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 perform production machining, including responsibility for selecting and mounting tooling, and setting of machine within defined parameters.

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit

Assessors must be satisfied that the candidate can competently and consistently apply the skills covered in this unit of competency in new and different situations and contexts. Critical aspects of assessment and evidence include:

correct job planning, including identifying job requirements from drawings, instructions or specifications, and sequence of operations

selecting appropriate tooling, measuring equipment, material and accessories from a predetermined range

selecting and mounting required tooling or grinding wheels

setting machining parameters

checking machined components for conformance to specifications.

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Assessment should emphasise a workplace context and procedures found in the candidate’s workplace.

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.

Method of assessment

Assessment should occur on a variety of machines and across a range of machining tasks. Assessment must include consideration of performance evidence as demonstrated in a volume production environment. The candidate must be able to demonstrate performance across a sufficient range of appropriate tasks and materials to cover the scope of application for this unit.

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, supervisor’s 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, manuals and reference materials.

Guidance information for assessment

This unit could be assessed in conjunction with any other units addressing the safety, quality, communication, materials handling, recording and reporting associated with performing general machining or other units requiring the exercise of the skills and knowledge covered by 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.

Required skills include:

reading and interpreting routine information on written job instructions, specifications and standard operating procedures which may include drawings

following oral instruction

planning and sequencing operations

preparing operational work plan

drill sharpening

sharpening and shaping cutting tools

identifying worn or damaged cutting tools

correct mounting and positioning of cutting tools

basic marking out of materials

setting machining parameters to achieve the job requirements and maximise tool life

using appropriate and sufficient clamping/mounting of the work piece

using coolant/lubricant correctly

checking for conformance to specifications

measuring to specified tolerances and dimensions

Required knowledge includes:

reasons for selecting the chosen sequence of operations

methods of work holding

basic marking out techniques, including datum points/lines

benefits of using correctly sharpened cutting tools

machine operation

selection of feeds and speeds to SOPs

correct methods of mounting selected cutting tools to SOPs

safety issues with regard to correct clamping, guards and shields

tolerances and limits of size

situations indicating the need for machine adjustment, lubrication and cleaning

techniques, tools and equipment to measure materials and machined components

use and application of personal protective equipment

safe work practices and procedures

hazards and control measures associated with general machining

types and features of industrial grinding wheels, including:

international grinding wheel identification system

grinding wheel make-up, including bonds and grits

purpose and procedure for grinding wheel trueing

indicators of a need for grinding wheel dressing, including:

wheel glazing

wheel loading

wheel dresses

wheel drilling

difference between centred and centreless grinding

indicators of need for dressing, including:

loading

dulling

glazing

burn/thermal damage

surface finish

grinding wheel storage and handling

wheel safety checking, including checks for:

cracks

defects (e.g. holes, moisture and deterioration)

grinding wheel blotters

typical range of industrial drills and classification

drilling machines

drill sharpening procedures

drill clamping arrangements

common reasons for machining failure, including:

incorrect speed

faulty positioning of work

incorrect feed

rotation

incorrect coolant selection and positioning

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.

Production machining

Production machining refers to use of workshop machines for volume production of parts or components made of metal or other machinable materials where the machine operator has responsibility for the setting up of the machine, including tooling, grinding wheels, and other accessories within defined parameters. It does not include one-off jobbing on workshop machines or complex calculations. Tolerances and tool paths will normally have been set in advance

Operations

Operations may include:

parallel cutting

slotting

drilling

knurling

cutting flats

centred and centreless grinding operations

Materials

Materials may include ferrous and non-ferrous metals as well as other machinable materials

Tooling

Tooling may include:

carbide, ceramic and high speed steel machine tooling cutting tool accessories and holding devices

Measuring devices

Measuring devices may be:

rulers

gauges

verniers and micrometers (digital or analog)

Marking out techniques

Marking out techniques may include:

basic marking out techniques using calipers, steel rules, dividers and scribers

Machining parameters

Machining parameters may include:

speeds

feeds

stops

coolant and cutting lubricants

Machines

Machines may include:

lathes

mills

planers

shapers

radial and pedestal drills

slotters

grinders

Maintenance and adjustments

Maintenance and adjustments may include:

slide and collar adjustment

cleaning and lubrication

Types and features of industrial grinding wheels

Types and features of industrial grinding wheels refers to:

wheel make-up

wheel hubs

wheel classification

types of grits and bonds

Dressing tools

Dressing tools for this unit are limited to:

industrial diamond

dressing wheels

dressing sticks

Balancing of grinding wheels

Balancing for this unit is limited to checks and identification for balance. Correction of out of balance wheels is not covered by this unit