SERVICES
The Marine Innovation Service can offer the range of services outlined below or in our MIS Factsheet (download).
Composite Materials
The Marine Innovation Service (MIS) can support businesses in the area of composite materials and processing, from hand lamination through to full closed-moulding techniques.
Benefits
Using advanced processing for composite materials has many advantages over common open moulding techniques and alternatives engineering materials:
- Materials used are lighter and stronger
- Repeatable product weight, quality, finish and performanc
- Greater control of production, supply chain and cost base
- Improved design and customer responsiveness
- Lower carbon footprint
- Enhanced working conditions and better health and safety
Support for business
There are broadly four levels of support available through the MIS Team:
1: Overview of composites materials – Open Access Events
Open to delegates of multiple businesses, these events provide awareness of composite materials to businesses which have little or no experience in the field, including those wishing to move from metallic and other engineering materials. The event features technical demonstrations, industry case studies, access to practical expertise and opportunities for networking.
2: Introduction to Composite Technologies
These workshop-based, practical sessions introduce your business to the use of high performance resins, fabrics or processing methods in the production or repair process. This is suitable for businesses which have no/limited experience in use of composites.
3: Intermediate Application of Composite Technologies
A bespoke project to apply the use of composite technologies to one or many parts of the production or repair process. This would be suitable for businesses with some expertise in the use of high performance materials which wish to develop and embed new processes and methodologies on a small to intermediate scale.
4: Advanced Application of Composite Technologies
A higher level project to explore and scope the scaling-up of production or repair using composite technologies. This would be suitable for businesses which have made a strategic commitment to adopting composite technologies on a broad scale.
Funding
Subject to availability and eligibility, funding is in place to support businesses until Dec 2013. The Marine Innovation Service is funded with an investment from the European Regional Development Fund through the Convergence Programme for Cornwall & Isles of Scilly.
Access to facilities
Businesses working with MIS can schedule access to the facilities in Falmouth. Alternatively the team can bring equipment and materials to business premises to experiment/practice techniques with their own moulds.
Our workshop can support closed moulding processes from small components to hulls and decks of around 5m and has elevated temperature curing capability. Our facilities include bespoke tooling and resin handling equipment for resin infusion and Resin Transfer Moulding (VRTM/RTM-lite), used for demonstration and development work with businesses.
In addition to the specialist workshop facility, there is a dedicated office and a seminar/meeting space with network point, DVD player and data projector.
Composite skills
Our team can support with identifying skills requirements and training solutions in the use of composites. The Level 2 Introduction to Composite Technologies (1/2 day) provide a hands-on introduction to the skills needed and can be delivered to groups of up to six people from one business/multiple businesses. We also have the capability to provide short course delivery in the area of Composites Technology.
Industry expertise and networking
MIS has strong links to resin formulators, fibre manufacturers and key players in the supply chain to find the best manufacturing solution for businesses. Our practical and approachable team can support your business to find and develop relationships with experts and suppliers in the field of composites through our network of industry and academic experts.
Access to wider expertise
Businesses working with the MIS team can access the wider services available within the Cornwall College Group including the skills offer, employer provision, other specialist support in areas such as quality, carbon and environmental management, student projects and graduate placements.
