Assessor Resource

MSATCM301A
Test the mechanical properties of materials

Assessment tool

Version 1.0
Issue Date: May 2024


In a typical scenario, a technician will be required to undertake a range of mechanical tests on samples of materials and to draw some conclusions from those tests with regard to the mechanical properties of the material.

This unit covers the knowledge and skills needed to carry out mechanical (destructive) tests on materials and interpret the results.

You may want to include more information here about the target group and the purpose of the assessments (eg formative, summative, recognition)

Prerequisites

Pre-requisite Units

Employability Skills

This unit contains employability skills



Evidence Required

List the assessment methods to be used and the context and resources required for assessment. Copy and paste the relevant sections from the evidence guide below and then re-write these in plain English.

The Evidence Guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge, the 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 test the mechanical properties of materials.

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

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

It is essential that competence is demonstrated in the ability to:

Conduct tests and interpret results. Evidence should be provided from a number of each type of mechanical test.

Relationship with other units

This unit may be assessed concurrently with other relevant units.

Assessment method and context

Assessors must be satisfied that the person can consistently perform the unit as a whole, as defined by the elements, performance criteria, skills and knowledge. A holistic approach should be taken to the assessment.

Assessors should gather sufficient, fair, valid, reliable, authentic and current evidence from a range of sources. Sources of evidence may include direct observation, reports from supervisors, peers and colleagues, project work, samples, organisation records and questioning. Assessment should not require language, literacy or numeracy skills beyond those required for the unit.

The assessee will have access to all techniques, procedures, information, resources and aids which would normally be available in the workplace.

The method of assessment should be discussed and agreed with the assessee prior to the commencement of assessment. Assessment will need to occur in a situation where mechanical testing is undertaken.

Resource implications

This section should be read in conjunction with the range of variables for this unit of competency. Resources required include suitable access to an operating plant or equipment that allows for appropriate and realistic simulation. A bank of case studies/scenarios and questions will also be required to the extent that they form part of the assessment method. Questioning may take place either in the workplace, or in an adjacent, quiet facility such as an office or lunchroom. No other special resources are required.

Submission Requirements

List each assessment task's title, type (eg project, observation/demonstration, essay, assingnment, checklist) and due date here

Assessment task 1: [title]      Due date:

(add new lines for each of the assessment tasks)

Assessment Tasks

Copy and paste from the following data to produce each assessment task. Write these in plain English and spell out how, when and where the task is to be carried out, under what conditions, and what resources are needed. Include guidelines about how well the candidate has to perform a task for it to be judged satisfactory.

This describes the essential skills and knowledge and their level, required for this unit.

Required skills

analyse

select and set up appropriate tests

problem-solve

perform tests

interpret results

report results

Required knowledge

standards

needs for standards

standards organisations

structure and operations of SAA

(Standards Association of Australia)

role of NATA (National Association of Testing Australia)

tensile testing

methods for tensile testing e.g. AS1391 or equivalent international standard

determination of tensile properties

general impact testing

factors affecting impact properties of materials

impact testing (AS 1544), or equivalent international standard

dropweight Tear Test (AS 1330 ) or equivalent international standard

hardness testing

Vickers Hardness Testing (AS 1817, Part 1) or equivalent international standard

Brinell Hardness Testing (AS 1816, Part 1) or equivalent international standard

Rockwell Hardness Testing (AS 1815, Part1) or equivalent international standard

other Hardness Testing Methods (e.g. Equotip and other rebound methods)

fatigue/flex testing

factors affecting the fatigue/flex properties materials

fatigue testing procedures

presentation of Fatigue properties

creep testing

factors affecting creep behaviour of materials

creep testing procedures

stress-rupture testing

presentation of Creep properties

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.

Codes of practice/standards

Where reference is made to industry codes of practice, and/or Australian/international standards, it is expected the latest version will be used.

Mechanical tests

Mechanical tests include tensile, impact, hardness, fatigue/flexing and creep.

Materials

Materials includes metals, polymer based materials and other solid materials on which mechanical testing is relevant

Testing standard

Testing standard include ASNZ, ISO, ASTM, DIN or other relevant standard.

Certified

Certified equipment/laboratory refers to NATA certification or relevant equivalent.

Tensile/compressive properties

Tensile properties include:

tensile strength,

compressive strength,

elongation,

reduction of area,

yield stress,

yield point,

proof stress,

Young's modulus

elastic/plastic region and deformation or viscoelastic deformation..

Impact test

Impact testing includes Izod, Charpy, Dropweight Tear and NDT tests.

Impact properties

Impact properties include ITT, USE, Notch Sensitivity

Hardness test

Hardness testing includes Vickers, Brinell, Rockwell and Durometer tests.

Strain measurements

Strain measurements include foil method, extensometer and destructive tests

Copy and paste from the following performance criteria to create an observation checklist for each task. When you have finished writing your assessment tool every one of these must have been addressed, preferably several times in a variety of contexts. To ensure this occurs download the assessment matrix for the unit; enter each assessment task as a column header and place check marks against each performance criteria that task addresses.

Observation Checklist

Tasks to be observed according to workplace/college/TAFE policy and procedures, relevant legislation and Codes of Practice Yes No Comments/feedback
Identify the relevant testing standard 
Identify the need (or otherwise) for testing using a certified laboratory/test equipment 
Select appropriate procedures/standards for the requirements of the test 
Prepare sample according to appropriate procedures 
Arrange for external testing if appropriate. 
 
Undertake tensile test noting relevant data 
Calculate tensile/compressive properties 
Draw relevant conclusions from the tensile test. 
 
Identify appropriate method of hardness testing 
Undertake hardness test noting relevant data 
Calculate hardness properties 
Draw relevant conclusions from the hardness test 
 
Undertake impact test noting relevant data 
Determine impact properties 
Draw relevant conclusions from the impact test 
 
Undertake fatigue/flex testing noting relevant data 
Interpret fatigue/flexing data 
Draw relevant conclusions from the fatigue/flexing test 
 
Undertake creep test noting relevant data 
Interpret creep data 
Draw relevant conclusions from the creep test 
 
Identify appropriate method of strain measurement 
Undertake strain measurement and note relevant data 
Interpret strain measurement results 
Draw relevant conclusions from strain measurements 
 
Identify appropriate method of static shear and bend test 
Undertake static shear and bend tests noting relevant data 
Interpret static shear and bend test data 
Draw relevant conclusions from static shear and bend tests 
 
Identify reporting requirements 
Prepare report to meet requirements 
Circulate and file report to procedures. 
 

Forms

Assessment Cover Sheet

MSATCM301A - Test the mechanical properties of materials
Assessment task 1: [title]

Student name:

Student ID:

I declare that the assessment tasks submitted for this unit are my own work.

Student signature:

Result: Competent Not yet competent

Feedback to student

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Assessor name:

Signature:

Date:

Assessment Record Sheet

MSATCM301A - Test the mechanical properties of materials

Student name:

Student ID:

Assessment task 1: [title] Result: Competent Not yet competent

(add lines for each task)

Feedback to student:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Overall assessment result: Competent Not yet competent

Assessor name:

Signature:

Date:

Student signature:

Date: