Training programme expanded
Bohle will host a series of free-to-attend UV bonding training days as part of its campaign to support industry up-skilling.
Running on every Wednesday throughout April, the one-day training course has been designed to provide an introduction to UV bonding for complete beginners, in addition to more advanced modules for those with UV bonding experience already under their belt.
Julia Francis, Bohle UV bonding specialist for the north, said that demand for UV bonded products had increased significantly in the last year across residential and commercial sectors.
“We’ve seen sustained growth in the number of UV bonding related enquiries we’ve received from a range of different glass processing specialists from shop fitters and commercial specialists, through to shower fitters,” she said.
“It reflects the increasingly broad range of applications UV bonding technologies are being applied to and, in particular, growth in the residential and home improvement markets.”
The courses cover a range of different UV bonding methods and the tools required to support them. Each starts with a review of the individual UV bonder’s existing skills set and identification of what they want to get out of the training programme.
It then covers off the key principles and environmental requirements, which underpin and can influence the UV bonding process, including everything from temperature through to cleaning and preparation of the glass.
The course also provides guidance on how to select the right pre-surface treatments, adhesives and lamps, dependent on application and material, including to achieve effective glass-to-glass and glass-to-metal bonds.
“There’s always more to learn,” Julia said. “We work with experienced glass processors but there’s always a process which they can improve on, either by selecting more effective adhesives, adapting processes or applying pre-treatments, which allow them to improve upon what they do.
“At the same time, as long as you’re following the right processes and getting them in the right order, UV bonding is very accessible.
“The course explains what to use and when: if you should use an activator or a UV lamp; the right adhesives to deliver effective connectivity in showers or bonds for use with heavier glass; the importance of using a blower to remove residual moisture before bonding; right down to cure times, which should be a minimum of 12 hours before the product is moved – and ideally 24.
“There’s a lot to cover but if you invest a little time in understanding the process, it’s still relatively straight forward,” Julia said.
Attendees also get the opportunity to apply their skills and create their own trophy to commemorate their attendance on the course, as well as receiving goodie bags to take away.
Bohle is an advocate of industry training, giving its support to the Building Our Skills campaign, and signing up as sponsor of the Best New Glass Processing Operative category in the associated Recognising New Talents Awards.
Bohle also runs a series of training programmes covering a range of topics, including: safe glass handling; sliding door installation; machinery maintenance; and industrial glass cutting.
BizDev@Bohle.ltd.uk
