SAMPE's new on-line tutorials provide educational opportunities in a number of materials and process (M&P) engineering technology areas, for M&P professionals. These tutorials have been pre-recorded and are available on-demand for 60 days after purchase. Tutorials are $49 each and are available through WebEx.

Tutorials now offered:

Resin Fundamentals (59 minutes)

Specific Resin Technologies (89 minutes)

Liquid Molding Resin Infusion (122 minutes)

Overview of Composites (65 minutes)

"Resin Fundamentals" - Dr. Brent Strong, Brigham Young University, introduces the fundamentals of resins technology in this Part 1 tutorial aimed at setting the stage for understanding the basic aspects of resins and establishing several key “resin rules” that are important to looking later at specific resin technologies. Several of the interesting, and educational aspects, presented in this tutorial are:
• Definitions and fundamental principles of matter relating to polymers (the basis for resins),
• Importance of “bonding” as it pertains to the development of polymeric resins,
• Primary purposes for resin matrix materials within a fiber-reinforced composite,
• Key thermal transitions with respect to resin systems,
• Differences between thermoset and thermoplastic resin materials,
• Viscosity-temperature aspects and how these interact during processing,
• Introduction to differences in curing/processing various resin systems,
• Brief overview and introduction by way of 10 “resin rules” to solidify the tutorial topics, and,
• Short introduction into a few critical resin test methods

"Specific Resin Technologies" - As a follow-on to Dr. Brent Strong’s (Brigham Young University) introductory Part 1 “Resins Fundamentals” tutorial, this presentation provides an insight into more specific resin technologies across several composites market applications. And, again, Dr. Strong provides numerous interesting “resin rules” for the attendee to grasp during the presentation. This tutorial presents:
• Detailed discussion of the polyester family of resins (polymerization, crosslinking and curing technologies),
• Various factors affecting cure such as: termination, inhibitors, promoters, retarders, additives, gel time and exotherm effects,
• Epoxy resin systems and how they crosslink and cure,
• Differences between the polyester and epoxy resin families in several areas,
• In-depth discussion of other key resin systems (vinyl ester, phenolic, polyimide, bismaleimide, cyanate ester and silicone),
• Comparison of thermoset vs. thermoplastic resin systems in “engineering” and “advanced” composites systems using these materials,
• Some commonly used thermoplastic resins (TPI-PI, PAI, PEI, PBI, PEEK, PPS, PSU, etc.), and,
• 13 additional new “resin rules” solidifying the tutorial topics

Both Part 1 and Part 2 of the Resin Technologies series were developed by Dr. A. Brent Strong, Lorin Farr Professor of Entrepreneurial Technology Manufacturing Engineering Technology, Brigham Young University.

"Liquid Molding/Resin Infusion: Materials, Processes, Preforms, Tooling and Applications" - Dr. Scott Beckwith, BTG Composites Inc., provides a broad introductory overview of the field of liquid molding and resin infusion technology. This composites manufacturing technology has grown rapidly in the past 15-20 years, expanding in both the advanced composites and FRP composites arena as a result of numerous materials and processing advances. This tutorial covers:
• Brief history of infusion technology background and what has transformed the process over the past 15-20 years,
• Essential differences between RTM and VARTM processes,
• Overview of four key processing technologies (RTM, VARTM, SCRIMP and RFI),
• Presentation and discussion of “processing effects” important to creating good infusion parts,
• Review of various reinforcement “preforming” technologies used within various industries,
• Overview of several important tooling aspects pertaining to infusion,
• Limited discussion of market application projections, and,
• Numerous examples of specific applications across several commercial and aerospace applications

Overview of Composites - This presentation provides a broad overview of basic composites technology, materials, and the structure of the industry. An historical context for the industry is established and composites are defined as an engineering material. The general engineering concepts behind composites design are highlighted, along with an overview of the fundamental material options for composites construction. Composites materials are characterized by examining strengths and weaknesses for various applications. Manufacturing processes are illustrated with a focus on molding methods in relation to materials technology. Learn about the infrastructure of the composites industry with a statistical profile that characterizes a number of aspects contributing to the world of composites. The presentation concludes with a forward look at the industry lifecycle. This is projected toward energy and structural needs that can be addressed by the attributes of composites materials.

Contact Michelle Tubb at michelle@sampe.org or +1.626.331.0616, ext. 603 with any questions.