Postgraduate Diploma in Selection of Compatible Substitute Materials
Online 800-hour Postgraduate Diploma in Selection of Compatible Substitute Materials. 8 modules covering ISO 6892-1 (tensile testing of metallic materials), ISO 527 (tensile properties of plastics) and Ansys Granta EduPack. Assigned tutor and open enrolment.
Take the controls.
Run a real engineering trade-off from this field. Move the sliders, watch the model react in real time and beat the challenge.
What you will be able to do
Define criteria for mechanical, chemical and aesthetic compatibility.
Apply systematic material selection methods based on merit indices.
Propose metallic substitutes equivalent to obsolete alloys.
Select substitute polymers and elastomers with comparable behaviour.
Evaluate alternatives in textiles, woods and period finishes.
Design validation tests for the substitute material.
Verify regulatory compliance and the environmental impact of the substitution.
Who it's for
- Materials engineer who wants to specialise in Selection of Compatible Substitute Materials.
- Classic vehicle restorer who wants to specialise in Selection of Compatible Substitute Materials.
- Product engineer who wants to specialise in Selection of Compatible Substitute Materials.
- Testing laboratory technician who wants to specialise in Selection of Compatible Substitute Materials.
- Materials sustainability consultant who wants to specialise in Selection of Compatible Substitute Materials.
- Technical purchasing engineer who wants to specialise in Selection of Compatible Substitute Materials.
- Graduates in engineering or sciences looking to enter classic vehicle restoration.
What you'll work with
- ISO 6892-1 (tensile testing of metallic materials)
- ISO 527 (tensile properties of plastics)
- ISO 9227 (salt spray corrosion testing)
- UNE-EN 10027 (steel designation)
- Regulation (EC) 1907/2006 (REACH)
- Directive 2000/53/EC (end-of-life vehicles)
8 modules · 800 h
1.1Mechanical, chemical and thermal compatibility1.2Authenticity versus functional improvement1.3Ageing of original materials1.4Availability and obsolescence1.5Reversibility requirements1.6Impact on historical value1.7Substitute requirements matrix1.8Multi-criteria decision methods1.9Materials databases1.10Workshop: requirements matrix for a cylinder head gasket
2.1Ashby methodology2.2Merit indices and property charts2.3Selection software: Granta EduPack2.4Process and cost constraints2.5Shape and material selection2.6Life cycle analysis2.7Trade-offs between properties2.8Property validation through testing2.9Documenting the decision2.10Practice: index-based selection of a suspension spring
3.1Historical steels and current equivalents3.2Cast irons and their substitutes3.3Historical aluminium alloys3.4Brasses, bronzes and lead alloys3.5White metal and anti-friction alloys3.6Magnesium alloys and zamak3.7Galvanic corrosion in mixed joints3.8Replacement coatings3.9Metallurgical identification tests3.10Case study: replacing a white metal bearing
4.1Bakelite and phenolics4.2Celluloid and cellulose acetate4.3Natural and synthetic rubbers4.4Elastomers resistant to modern fuels4.5Ethanol compatibility in petrol4.6PVC and upholstery vinyls4.7Adhesives and sealants4.8Ageing and plasticiser migration4.9Polymer identification by FTIR4.10Laboratory: polymer identification by spectroscopy
5.1Period fabrics and reproductions5.2Leathers and tanning5.3Woods in bodywork and dashboards5.4Varnishes, lacquers and their replacement5.5Chrome plating and alternatives5.6Paints: nitrocellulose versus modern systems5.7Insulating fibres and padding5.8Flame retardancy5.9Appearance, gloss and colour5.10Practice: selecting a substitute for a seat fabric
6.1Comparative mechanical tests6.2Accelerated ageing: temperature and humidity6.3Salt spray according to ISO 92276.4Resistance to automotive fluids6.5Thermal cycling6.6Fatigue tests6.7In-vehicle tests6.8Acceptance criteria6.9Validation report6.10Laboratory: test plan for a substitute elastomer
7.1Materials restricted under REACH7.2End-of-life vehicles directive7.3Replacing asbestos and lead7.4Carbon footprint of materials7.5Recycled and bio-based materials7.6Supplier traceability7.7Ethics of reproduction7.8Certification and labelling7.9Communication with clubs and competitions7.10Case study: replacing a cadmium treatment
8.1Part selection8.2Characterisation of the original material8.3Definition of requirements8.4Systematic selection of candidates8.5Compatibility assessment8.6Validation test plan8.7Regulatory and sustainability analysis8.8Documentation of the change8.9Report and presentation8.10Final review with the tutor
How you'll learn
Delivered 100% online on the SEIUM campus, with downloadable material, recorded classes and an assigned technical tutor. No fixed timetable: students progress at their own pace within the intake, which makes it possible to combine study with work.
Each module combines theory, guided reading of the original standard and applied exercises. The working software is Ansys Granta EduPack, SolidWorks, ANSYS Mechanical, Advanced Excel, in free, academic or evaluation versions. Tests are studied using real procedures for tensile and hardness testing, salt spray, and UV radiation ageing. Assessment is continuous by module, plus the final integrating project.
Build it end to end
Your final project follows the real engineering workflow, step by step, reviewed by your tutor.
Define criteria for mechanical, chemical and aesthetic compatibility.
Apply systematic material selection methods based on merit indices.
Propose metallic substitutes equivalent to obsolete alloys.
Select substitute polymers and elastomers with comparable behaviour.
Evaluate alternatives in textiles, woods and period finishes.
Where this takes you
Requirements
- Prior technical training or professional experience in the sector. No university degree is required.
- Internet connection and a computer capable of running the programme's software.
- Sufficient level of Spanish to follow technical standards documentation.
Ready to start?
Send your application today. Our admissions team replies within 72 hours with your study plan and funding options.
Frequently asked questions
The programme totals 800 hours, spread over 6 to 8 months. That is between 10 and 15 hours a week on average, compatible with a full-time job.
The programme works with Ansys Granta EduPack, SolidWorks, ANSYS Mechanical and Advanced Excel. Free, academic or evaluation versions are used, and the tutor indicates the free alternative where one exists.
An SEIUM Institute diploma, awarded on passing the continuous assessment and the integrating project. It is in-house training, not an official qualification from the Ministry.
Yes. Modules passed in a course or postgraduate diploma in the same area are recognised towards the advanced programme. Check the recognition policy when you enrol.
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