Classic Plastic Parts Reproduction Course
300-hour online course in reproduction of classic plastic parts. 6 modules with ISO 1043-1 (plastic symbols), ISO 11469 (plastic identification and marking) and Fusion 360. Assigned tutor and open enrolment.
Classic Plastic Parts Reproduction Course — studying from Malta
Malta's rich heritage, including historic buildings, vintage vehicles and maritime craft, creates a niche for restoration and conservation work. Owners of classic cars, motorcycles and boats seek specialist workshops with knowledge of period engineering and materials. Restoration of historic architecture also requires engineers and technicians familiar with traditional construction methods and conservation rules. Opportunities tend to be found with specialist workshops, heritage organisations and private restorers.
Fees for Malta: €743 (Euro), with instalments and employer sponsorship available.
Relevant bodies in Malta
Typical roles
Questions from Malta
Is there a recognised professional body in Malta for restoration and classic vehicle engineering?
Malta does not have a single state-regulated profession for classic vehicle restoration. Vehicle registration and roadworthiness are handled by Transport Malta. SEIUM Institute's qualifications are private, not official state degrees, and are not accredited by any national body. Recognition is determined by employers, clients or the relevant body, so check these before enrolling.
What work could restoration engineers find in Malta?
Malta has a niche market for classic vehicle restoration, mainly through independent workshops, specialist garages and private collectors. Work is often built on reputation and practical craftsmanship. Whether a private online qualification adds value is for individual clients and employers to judge, so it is best to consider it alongside your hands-on experience.
Can I study this part-time with a workshop job, and is funding possible?
Yes. The programmes are fully online, taught in English and suitable for study from home, without needing a student visa. Hours range from 300 to 1,900 depending on the programme. Fees are payable in instalments, employer sponsorship is possible, and each student has an assigned technical tutor.
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
Identify the plastics used in classic vehicles and their degradation.
Assess whether a part should be repaired or reproduced.
Take patterns and manufacture quality moulds.
Select casting materials suited to the function of the part.
Reproduce original finishes and surface textures.
Calculate costs of short reproduction runs.
Carry out a reproduction project for a plastic part.
Who it's for
- Plastic parts reproduction technician who wants to specialise in Reproduction of Classic Plastic Parts.
- Pattern maker and mould maker who wants to specialise in Reproduction of Classic Plastic Parts.
- Car interior restorer who wants to specialise in Reproduction of Classic Plastic Parts.
- Additive manufacturing technician who wants to specialise in Reproduction of Classic Plastic Parts.
- Reproduction spare parts supplier who wants to specialise in Reproduction of Classic Plastic Parts.
- Classic vehicle restorer who wants to specialise in Reproduction of Classic Plastic Parts.
- Engineering or science graduates seeking to enter the manufacture of reproduction spare parts.
What you'll work with
- ISO 1043-1 (plastic symbols)
- ISO 11469 (plastic identification and marking)
- ISO 527-1 (tensile properties of plastics)
- ISO 868 (Shore hardness)
- ISO 3795 (flammability of interior materials)
- ISO 2768-1 (general tolerances)
6 modules · 300 h
1.1Common materials by era1.2Bakelite and thermosets1.3Acetate, polyethylene and polypropylene1.4Vinyls and foams1.5Degradation: light, heat and plasticisers1.6Material identification1.7Discontinued parts and their rarity1.8Deciding whether to repair or reproduce1.9Industrial property and respecting it1.10Workshop: identifying the materials of an interior
2.1Cleaning and restoring gloss2.2Gluing broken parts2.3Plastic welding and its technique2.4Filling and reinforcement from the reverse2.5Repairing tabs and anchors2.6Deformations and their thermal correction2.7Cracks and their stabilisation2.8Repairing vinyls and upholstery2.9Limits of repair2.10Practice: repairing a broken part
3.1Preparing the master pattern3.2Repairing the pattern before moulding3.3One-part and two-part silicone moulds3.4Release agents and their application3.5Sprues, vents and filling3.6Three-dimensional scanning of the pattern3.7Digital modelling and correction3.8Printing the pattern and its finish3.9Shrinkage and its compensation3.10Practice: manufacturing a mould
4.1Polyurethane resins4.2Epoxy and polyester resins4.3Fillers and reinforcements4.4Pigmentation and through-mass colour4.5Mixing, degassing and pouring4.6Vacuum and pressure casting4.7Curing and demoulding4.8Flash removal and finishing4.9Safety when handling resins4.10Practice: casting a part
5.1Reproducing the original texture5.2Grains and texture moulds5.3Paint for plastics and adhesion5.4Matt, satin and gloss finishes5.5Imitating vinyls and leather5.6Labels and part symbols5.7Ageing to blend in with the rest5.8Dimensional control and fit5.9Fitting to the vehicle5.10Practice: finishing and fitting a part
6.1Short runs for clubs6.2Cost per part and break-even point6.3Mould life and its maintenance6.4Storage of moulds and patterns6.5Marking the part as a reproduction6.6Sale to third parties and its obligations6.7Technical documentation of the part6.8Common errors and typical defects6.9Documented real cases6.10Final project: documented reproduction of an interior part
How you'll learn
Fully 100% online training 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 it with work.
Each module combines theory, guided reading of the original standard and applied exercises. The working software is Fusion 360, Geomagic Design X (reverse engineering), Artec Studio (3D scanning), PrusaSlicer, in free, academic or evaluation versions. The practicals cover real procedures for manufacturing silicone moulds, casting polyurethane resins and reproducing surface textures. Assessment is continuous, module 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.
Identify the plastics used in classic vehicles and their degradation.
Assess whether a part should be repaired or reproduced.
Take patterns and manufacture quality moulds.
Select casting materials suited to the function of the part.
Reproduce original finishes and surface textures.
Where this takes you
Requirements
- No prior degree is required.
- Internet connection and a computer capable of running the programme's software.
- Spanish language level sufficient to follow technical standards reading.
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 300 hours, spread over 3 to 5 months. That is between 10 and 15 hours a week on average, compatible with a full-time job.
You will work with Fusion 360, Geomagic Design X (reverse engineering), Artec Studio (3D scanning) and PrusaSlicer. Free, academic or evaluation versions are used, and the tutor indicates the free alternative where one exists.
An in-house SEIUM diploma upon passing the continuous assessment and the integrating project. It is in-house training, not an official qualification from the Ministry.
Yes. Modules passed on 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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