Advanced composites are engineering materials made with two or more components. One component is a strong reinforcement fiber such as fiberglass, Kevlar, or carbon fiber. This gives the material its high strength and versatility, while the other principle component (called the “matrix”) is the agent linking the reinforcement parts together to form a composite.  When the reinforcement and matrix components are combined together their cumulative properties are superior to the individual materials.  Because of the need to produce products for the 21st century that are lighter, stronger and more versatile, the use of advanced composites will continue to expand into a variety of industries.  

The composite industry is growing rapidly in Utah and nationwide. Utah has a strong composites industrial base, and new companies entering the area are further expanding the need for trained employees. The Governor’s Office of Economic Development is also actively involved in promoting Utah’s composites industry by bringing together the aerospace, defense and recreation industries as well as educational institutions to form partnerships that will fuel continued growth. 

Trained technicians capable of working with composite materials are in great demand. OWATC is helping to meet the demand for skilled workers by providing students with a broad-based knowledge of advanced composites. Our program prepares students with hands-on training for variety of technician jobs available in the composites field. Our program has a well equipped training lab containing equipment, materials and training resources supported by industry.

Courses currently offered cover topics such as Composites Technology Introduction, Fundamentals of Composites, Fundamentals of Lean Manufacturing, Material Science, Parametric Molding, and Parts & Assembles (Solid Works).  Our focus is not only in having you learn basic theory but in providing practical hands-on skills needed to move into the advanced composite workplace.  Areas of focus for the technician are developing composite lay-up skills and composite vacuum bagging training. These courses provide simple and clear training for the person seeking the technical skills needed to enter the aerospace, or aircraft, or any industry using advanced composites. Some areas of training include: 

   ·  Proper procedures in handling and working with
      composites.

   ·  Roles of the matrix (binder) and reinforcement used in
      composites.

   ·  Formulations of matrices and reinforcements.

   ·  Strengths and weakness of composites.

   ·  Different types of composites and how each can be 
      constructed to provide greater strength and durability
      to a part.

   ·  How composites work and what materials are needed to
      build and finish parts.

   ·  Different manufacturing methods in working with
      composites.

   ·  Different core materials and learn how they function.

      In the future we will be adding courses both in additional
      training in advanced composites but also in the areas of
      tooling, CNC part development, and instructions in
      software used in the composite industry.