Practical training, with elements of theory, in composite technology is aimed at all those who want to expand their knowledge and skills in the area of repairing composite structures, especially engineers, technicians, inspectors and anyone else with basic experience in repairing composite aircraft. During the training, the participant will learn about the issues related to the assessment and repair of the composite structures, with a particular emphasis on working with a professional and dedicated to repair Leslie pneumatic tool kit and composite repair curing equipment (hot bonder, infrared radiators).

The training allows to improve practical skills for repairing composite structures.

Theoretical training – scope

• Safety measures when performing repairs.
• Theoretical introduction to carbon composites.
• The main stages of repair of the composite structures.
• Materials used in composite repairs.
• Techniques for removing damaged material.
• Types of repair patches used.
• Quality control during the process of repairing composite structures.
• Techniques of laying repair patches.

Practical training – objectives

Completion of the course will enable participants to gain skills in the following areas:

• work independently and safely with minimal supervision;
• knowledge of carbon pre-impregnates and correct application of repair patches in accordance with the arrangement of layers of the repaired element;
• ability to operate the heating console and properly carry out the curing process of composite repairs;
• skills in the use of infrared radiators and the correct conduct of the curing process of composite repairs;
• the ability to prepare and install vacuum bags depending on the type of repaired element and the use of curing equipment;
• the ability to detect and assess the size of damage using the tapping test method (hammer tapping);
• improving the ability to repair damage to pre-impregnated composites of carbon structures using the scarf technique, step of sandwich and monolithic structures;
• the ability to adjust the correct and safe position to repair damage located in various places of the composite element (straight ahead, from above, from below, repair on a raised platform).

Practical training – equipment 

During the training we use:

• hand tool kit,
• a set of Leslie GMI Areo air tools,
• table for grinding composite structures with DYNABRADE coal dust extraction,
• vacuum cleaner for extracting composite dust with connection of DYNABRADE pneumatic tools,
• Hot Bonder HEATCON HCS9000B.

Practical training – scope

• Repair of the flat sandwich composite panels (filler – core).
• Repair of composite elements with two curvatures (sandwich type and monolithic).
• Repairs in various forced positions (different accessibility to the repaired zone).
• Repair with the use of scarf and step method.
• Soft type patches (prepreg).
• Bonding repair: film glue.
• Hardening of the repair in an industrial oven, using a hot bonder and an infrared radiator.