS
Gerard Van Erp – USQ
Geoff Houghton, Huntsman
Chris Wood, FTP
Andy Dakers, Craft Fibreglass
Tim Wright
Ron Gee
Retired From Board
Simon Grosser, SP Systems
This Board now holds the future of the CIA in its hands.The
question of how to fund and grow the organisation is at a point
that will determine what form and what type of association
exists in 2004 and onwards.The CIA has been operating with
the assistance of a Technology Diffusion (TDP) grant initially via
the University of South Australia, and now through Flinders
University for the past 3 years.
This grant has been a great benefit to our organisation and given
us the opportunity to introduce a number of new initiatives e.g.
the new format of Composites Australia, website development
and the employment of a marketing professional.
However the grant is now drawing to a close and the CIA board
needs to address how the Institute can be funded in the future.
We can build on the gains made with the TDP money or go
back to relying on our membership funds and seminar revenue.
Turnover of moulds can be increased up to 10-fold
AUSPREG UV™ are available in both Polyester and Vinylester
resin types with a variety of fibre substrates such as Chopped
strand mat, Biaxial,Triaxial, Quadriaxial, Uni-directional and
combinations of these.
This new technology is based on vacuum bagging techniques,
with open moulds.There is no need for ovens or post curing.
CIA Welcomes
New Members
QMI Solutions
Aviation Australia
Paul Wilson (Student)
Talon Technology Pty. Ltd.
Kayaks Plus (New Management)
Polymer Daystar (Welcome Back)
Composites Australia Newsletter – Issue 3, 2003
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New CD's released
Now Available on CD Composites Materials Part A&B formally
available as video tapes the Composites Institute has now
released PC compatible CD's. Many companies don't have a
video player in the office but most do have a PC so we have
released Composite Materials A&B in a format that you can
now use for on-sight training. Also available in the same formats
are the rest of the series: Plastic Forming Part A&B. See list
below. All products listed are currently in stock but stocks are
limited. Order now!
Book List
Australian Videos – $100 each. CD's – $125 each.
1. Composite Materials Part A&B (also available on CD/Video)
2. Composites Health & Safety (Video only/CD available soon)
CD's (only Power point presentations from Australian
conferences & seminars)
Set Your Course No I & II (2CD Set $75 or $50 each)
a. Set Your Course II
1. Airtech Infusion
4. UV Cure Prepregs
2. Liquid Composites
5. Lowering Styrene Emissions
3. Z-Preg
b. Set Your Course I
1. Infusion – Scott Lewit
2. DuFlex – Light Wgt. Composite Panels
3. Infusion – Diab
What's On
Wind 2004 – 3rd Annual Australian Wind Energy
Conference, 26–27 February 2004 Stamford Plaza Adelaide,
Visit: www.ibcoz.au/wind2004
Tel: (+61 2) 9080 4307
Fax: (+61 2) 9290 3844.
Reinforced Plastics 2004 – International Balaton Conference
with accompanying exhibition to be held in Balatonvilagos,
Hungary May 25–27 2004. Association of the Manufacturers
of Reinforced Plastics Materials, Mrs. Catherina Maros, Postal
address: H-1519 Budapest, P.O. Box 426, Hungary,Tel: (+36 1)
382 1540
Fax: (+36 23) 445 524
Email: [email protected]
ICERP 2004 International Conference and Exhibition on
Reinforced Plastics, 12–14 February 2004 Chennia Trade
Centre, Chennia, South India, Organised by FRP Institute,
Chennia, Co-sponsored by JEC S.A.,
Visit: www.frpinstitute.org
Email: [email protected]
Tel: (+91 44) 2644 2093
Fax: (+91 44) 2232 7249
7th World Pultrusion Conference – Composite Profiles
Speed and Performance, 25–26 March 2004, Amsterdam, the
Netherlands, EPTA (European Pultrusion Technology
Association). PO Box 18 NL-3830 AA Leusden, Netherlands
Tel: (+31) 33 4343 500
Fax: (+31) 33 4343 501
Email: [email protected]
Visit: www.pultruders.com
Way Ahead Scott Beckwith $50: Composite Technology &
Market Update
Resolutions – Brent Strong $50: Resin Chemistry &
Creative Thinking
Computer Video CD's $125 each.
1. Forming of Plastics part A&B
2. Metal Casting: Die Casting
3. Metal Casting: Sand Moulds
4. Machining: Removing Material
5. Machining: Cutting Material
U.S. Videos In Stock (VHS) $125 ea.
1. Building Quality Fibreglass Tooling
2. Gelcoating for quality Composites
3. Laminating for Quality Composites
(Stocks are limited)
All prices in $AUD – effective 18/11/03
To Order Contact:
Composites Institute of Australia
Toll Free with In Australia: 1300 654 254
Tel: +61 (03) 9768 2450 Fax: +61 (03) 97682451
Email: [email protected]
All Correspondence: PO Box 878 Mt. Eliza Vic. 3930 Australia
ICAS 2004 24th – Congress of the International Council of
the Aeronautical Sciences, Pacifico Yokohama Convention
Centre,Yokohama, Japan, August 29–September 2004
Visit: www.icas.org
JEC Composites Show, 30 March–1 April 2004, Paris Expo,
Porte de Versailles, 19 Boulevard de Courcelles F-75008 Paris,
France Tel: (+33 1) 5836 1501
Fax: (+33 1) 5836 1515
Email: [email protected]
Visit: www.jeccomposites.com
The Fourth Asian- Australasian Conference on composites
Materials (ACCM-4), Composite Technologies for 2020,
6–9 July, Sydney, Australia
Visit: www.camt.usyd.edu.au/accm4
Set Your Course III – ‘The Third Leg’,Technology Update for
Composite Fabricators and boat Builders, Chancellor Resort,
Hope Harbour, Gold Coast Queensland, Australia,
May 20–1 2004, Concurrent with Sanctuary Cove Boat Show
Tel: (+61 3) 9768 2450
Fax: (+61 3) 9768 2451
Free Toll: 1300 654 254
Email: [email protected]
AMS – Australian Motorsport Show, 20–22 February,
Melbourne Exhibition Buildings.
Visit: www.australian-motorsport.biz
Composites Institute of Australia Inc.
15 Antonella Court, Dandenong,VIC 3175
Mail: PO Box 878 Mt. Eliza VIC 3930
Composites Australia Newsletter – Issue 3, 2003
| 12 |
Tel: (03) 9768 2450 Fax: (03) 9768 2451
Free Toll: 1300 654 254
Email: [email protected]
Visit: www.compinst.asn.au