Through its specialized course “Mold Making with Glass-Fiber-Reinforced Plastics (GFRP),” the SKZ Plastics Center in Halle provided up-to-date technical knowledge on the manufacture of molding tools in the field of fiber-reinforced composites. Participants gained practical insight into the design, fabrication, and application of GFRP molds.

Course participants during practical exercises (Source: Maria Lilienthal/SKZ)

SKZ Course Combines Theoretical Fundamentals with Practical Exercises for Fiber-Reinforced Composite Applications

Mold making is a crucial foundation for the production of high-quality fiber-reinforced composite components. At the same time, the specialized knowledge required for the design and manufacture of molding tools for glass-fiber-reinforced plastics (GFRP) is among the specialized skills that are increasingly in demand in the industry but are rarely taught in such depth. With the specialized course “Mold Making with Glass-Fiber-Reinforced Plastics (GFRP),” the SKZ Plastics Center at its Halle location offered participants the opportunity in early July to acquire in-depth and immediately applicable expertise in this challenging field.

Comprehensive insight into the process steps
The course covered both theoretical fundamentals and practical expert knowledge related to mold making for fiber-reinforced composite applications. Topics covered included processing methods, model and mold making, the processing of thin layers, and important design guidelines for molding tools. This provided participants with a comprehensive insight into the key process steps—from planning and tool assembly to the post-processing of finished components.

The training program placed particular emphasis on direct practical application. In hands-on exercises, participants constructed various molding tools using different material combinations and techniques and then used them for initial demolding. This gave participants the opportunity to immediately apply what they had learned and deepen their knowledge under realistic conditions.

Intensive guidance from the trainers
A key factor in the course’s success was the deliberately small group size. This allowed for intensive guidance from the trainers as well as close professional exchange. Individual questions could be discussed in detail, and numerous practical problems from everyday work were analyzed and solved collaboratively.

“Especially in the field of mold making, participants benefit from the close integration of theory and practice. Thanks to the small group size, we can address individual challenges in a very targeted manner and discuss solutions that can be directly applied to everyday work,” explains Louis Betschak, group leader for Composites/Bonding Training at the SKZ location in Halle.

Positive feedback from participants
Feedback from the participants was also consistently positive. Particular praise was given to the high practical component, the intensive knowledge transfer, and the direct benefits for daily work. The expertise gained can be immediately applied to the development, manufacture, and optimization of tools for fiber-reinforced composite applications and helps companies make their processes more efficient and of higher quality.

“Special thanks go to Michael Mangold from BÜFA for providing materials and for his technical support. Collaboration between industry and continuing education institutions plays a key role in integrating current practical requirements into the training of skilled workers and in promoting the transfer of knowledge to the industry,” says Betschak.

With specialized continuing education programs such as the course “Mold Making with Glass-Fiber-Reinforced Plastics (GFRP),” the SKZ makes an important contribution to the training of skilled workers in plastics and fiber-reinforced composite technology and supports companies in successfully meeting the increasing demands for quality, efficiency, and innovation.
Additional course dates are planned.

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