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Follow the links below to find material targeted to the unit's elements, performance criteria, required skills and knowledge

Elements and Performance Criteria

1. Prepare metals for casting
   • Metals and alloys are selected in appropriate proportions.
   • Metals and alloys are weighed out correctly and in correct wax-to-metal ratios.
   • Relevant data is recorded.
2. Conduct pre-casting operations
   • Equipment is prepared according to standard operation procedures.
   • Inert gas supply/delivery and vacuum systems are checked, if applicable.
   • Preheating/glazing is carried out, if applicable.
   • Temperature of invested flask is maintained.
3. Melt jewellery metal
   • Protective coating is applied to jewellery metal as appropriate.
   • Jewellery metal is heated.
   • Jewellery metal casting temperature is achieved.
4. Cast metals
   • Burn-out flask is positioned correctly.
   • Molten metal is tapped.
   • Allowance is made for adequate solidification time.
   • Furnace is operated in accordance with work site procedures.
5. Perform post-casting operations
   • Casting flask is removed and stored in a safe manner.
   • Casting materials/consumables are cleaned/stored/disposed as appropriate.

Required Skills

Required skills

Look for evidence that confirms skills in identifying metals and their alloys weighing metals and their alloys setting up checking and operating equipment maintaining furnace temperatures heating metals and alloys applying safe casting procedures working within heating timeframe constraints housekeeping reading and interpreting routine information on written job instructions specifications and standard operating procedures May include drawings

Required knowledge

Look for evidence that confirms knowledge of hazards related to casting safety clothingapparatus for casting identification of precious metals and alloys calculations for proportionsquantities of alloys data recording procedures consequences of poor work practices equipment preparation and operating procedures burnout cycles and testing of heat registercontrol device procedures for checking and maintaining inert gas supplydelivery seals and vacuum systems melting points of various metalsalloys furnace startup and shutdown procedures housekeeping and equipment cleaning procedures safe work practices and procedures properties of jewellery metals in relation to casting

Evidence Required

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 cast jewellery items using investment vacuumcentrifugal casting procedures 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 simulation 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 jewellery metal casting 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 supervisors 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

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Range Statement

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.
Metals and alloys	Gold, platinum, palladium, silver, copper, and their alloys
Equipment	Resistance/induction coils, and hand held torches fuelled by a variety of combinations of gas/propane/acetylene/air/oxygen
Protective coating	Protective coatings may include borax, fluxes and inert gases

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