BCF Level 2 Foundation Training: Modules 200 – 204

General Notes on BCF Training

SAPMA/BCF TECHNICAL TRAINING is available for distance learning only.

Students work through modules by downloading the coursework material from our study portal. Students also complete online assessments and written tests at the end of modules which are marked by a Coatings Training Institute tutor, who is appointed when studies commence.

All instructions and learning plans are provided at the beginning of each module, and students are given a personal web page where they can track their progress.

Support and all study materials are provided in English, and we recommend you have a mentor from your employer to support your learning where applicable. Students are assigned a tutor once they have registered for the online training. This tutor will be available online and will assist the student to complete the training, as well as answering any questions or concerns relating to the module that the student is completing at the time.

Training is all online, and the assignments as well as some of the assessments will be submitted online. There is still a handwritten exam that the student will need to complete, but this will be arranged with the student, BCF, and the tutor as and when required.

200: Coatings for Life - An Introduction

This module provides a good grounding of the basics of coatings chemistry and an introduction to the coatings industry. The module is perfect for industry newcomers, those employed at coatings companies in non-technical roles (i.e. marketing, customer service, sales) or anyone interested in learning the basics.

Average completion time (hrs): 2

201: General Overview of Coatings

This foundation level module provides a general overview of paints, lacquers, varnishes, inks, powder coatings and related products used for coating surfaces. It introduces the various divisions of surface coatings and explains the reasons for their use. It then describes the functions of different types of coating, details the components or raw materials used to make these coatings and the properties each contribute.

Average completion time (hrs): 10

202: Media and Solvents

Media are classified on the basis of their physical properties and then the mechanisms of film formation are described. In this module we look at examples of film formers on the basis of their physical form and outline some of the health hazards that can arise in their use. Some of their commonly determined properties are outlined.

Average completion time (hrs): 7

203: Pigment and their Properties

This Foundation Level Module describes and classifies various pigments used in the Coatings Industry, both by type and physical form. The main properties of pigments are then considered, in particular, particle size and particle size distribution, are described in some detail, including the importance of oil absorption. The influence of particle size and size distribution on oil absorption are explained in some detail.

A number of important aspects of pigment testing are also explained. These include pigment purity, tint strength and lightening power. This leads on to the optical properties of pigments. Colour principles, the nature of visible light and the optimum conditions needed for the assessment of colour are described along with the importance of colour standards. The problem of metamerism and how to minimise it are also described.

Finally, the module tackles the important area of health and safety and the hazards associated with the handling of pigments. Four types of pigment hazard are explained and the section also covers the precautions, which must be taken to minimise any risk from these hazards.

Average completion time (hrs): 10

204: Paint and Ink Manufacture: Rheology

This module explains the purpose and methods of dispersion, some of the important properties, which govern the process and the basic tests, used to confirm that this has been achieved. The manufacturing process for paints and inks is designed to produce a final product which has a uniform consistency and which conforms to appropriate test standards. These tests ensure that the product can be applied by the end-user and that the coating will then dry to provide a film with acceptable properties.

The process involves the intimate mixing of several raw materials - some solid and some liquid - so that they form a stable dispersion. The quality of the dispersion can have a profound effect on the storage properties, ease of application, appearance and performance of the coating.

This module explains the purpose and methods of dispersion, some of the important properties, which govern the process and the basic tests, used to confirm that this has been achieved.

Average completion time (hrs): 12

COSTS

POA - contact SAMRA.

Indicative costs are between £275- £475 per module.

Contact information

Please use the contact form on the SAPMA website.