European harmonised system for training and qualification of adhesive bonding personnel

摘要

The rapid developments in materials technology has resulted in unprecedented innovations in products and processes using adhesive bonding. A basic knowledge of the materials, technologies and their relationship is necessary in order to fully utilize this potential and optimize manufacturing operations. Employee training is therefore a key activity, and especially so in high-tech fields. EWF - The European Federation for Welding, Joining and Cutting, was created in 1992 by all the welding institutes of the European Union with the aim of updating and harmonizing training, education, qualification and certification in the field of joining technology. Since then EWF has operated a harmonized training and qualification system offering courses and qualifications for Welding Engineers, Inspectors, Welders and others. These qualifications form the basis of the widely accepted International diplomas and are referred in ISO and EN standards. The EWF System comprises guidelines defining training syllabuses and examinations and rules for implementing the Quality Assurance system that ensures the control and monitoring of the system in all the 43 countries that presently use it. In terms of training of Adhesive bonding personnel EWF has developed harmonized guidelines for the European Adhesive Engineer, the European Adhesive Specialist and the European Adhesive Bonder. The present paper aims at explaining the structure of the EWF harmonized system and detailing the contents of the guidelines in adhesive bonding and quality assurance methodology.