The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge, range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package.

Overview of assessment

A person who demonstrates competency in this unit must be able to program and set up CNC manufacturing cell. Competency in this unit cannot be claimed until all prerequisites have been satisfied.

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit

Assessors must be satisfied that the candidate can competently and consistently perform all elements of the unit as specified by the criteria, including required knowledge, and be capable of applying the competency in new and different situations and contexts.

Context of and specific resources for assessment

This unit may be assessed on the job, off the job or a combination of both on and off the job. Where assessment occurs off the job, that is the candidate is not in productive work, then an appropriate sim-ulation must be used where the range of conditions reflects realistic workplace situations. The competencies covered by this unit would be demonstrated by an individual working alone or as part of a team. The assessment environment should not disadvantage the candidate.

This unit could be assessed in conjunction with any other units addressing the safety, quality, communication, materials handling, recording and reporting associated with programming and setting up CNC manufacturing cells, or other units requiring the exercise of the skills and knowledge covered by this unit.

Method of assessment

Assessors should gather a range of evidence that is valid, sufficient, current and authentic. Evidence can be gathered through a variety of ways including direct observation, supervisor's reports, project work, samples and questioning. Questioning techniques should not require language, literacy and numeracy skills beyond those required in this unit of competency. The candidate must have access to all tools, equipment, materials and documentation required. The candidate must be permitted to refer to any relevant workplace procedures, product and manufacturing specifications, codes, standards, manuals and reference materials.

Guidance information for assessment

Required skills

Look for evidence that confirms skills in:

reading and interpreting relevant drawings, specifications and instructions

loading/downloading NC/CNC programs into the individual machine controllers

writing NC/CNC programs

linking machine controllers of NC/ CNC machines and transfer devices

positioning machines and equipment to optimise manufacturing cell performance

installing and adjusting tooling and work holding devices

operating manufacturing cell

checking part or product for conformance with specifications

Required knowledge

Look for evidence that confirms knowledge of:

the operations to be performed in producing the given part or product

the appropriate type(s) of NC/CNC machine to perform the required machining operations

the appropriate means of part or product transfer between machines

the reasons for selecting the chosen equipment and machinery

the NC/CNC programs for use in each of the cell components

the sequence of machining and transfer operations

the means of coordinating the operations of all components within the cell

the communication requirements between components of the cell

the methods of linking machine controllers

the precautions to be taken when linking machine controllers

the procedures for linking machine controllers can be given

the specifications of the part or product to be produced

the optimum physical relationship between the machines and equipment within the cell

the reasons for selecting this configuration of machines and equipment

the appropriate tooling for each component of the cell

the reasons for tooling selection

the appropriate work holding devices for each component of the cell

the reasons for selecting the chosen work holding devices

the effects of adjustments to tooling and/or work holding devices on the part or product specifications

operating procedures for the manufacturing cell

the measurements to be taken to check the part or product for conformance to specification

the techniques/equipment to be used to measure the part or product

the effect of adjustments on cell performance

the causes of non-essential dwell times

action to be taken to minimise dwell times

hazards and control measures associated with CNC manufacturing cells

The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Bold italicised wording, if used in the performance criteria, is detailed below. Essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) may also be included.