European adhesive bonder-a targeted training for portuguese professionals harmonized with european directives

Abstract

Adhesive bonding is increasingly being used in industrial applications mainly due to its adaptability and ability to reliably join a wide range of materials. Numerous industrial sectors have now adopted adhesive bonding as a key manufacturing technology, with the automotive industry being the leader in adhesive usage. This is a key sector for the European Union (climate and energy policy, which has established a target of improving energy efficiency in the European Union by 20% by 2020. Consequently, this industry is constantly demanding lighter, stronger, more durable and more environmentally friendly materials. The increasing popularity of this technology is linked to the noteworthy benefits related with its application, compared to traditional joining process, such as welding or mechanical fastening process. With the increasing popularity of such joining techniques comes the necessity to train qualified professionals. The European Welding Federation developed a harmonized qualification system, which divides the training process into 3 levels: European Adhesive Bonder (EAB), Specialist (EAS) and Engineer (EAE). Currently, in Portugal, the first level of training, corresponding to European Adhesive Bonder is already in operation. The EAB level is accredited by the European Welding Federation (EWF) and therefore meets the requirements of EWF-515r1-10 and EWF-515r2-19 to which the Faculty of Engineering of the University of Porto is bound as a result of the accreditation as an ATB (Authorized Training Body). This training is targeted for professionals using adhesive bonding technology and professionals who do not currently use this technology but want to use it, and as such has a strong practical component. In Portugal, since 2016, three EWF certified editions have been held, with a high approval rate and met the expectations and objectives of the participants.