Assessor Resource

PMBTECH603
Design structural/mechanical polymer components

Assessment tool

Version 1.0
Issue Date: April 2024


This unit of competency covers the skills and knowledge required to design a new product, or a component of a new product, which has a significant structural or mechanical requirement. It applies to polymer components such as:

structural components, e.g. support columns and beams in plastic playground equipment

rigid beams and frames, e.g. in boat hulls and decks

mechanical components subject to forces/transmitting mechanical power, e.g. gears and cams.

This unit of competency applies to advanced technologists, technical experts or those in similar roles who are required to apply significant depth and breadth of theoretical polymer, product and process knowledge in order to determine the design requirements; select the materials to be used; design the components; supervise product testing/trials and finalise specifications for the new component.

Where the design is being undertaken by a design team the technologist will perform a lead technical role. The technologist is not required to demonstrate 'hands on' operation of equipment as part of this competency.

No licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.

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



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.

Elements describe the essential outcomes.

Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element.

1

Determine mechanical/ structural design requirements

1.1

Determine stress/strain requirements of end use

1.2

Determine flexural/rigidity requirements of end use

1.3

Determine required physical properties (such as size, shape and density) of end use

1.4

Determine environmental requirements (physical, chemical and radiation) of end product

1.5

Identify how component fits with entire end product

1.6

Develop mechanical design brief and verify with appropriate people

2

Select materials and additives, including reinforcing, appropriate for the design brief

2.1

Select material/combination of materials with appropriate physical properties

2.2

Select material/combination of materials with appropriate chemical properties

2.3

Select material/combination of materials with appropriate radiation resistance properties

2.4

Arrange for compounding and testing of possible materials as appropriate

2.5

Determine relevant properties of selected material/shortlisted materials

3

Undertake mechanical design of component

3.1

Calculate size and shape/profile of component to meet design brief

3.2

Liaise with product developer to also deliver required aesthetic aspects

3.3

Liaise with product developer/production to ensure efficiency in manufacture

3.4

Suggest modifications to materials/compound as required

4

Design jointing/joining/ other product interfaces

4.1

Liaise with designers of other components

4.2

Agree on interface requirements/joints/joining as appropriate

4.3

Design suitable interfaces

4.4

Check interface design to ensure it meets the end use requirements without sacrificing integrity

5

Finalise design

5.1

Check internal consistency of design

5.2

Check overall design meets end use requirements

5.3

Write component specification

5.4

Liaise with product developer/production to write production specification/procedures

5.5

Supervise manufacture and testing of prototypes/manufacturing trials as appropriate

5.6

Finalise specifications and manufacturing processes and complete all reports

5.7

Ensure project records are complete and all required reports have been completed and submitted

5.8

Archive records according to company procedure

Evidence required to demonstrate competence in this unit must be relevant to and satisfy the requirements of the elements and performance criteria and demonstrate the ability to:

read and interpret test results, technical information, mechanical information/specifications, equipment specifications and instruments/control panels

determine mechanical and structural specifications, physical properties of component, and regulatory requirements

develop mechanical design brief

select and trial materials and determine final materials specifications

develop component design and confirm it meets structural, mechanical, physical specifications and interface requirements

supervise trialling and interpret results

finalise and document design specifications and manufacturing processes

communicate technical information verbally and in writing

communicate with internal and external stakeholders about technical issues and bring agreement as to requirements from the different parties

calculate and interpret cost estimates, test results, trialling data, product formulae and process conditions.

Must provide evidence that demonstrates knowledge relevant to their job sufficient to fulfil their job role, including knowledge of:

all main processes and polymer materials

impact of different polymer materials, their additives and the rheological, heat and other effects of processing on design of a new mechanical or structural component

influence of component design on the operability of the process and the properties of the product

factors affecting structural and mechanical properties of new component

options for compounding changes to modify properties, including:

stress/strain data of polymeric materials

material creep/viscoelasticity, rheometric properties

material strength

environmental resistance (e.g. temperature, chemicals, UV and other radiation)

options for changes to component shape and size to modify properties, including:

stiffness/rigidity, deflection

strength

component trialling and testing procedures

principles of operation of all relevant equipment and processes

differentiating features of main processes, polymer materials and materials of construction of structural/mechanical components

organisation procedures relevant to the work environment/job role

hierarchy of control

hazards that may arise in the job/work environment and:

their possible causes

potential consequences

appropriate risk controls.

The unit should be assessed holistically and the judgement of competence shall be based on a holistic assessment of the evidence.

The collection of performance evidence is best done from a report and/or folio of evidence drawn from:

a single project which provides sufficient evidence of the requirements of all the elements and performance criteria

multiple smaller projects which together provide sufficient evidence of the requirements of all the elements and performance criteria.

A third-party report, or similar, may be needed to testify to the work done by the individual, particularly when the project has been done as part of a project team.

Assessment should use a real project in an operational workplace. Where this is not possible or where personal safety or environmental damage are limiting factors assessment must occur using a sufficiently rigorous simulated environment that reflects realistic operational workplace conditions. This must cover all aspects of workplace performance, including environment, task skills, task management skills, contingency management skills and job role environment skills.

Assessment in a simulated environment should use evidence collected from demonstration of skills and one or more of:

walk-throughs

pilot plant operation

industry-based case studies/scenarios

‘what ifs’.

Knowledge evidence may be collected concurrently with performance evidence or through an independent process, such as workbooks, written assessments or interviews.

Assessment processes and techniques must be appropriate to the language, literacy and numeracy requirements of the work being performed and the needs of the candidate.

Conditions for assessment must include access to all tools, equipment, materials and documentation required, including relevant workplace procedures, product and manufacturing specifications associated with this unit.

Foundation skills are integral to competent performance of the unit and should not be assessed separately.

Assessors must satisfy the assessor competency requirements that are in place at the time of the assessment as set by the VET regulator.

In addition the assessor or anyone acting in subject matter expert role in assessment shall demonstrate both technical competency and currency. If the assessor cannot demonstrate technical competency and currency they shall assess with a subject matter expert who does meet these requirements.

Technical competence can be demonstrated through one or more of:

relevant VET or other qualification/Statement of Attainment

appropriate workplace experience undertaking the type of work being assessed under routine and non-routine conditions

appropriate workplace experience supervising/evaluating the type of work being assessed under routine and non-routine conditions

Currency can be demonstrated through one or more of:

being currently employed undertaking the type of work being assessed

being employed by the organisation undertaking the type of work being assessed and having maintained currency in accordance with that organisation’s policies and procedures

having consulted/had contact with an organisation undertaking the type of work being assessed within the last twelve months, the consultation/contact being related to assessment

conducting on the job training/assessments of the type of work being assessed

being an active member of a relevant professional body and participating in activities relevant to the assessment of this type of work.


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.

Elements describe the essential outcomes.

Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element.

1

Determine mechanical/ structural design requirements

1.1

Determine stress/strain requirements of end use

1.2

Determine flexural/rigidity requirements of end use

1.3

Determine required physical properties (such as size, shape and density) of end use

1.4

Determine environmental requirements (physical, chemical and radiation) of end product

1.5

Identify how component fits with entire end product

1.6

Develop mechanical design brief and verify with appropriate people

2

Select materials and additives, including reinforcing, appropriate for the design brief

2.1

Select material/combination of materials with appropriate physical properties

2.2

Select material/combination of materials with appropriate chemical properties

2.3

Select material/combination of materials with appropriate radiation resistance properties

2.4

Arrange for compounding and testing of possible materials as appropriate

2.5

Determine relevant properties of selected material/shortlisted materials

3

Undertake mechanical design of component

3.1

Calculate size and shape/profile of component to meet design brief

3.2

Liaise with product developer to also deliver required aesthetic aspects

3.3

Liaise with product developer/production to ensure efficiency in manufacture

3.4

Suggest modifications to materials/compound as required

4

Design jointing/joining/ other product interfaces

4.1

Liaise with designers of other components

4.2

Agree on interface requirements/joints/joining as appropriate

4.3

Design suitable interfaces

4.4

Check interface design to ensure it meets the end use requirements without sacrificing integrity

5

Finalise design

5.1

Check internal consistency of design

5.2

Check overall design meets end use requirements

5.3

Write component specification

5.4

Liaise with product developer/production to write production specification/procedures

5.5

Supervise manufacture and testing of prototypes/manufacturing trials as appropriate

5.6

Finalise specifications and manufacturing processes and complete all reports

5.7

Ensure project records are complete and all required reports have been completed and submitted

5.8

Archive records according to company procedure

This field allows for different work environments and conditions that may affect performance. Essential operating conditions that may be present (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) are included.

Regulatory framework

The latest version of all legislation, regulations, industry codes of practice and Australian/international standards, or the version specified by the local regulatory authority, must be used.

Applicable legislation, regulations, standards and codes of practice include:

health, safety and environmental (HSE) legislation, regulations and codes of practice relevant to the workplace, materials and processes being used and products being made

Australian/international standards relevant to the materials being used and products being made

any relevant licence and certification requirements.

All operations to which this unit applies are subject to stringent HSE requirements, which may be imposed through state/territory or federal legislation, and these must not be compromised at any time. Where there is an apparent conflict between performance criteria and such requirements the legislative requirements take precedence.

Procedures

All operations must be performed in accordance with relevant procedures.

Procedures are written, verbal, visual, computer-based or in some other form, and include one or any combination of:

test procedures

technical specifications

technical drawings

emergency procedures

work instructions

standard operating procedures (SOPs)

safe work method statements (SWMS)

formulae/recipes

batch sheets

temporary instructions

any similar instructions provided for the smooth running of the plant.

Evidence required to demonstrate competence in this unit must be relevant to and satisfy the requirements of the elements and performance criteria and demonstrate the ability to:

read and interpret test results, technical information, mechanical information/specifications, equipment specifications and instruments/control panels

determine mechanical and structural specifications, physical properties of component, and regulatory requirements

develop mechanical design brief

select and trial materials and determine final materials specifications

develop component design and confirm it meets structural, mechanical, physical specifications and interface requirements

supervise trialling and interpret results

finalise and document design specifications and manufacturing processes

communicate technical information verbally and in writing

communicate with internal and external stakeholders about technical issues and bring agreement as to requirements from the different parties

calculate and interpret cost estimates, test results, trialling data, product formulae and process conditions.

Must provide evidence that demonstrates knowledge relevant to their job sufficient to fulfil their job role, including knowledge of:

all main processes and polymer materials

impact of different polymer materials, their additives and the rheological, heat and other effects of processing on design of a new mechanical or structural component

influence of component design on the operability of the process and the properties of the product

factors affecting structural and mechanical properties of new component

options for compounding changes to modify properties, including:

stress/strain data of polymeric materials

material creep/viscoelasticity, rheometric properties

material strength

environmental resistance (e.g. temperature, chemicals, UV and other radiation)

options for changes to component shape and size to modify properties, including:

stiffness/rigidity, deflection

strength

component trialling and testing procedures

principles of operation of all relevant equipment and processes

differentiating features of main processes, polymer materials and materials of construction of structural/mechanical components

organisation procedures relevant to the work environment/job role

hierarchy of control

hazards that may arise in the job/work environment and:

their possible causes

potential consequences

appropriate risk controls.

The unit should be assessed holistically and the judgement of competence shall be based on a holistic assessment of the evidence.

The collection of performance evidence is best done from a report and/or folio of evidence drawn from:

a single project which provides sufficient evidence of the requirements of all the elements and performance criteria

multiple smaller projects which together provide sufficient evidence of the requirements of all the elements and performance criteria.

A third-party report, or similar, may be needed to testify to the work done by the individual, particularly when the project has been done as part of a project team.

Assessment should use a real project in an operational workplace. Where this is not possible or where personal safety or environmental damage are limiting factors assessment must occur using a sufficiently rigorous simulated environment that reflects realistic operational workplace conditions. This must cover all aspects of workplace performance, including environment, task skills, task management skills, contingency management skills and job role environment skills.

Assessment in a simulated environment should use evidence collected from demonstration of skills and one or more of:

walk-throughs

pilot plant operation

industry-based case studies/scenarios

‘what ifs’.

Knowledge evidence may be collected concurrently with performance evidence or through an independent process, such as workbooks, written assessments or interviews.

Assessment processes and techniques must be appropriate to the language, literacy and numeracy requirements of the work being performed and the needs of the candidate.

Conditions for assessment must include access to all tools, equipment, materials and documentation required, including relevant workplace procedures, product and manufacturing specifications associated with this unit.

Foundation skills are integral to competent performance of the unit and should not be assessed separately.

Assessors must satisfy the assessor competency requirements that are in place at the time of the assessment as set by the VET regulator.

In addition the assessor or anyone acting in subject matter expert role in assessment shall demonstrate both technical competency and currency. If the assessor cannot demonstrate technical competency and currency they shall assess with a subject matter expert who does meet these requirements.

Technical competence can be demonstrated through one or more of:

relevant VET or other qualification/Statement of Attainment

appropriate workplace experience undertaking the type of work being assessed under routine and non-routine conditions

appropriate workplace experience supervising/evaluating the type of work being assessed under routine and non-routine conditions

Currency can be demonstrated through one or more of:

being currently employed undertaking the type of work being assessed

being employed by the organisation undertaking the type of work being assessed and having maintained currency in accordance with that organisation’s policies and procedures

having consulted/had contact with an organisation undertaking the type of work being assessed within the last twelve months, the consultation/contact being related to assessment

conducting on the job training/assessments of the type of work being assessed

being an active member of a relevant professional body and participating in activities relevant to the assessment of this type of work.

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
Determine stress/strain requirements of end use 
Determine flexural/rigidity requirements of end use 
Determine required physical properties (such as size, shape and density) of end use 
Determine environmental requirements (physical, chemical and radiation) of end product 
Identify how component fits with entire end product 
Develop mechanical design brief and verify with appropriate people 
Select material/combination of materials with appropriate physical properties 
Select material/combination of materials with appropriate chemical properties 
Select material/combination of materials with appropriate radiation resistance properties 
Arrange for compounding and testing of possible materials as appropriate 
Determine relevant properties of selected material/shortlisted materials 
Calculate size and shape/profile of component to meet design brief 
Liaise with product developer to also deliver required aesthetic aspects 
Liaise with product developer/production to ensure efficiency in manufacture 
Suggest modifications to materials/compound as required 
Liaise with designers of other components 
Agree on interface requirements/joints/joining as appropriate 
Design suitable interfaces 
Check interface design to ensure it meets the end use requirements without sacrificing integrity 
Check internal consistency of design 
Check overall design meets end use requirements 
Write component specification 
Liaise with product developer/production to write production specification/procedures 
Supervise manufacture and testing of prototypes/manufacturing trials as appropriate 
Finalise specifications and manufacturing processes and complete all reports 
Ensure project records are complete and all required reports have been completed and submitted 
Archive records according to company procedure 

Forms

Assessment Cover Sheet

PMBTECH603 - Design structural/mechanical polymer components
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

PMBTECH603 - Design structural/mechanical polymer components

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: