Diploma of Polymer Technology

Job roles/employment outcomes

The Diploma of Polymer Technology is intended for technologists/paraprofessionals who may have worked their way up through plastics, rubber and cablemaking qualifications or who have entered the industry at this level, either from another industry, trade occupation or other relevant background.

The technologist will analyse performance and failure in equipment and products and will assist in the development on new/modified products.

This industry manufactures a wide range of polymer products and components ranging from consumer products to components to be included in other commercial, industrial or consumer products. Much of it is long runs of standard products, but equally it may be short runs/one offs of specialised products. It uses a wide range of natural and synthetic polymers covering thermoplastics as well as thermosetting polymers.

The products from this industry may be components in automobiles, aeroplanes and marine craft as well as domestic appliances and industrial and commercial plant and equipment. It may also be electrical or data cabling. They may equally be consumer products such as paint brushes, tooth brushes, lunch boxes or carry bags.

People with this qualification may be expected to undertake a technologist role typically based in a laboratory or office with possibly some work being conducted on or through the shop floor. They may not be competent to operate production equipment but would be expected to understand the principles behind the relevant production and support processes. They will undertake product or process improvement/development and also complex problem solving.

Pathways into the qualification

This qualification may be accessed by direct entry. Credit for relevant units of competency achieved should be granted towards this qualification for those who have completed PMB40107 Certificate IV in Polymer Processing, or other qualifications relevant to polymer technology.

Units of competency contained within this qualification may be common with other manufacturing qualifications and credit should be granted towards this qualification where competency has already been achieved. Credit should also be granted towards this qualification where competency has been achieved in units of competency contained within relevant skill sets and statements of attainment.

The units of competency in this qualification reflect competencies which are practiced within the industry and recognition of prior learning (RPL) should be granted where there is sufficient evidence of competency from work-based experience.

Pathways from the qualification

Further qualification pathways from this qualification include PMB60107 Advanced Diploma of Polymer Technology

Additional qualification advice

MSA51108 Diploma of Competitive Manufacturing is available for those who need a more generalist qualification covering the application of good manufacturing practice and lean principles.

Licensing considerations

There are no specific licences that relate to this qualification. However, units of competency in this qualification may provide the underpinning knowledge and skills required for various licences. Local regulations should be checked for details.


Subjects

Packaging Rules

To be awarded the Diploma of Polymer Technology, competency must be achieved in seventeen (17) units of competency.

four (4) core units of competency

thirteen (13) elective units of competency, as specified below.

Note: Where prerequisite units apply, these must be considered in the total number of units chosen.

Core units of competency

Unit code

Unit title

Prerequisite

add topic MSAENV472B

Implement and monitor environmentally sustainable work practices

add topic MSAPMOHS200A

Work safely

add topic MSAPMSUP300A

Identify and implement opportunities to maximise production efficiencies

add topic MSAPMSUP200A

add topic MSAPMSUP390A

Use structured problem solving tools

Elective units of competency

Select thirteen (13) units of competency, as specified below:

a minimum of eight (8) units from Group A and B, with a minimum of four (4) units from Group A

the remainder of units may be chosen from Groups A, B and C, to bring the total number of electives to thirteen (13).

Note: Up to three (3) of the elective units can be chosen from other qualifications in this Training Package, other endorsed Training Packages and accredited courses, as specified in Group C.

Group A

Unit code

Unit title

Prerequisite

add topic PMBTECH501B

Analyse equipment performance

add topic PMBTECH401B

add topic MSAPMOPS401A

add topic PMBTECH502B

Review and analyse production trials and specify retrials

add topic MSAPMOPS401A

add topic PMBTECH503B

Determine rheology and output of plastics materials from processing equipment

add topic PMBTECH401B

add topic PMBTECH504B

Determine heat transfer loads for processing equipment

add topic PMBTECH505B

Choose polymer materials for an application

add topic PMBTECH401B

add topic PMBTECH506B

Analyse the design of products and tools

add topic MEM09002B

add topic MSAPMOPS401A

add topic PMBTECH507B

Develop fibre composite products using cored- laminate techniques

add topic MEM09003B

add topic PMBTECH508A

Develop a new compound

add topic PMBTECH509A

Modify an existing product

add topic PMBTECH510A

Analyse failure in polymeric materials

A maximum of two (2) units may be chosen from the units in Group A of the PMB60107 Advanced Diploma of Polymer Technology.

Group B

Unit code

Unit title

Prerequisite

add topic MSAPMOHS400A

Contribute to OHS management system

add topic MSAPMOHS300A

add topic MSAPMOHS401A

Assess risk

add topic MSAPMOPS400A

Optimise process/plant area

add topic MSAPMSUP390A

add topic MSAPMOPS401A

Trial new process or product

add topic MSAPMOPS404A

Coordinate maintenance

add topic MSAPMOPS405A

Identify problems in fluid power system

add topic MSAPMOPS406A

Identify problems in electronic control systems

add topic MSL974003A

Perform chemical tests and procedures

add topic MSL974005A

Perform physical tests

add topic MSL974010A

Perform mechanical tests

add topic PMBPROD430B

Trial a new die/tool

add topic PMBPROD431B

Trial a new, advanced or complex mould

add topic PMBTECH401B

Predict polymer properties and characteristics

add topic PMBTECH301B

add topic PMBTECH402B

Set advanced or complex dies

add topic PMBPREP304C

add topic PMBTECH403B

Test fibre-composites materials and laminates

add topic PMBTECH404B

Mould chemical resistant and/or fire retardant fibre-composites

add topic PMBPROD347B

add topic PMBPROD380B

add topic PMBTECH405B

Repair damaged fibre-composites structures

add topic PMBPROD247C

add topic PMBTECH406A

Diagnose production equipment problems

Group C

Unit code

Unit title

Prerequisite

add topic MEM09003B

Prepare basic engineering drawing

add topic MEM09002B

add topic MEM15001B

Perform basic statistical quality control

add topic MEM16006A

Organise and communicate information

add topic MEM16007A

Work with others in a manufacturing, engineering or related environment

add topic MEM16008A

Interact with computing technology

add topic MEM30001A

Use computer aided drafting systems to produce basic engineering drawings

add topic MEM16006A

add topic MEM16008A

add topic MEM30004A

Use CAD to create and display 3D models

add topic MEM16006A

add topic MEM16008A

add topic MEM30001A

add topic MSACMS401A

Ensure process improvements are sustained

add topic MSACMT452A

Apply statistics to processes in manufacturing

add topic MSACMT620A

Develop quick changeover procedures

add topic MSACMT621A

Develop a Just in Time (JIT) system

add topic MSACMC410A

add topic MSACMT630A

Optimise cost of product

add topic MSACMT631A

add topic MSACMT631A

Undertake value analysis of product costs in terms of customer requirements

add topic MSACMT230A

add topic MSACMT650A

Determine and improve process capability

add topic MSACMT670A

Develop and manage sustainable energy practices

add topic MSACMT671A

Develop and manage sustainable environmental practices

add topic MSAPMSUP383A

Facilitate a team

add topic MSAPMSUP400A

Develop and monitor quality systems

add topic PSPPM502B

Manage complex projects

Up to three (3) relevant units may be chosen from this Training Package, other endorsed Training Packages and accredited courses, where those units are available for inclusion in a Diploma.


Pathways...

    Not applicable.


Entry Requirements

Not applicable.


Licensing Information

Not applicable.


Employability Skills

QUALIFICATION SUMMARY

Employability Skill

Industry/enterprise requirements for this qualification include:

Communication

communicate with stakeholders

complete all required reports and records

advise stakeholders of the outcome

interpret workplace procedures and work instructions

communicate information about tasks/processes/events

identify and communicate with all relevant personnel

communicate with all relevant personnel, management and administration

undertake interactive workplace communication

undertake verbal and/or written reports where required

Teamwork

work with technicians as part of a larger project

work autonomously or as part of a team

identify own role and responsibility within a team

undertake appropriate and effective communication with team members

Problem solving

evaluate and modify as required

apply knowledge of materials, product purpose and processes

check performance of equipment and make approved adjustments

make adjustments to remedy faults and non-conformity

clarify and address potential issues

use material and process knowledge to solve problems

Initiative and enterprise

make adjustments to improve equipment performance

anticipate the impact of the process on the product

determine problems needing action

recommend required action

recognise problems in systems and documentation

critically analyse information

develop continuous improvement strategies

investigate, rectify and report non-conformances

use analytical and decision making skills

recommend corrective and/or optimisation actions

monitor and adjust schedules in response to operational variations

Planning and organising

implement procedures within appropriate time constraints and relevant to the job

organise trial

develop and monitor quality systems

monitor and maintain product quality

recognise hazards and follow appropriate hazard control methods

identify requirements for materials, quality, production and equipment checks

identify most efficient and appropriate equipment

analyse equipment performance

Self-management

operate within appropriate time constraints and work standards

select and use appropriate equipment, materials, processes and procedures

identify, document and monitor resource requirements

demonstrate consistent performance

Learning

research and evaluate equipment

ask questions to gain information

identify sources of information to expand knowledge and understanding

recognise limits of own professional expertise and consult specialists as necessary

participate in improvement procedures

access manufacturer manuals/specifications to expand knowledge

Technology

differentiate between products and compounds based on their response to applied stress/strain

analyse response to loads

apply the results of the analyses to typical applications

analyse equipment performance

determine theoretical performance

determine variation between theoretical and actual performance

apply principles to the design and use of equipment