Assessor Resource

PMBPROD212B
Operate thermoforming equipment

Assessment tool

Version 1.0
Issue Date: March 2024


Application of this unit

This competency applies to operators who are required to undertake the routine operation of thermoforming equipment. This competency is typically performed by operators working either independently or as part of a work team.

The operator:

takes product off the machine

checks product for quality and conformity to specifications

checks raw material feed

notices any problems and takes required action (eg reporting)

deals with non-conforming products, waste and scrap

completes logs and reports.

They may record key variables such as machine conditions and production rate and reasons for interruptions.

This unit does not include:

packing of product - see MSASUP204A Pack products or materials

finishing of product - see PMBFIN201B Finish products and components.

start up and adjustment.

This competency covers the operation of thermoforming equipment and the resolving of routine problems to procedure.

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

Prerequisites

Prerequisites

This unit has no prerequisites.


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 this Training Package.

Overview of assessment

A holistic approach should be taken to the assessment.

Assessors must be satisfied that the person can consistently perform the unit as a whole, as defined by the Elements, Performance Criteria and skills and knowledge.

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

It is essential that competence is demonstrated in the knowledge and skills defined in this unit. These may include the ability to:

apply the required skills and knowledge to operate an thermoforming machine

apply approved procedures.

Consistent performance should be demonstrated. For example, look to see that:

thermoforming production standards are met consistently.

all safety procedures are followed.

Assessment method and context

Assessment will occur on an industrial thermoforming machine(s) equipment and will be undertaken in a work-like environment.

Competence in this unit may be assessed:

by use of an appropriate, industrial thermoforming machine requiring demonstration of operation and emergency stop procedures

in a situation allowing for the generation of evidence of the ability to respond to problems

by using a suitable simulation and/or a range of case studies/scenarios

through a combination of these techniques.

In all cases it is expected that practical assessment will be combined with targeted questioning to assess the underpinning knowledge and theoretical assessment will be combined with appropriate practical/simulation or similar assessment. Assessors need to be aware of any cultural issues that may affect responses to questions.

Assessment processes and techniques must be culturally appropriate and appropriate to the oracy, language and literacy capacity of the assessee and the work being performed.

Specific resources for assessment

This section should be read in conjunction with the Range Statement 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.

Access must be provided to appropriate learning and/or assessment support when required. Where applicable, physical resources should include equipment modified for people with disabilities.


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.

Application of an operational knowledge of the materials, equipment and process sufficient to recognise out of specification products, process problems and materials faults. For example, clamp frames are commonly used to hold heated sheet in place around the perimeter of each individual mould cavity creatingTherefore, clamp pressure should be monitored so that uniform parts are created and variation between cavities is reduced.

Knowledge of organisation procedures and relevant regulatory requirements along with the ability to implement them within appropriate time constraints and work standards. For example, when monitoring process conditions, action should be taken when there is more than 10% shrinkage of the sheet during heating.

Application of the knowledge of managing risks using the hierarchy of controls applied to the thermoforming process. Application of approved hazard control and safety procedures and the use of PPE in relation to handling materials, equipment operation and cleanup.

Knowledge of, and skills in the operation of, thermoforming equipment and main components sufficient for consistent production of quality products, including:

production workflow sequences and materials demand

reasons for checking process control panels and reporting readings which are outside of normal range of process variability

accurately monitoring equipment operation and product quality

the potential effects of variations in raw materials and equipment operation in relation to quality of product

processing behaviour of polymers and the role of additives

waste management and importance of reusing non-conforming products wherever possible

explain the effect of unauthorised or emergency shutdown in relation to safety and production requirements

correct selection and use of equipment, materials, processes and procedures

identify factors which may affect product quality or production output and appropriate remedies.

Competence also includes the ability to:

plan own work, including predicting consequences and identifying improvements

identify when the operator is able to rectify faults, when assistance is required and who is the appropriate source for assistance

identify and describe own role and role of others involved directly in the thermoforming process.

Language, literacy and numeracy requirements

This unit requires the ability to read and interpret typical product specifications, job sheets, procedures, material labels and safety information as provided to operators.

Writing is required to the level of completing workplace forms.

Basic numeracy is required, eg to read and interpret temperature and pressure gauges, add weights and interpret graphs.

The Range Statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Add any 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.

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

Context

This competency applies to all thermoforming operations within the plastics and rubber sectors. It includes the operation of all relevant additional equipment where that equipment is integral to the thermoforming process.

Procedures

All operations are performed in accordance with procedures.

Procedures include all relevant workplace procedures, work instructions, temporary instructions and relevant industry and government codes and standards.

Tools and equipment

This competency includes use of equipment and tools such as:

heaters

mould

stacker

winder

granulator

conveyors and chutes

hand tools used in the thermoforming process

relevant personal protective equipment.

Hazards

Typical hazards include:

spills

dusts/vapours

slip and fall (such as due to leaks)

temperature (such as from ovens)

hazardous substances

moving equipment (such as opening the tool/mould cavity)

manual handling hazards.

Problems

'Respond to routine problems' means 'apply known solutions to a limited range of predictable problems'. Typical process problems may include:

equipment malfunction

variations in temperature (such as uneven oven temperatures)

pressure

speed (such as cycle times)

variations in sheet or contamination of sheet

product tool damage

machine malfunction

mould/tooling problems

variations in materials and/or contamination of materials.

Typical product problems may include routine thermoforming faults such as:

wall thinning

pin holes

poor surface finish

poor colour dispersion

stacking damage

colour contamination

black spots

scorching

shrinkage

uneven stretching.

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 work requirements from production plan or request. 
Check product, materials and equipment meet requirements for job(s). 
Recognise requirements which may not be in accordance with usual practice. 
Ask questions of appropriate person to confirm unusual practice. 
Identify hazards associated with the job and take appropriate action. 
Perform other pre-operational checks in accordance with procedures. 
Conduct pre-start checks. 
Start up thermoforming equipment 
Check process is operating within required limits. 
Check product is in specification and to required quality standard. 
Ensure product is consistently ready for next operation. 
Maintain supply of material(s) as required. 
Complete logs and records as required. 
Keep equipment and work area clean. 
Collect and segregate scrap, trim and other materials as required. 
Pause machine cycle and perform emergency stop as required. 
Recognise known faults that occur during the operation. 
Identify and take action on causes of routine faults. 
Log problems as required. 
Identify non-routine problems and report to designated person. 

Forms

Assessment Cover Sheet

PMBPROD212B - Operate thermoforming equipment
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

PMBPROD212B - Operate thermoforming equipment

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: