THE SOUTH AFRICAN PAINT INDUSTRY TRAINING INSTITUTE
SAPMA PAINT TECHNOLOGY COURSE
MODULE 1 - BASIC TECHNOLOGY

Provides the student with a solid grounding in the basic principles of Paint Technology. It gives a good platform upon which students can base their subsequent studies, and it also serves as an introduction to the subject for those students who are not following a technical career path.

The study material is presented in an easily assimilated manner, with little in the way of pure chemistry or mathematics, as at this stage the emphasis lies in the teaching of important concepts.

The study material comprises written text, divided into 12 Lessons.

There are eight practical exercises plus 2 demonstrations in this Module, each designed to illustrate a particular concept or section of the theory, and this "hands on" approach aids the less experienced student. At the same time, the student is taught the value of scientific discipline, and gains valuable experience in written communications. Wherever possible, SABS test methods are employed.

WHO SHOULD STUDY THIS MODULE ?

As this Module is presented at a basic level, and in a manner that can be understood by non technical people, it is suitable for a broad spectrum of employees, i.e. those engaged in :-

  • Quality control
  • Research and Development
  • Technical Service
  • Sales
  • Buying Personnel and Training
  • Raw Material Sales
  • Coatings Application
  • Specification
  • Inspection

For employees who are following a technical career path, it is a prerequisite for further study, while for those who are following a non technical career path, it provides an understanding of the technical aspects of the industry in which they work.

PREREQUISITES FOR THE MODULE

All new enrolments must complete an assessment test to determine prior learning. A senior certificate or higher qualification is a pre requisite to be accepted as a candidate. A copy of the relevant qualification must accompany the enrolment form.

SUMMARY OF SYLLABUS

A. INTRODUCTION

Coatings - reasons for use, range, type, functions.
Substrates and adhesion.

B. COMMON AND CONTRASTING PROPERTIES OF PAINTS AND INKS

Function of components.
Modes of film formation.
Compare drying behaviour of binders.
Compare solvent resistance of binders.

C. MATERIAL PROPERTIES AND TEST METHODS

VISCOSITY AND RHEOLOGY - definitions, measurement and significance.
Compare flow characteristics of a Newtonian and a Non Newtonian fluid.

PIGMENTS - Classification, hazards, properties, opacity.
Determine oil absorption, moisture, water-soluble matter, tint strength.

RESINS - Classification, hazards, properties.
Determine non volatiles, acid value, softening point, colour.

SOLVENTS - Classification, hazards, properties.
Determine Density, flash point, distillation range, evaporation rate.

D. PAINT AND INK MANUFACTURE

Dispersion - Principles, significance and equipment
Stages in manufacturing process
Assess the degree of dispersion

E. PAINT APPLICATION

Surface preparation
Chemical pretreatment
Application methods
Application of paint by brushing, rolling and spraying

F. PAINT TESTING

Preparation of panels
Measurement of wet and dry film thickness
Measurement of drying time (surface and hard dry)
Determine effect of substrate preparation on adhesion
Measurement of hiding power (cryptometer, Morest chart, contrast ratio)
Measurement of gloss and sheen

ASSESSMENTS

6 multiple choice tests
8 written reports on the practical work plus 2 demonstrations
2 hour written examination at end of course

PASS MARK

Minimum of 50% in each of the three modes of assessment.

A merit pass is awarded for an overall mark of 80% or above, and a distinction is awarded for an overall mark of 90% and above.

DURATION AND TIME INVOLVED

The Module takes 18 weeks to complete. The average student would spend the following time on the various aspects :-
Theoretical study - 30 hours
Practical exercises - 30 hours
Report writing - 30 hours
This averages out to 5 hours per week

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