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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. Determine mechanical/ structural design requirements
   • 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
2. Select materials and additives, including reinforcing, appropriate for the design brief
   • 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
3. Undertake mechanical design of component
   • 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
4. Design jointing/joining/ other product interfaces
   • 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
5. Finalise design
   • 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

Range Statement

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.

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Performance Evidence

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.

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Knowledge Evidence

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.

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