• PMBTECH603B - Design structural_mechanical polymer components

Assessor Resource

PMBTECH603B
Design structural_mechanical polymer components

Assessment tool

Version 1.0
Issue Date: March 2024


Application of this unit

This competency applies to technologists designing new mechanical or structural components. The key factors in the design of the component are adequate strength and rigidity and making allowances for, and taking maximum advantage of, the inherent properties of polymeric materials.

It includes working with:

structural components, such as support columns and beams in plastic playground equipment

rigid beams and frames, such as in boat hulls and decks

mechanical components, (such as gears, cams, etc) subject to forces/transmitting mechanical power

a certified structural engineer (when appropriate) to provide specialised polymer knowledge.

This competency covers the mechanical/structural design of components which are to be made from polymeric materials. It applies the traditional engineering structures to viscoelastic materials.

This competency is typically performed by senior technicians/technologists who are designing, or part of a team, designing polymeric structures or polymeric mechanical components.

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 of competency has the prerequisite of PMBTECH505B Choose polymer materials for an application.

This unit of competency requires a detailed understanding of mechanics such as might be gained from some engineering studies. Where this knowledge is to be gained as part of this unit of competency, it will require a significantly greater effort and time than would otherwise be required.


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

The critical aspect for this unit of competency is the ability to apply a thorough understanding of polymer materials, their additives and the rheological, heat and other effects of processing to the design of a new mechanical or structural component. The ability to modify both compound design and mechanical design to optimise the results should be evident. The designed product must not only be fit for its purpose but also capable of efficient manufacture for an appropriate price.

Assessment method and context

Assessment will occur using industrial situations and equipment using industrial polymers and will be undertaken in a work-like environment.

Competence in this unit may be assessed:

using appropriate, industrial equipment, situations and polymers

in a situation allowing for the generation of evidence of the ability to recognise, anticipate and 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.

Knowledge and understanding of the materials, equipment and process sufficient to design a component which is mechanically/structurally fit for its end purpose and which can be efficiently manufactured.

Knowledge of organization policies and procedures and relevant regulatory requirements along with the ability to implement them within appropriate time constraints and in a manner relevant to the job.

Competence includes the ability for the practical completion of the job toapply and explain:

stress/strain data of polymeric materials to the design situation

material creep/viscoelasticity

impact and notch strength

tensile, compressive, shear and torsional strength

tear strength

adequate safety factors

overall design features which take advantage of the polymeric material(s) being used.

Competence also includes the ability to make compounding recommendations to modify properties such as:

stress/strain data of polymeric materials

material creep/viscoelasticity, rheometric properties

material strength

environmental resistance (e.g. temperature, chemicals, UV

and other radiation)

make changes to physical size and shape to change:

stiffness/rigidity, deflection

strength.

Language, literacy and numeracy requirements

This unit requires high levels of numeracy and literacy with the ability to write and interpret technical specifications and reports. Advanced numeracy allowing the calculation and interpretation of statistics, design formulae and process conditions is also required.

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 unit is for the design of a new product or a component of a new product which has a significant structural or mechanical requirement. It assumes an understanding of the operation of all relevant equipment and processes but does not necessarily require them to be used personally.

This competency applies to all work environments and sectors within the plastics, rubber and cablemaking industry. The competency assumes a working knowledge of all main processes and polymer materials so that an informed choice can be made between them.

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.

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, density) of end use. 
Determine environmental requirements (physical, chemical, 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 material(s) 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 material(s)/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, 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

PMBTECH603B - 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

PMBTECH603B - 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: