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 select and test mechatronic engineering materials.

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

Assessors must be satisfied that the candidate can competently and consistently:

review mechatronic design information for materials and materials test requirements

select classes of materials relevant to design for further research, testing and evaluation

identify mechatronic engineering-related standards, codes and regulatory requirements relevant to materials testing and application

specify appropriate tests and interpret test results for material selection

select materials consistent with test results and design and regulatory requirements

ensure traceability in material selection process

correctly document all results and tests.

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 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 selecting and testing mechatronic engineering materials or other units requiring the exercise of the skills and knowledge covered by this unit.

Method of assessment

Assessment must satisfy the endorsed Assessment Guidelines of the MEM05 Metal and Engineering Training Package.

Assessment methods must confirm consistency and accuracy of performance (over time and in a range of workplace relevant contexts) together with application of underpinning knowledge.

Assessment methods must be by direct observation of tasks and include questioning on underpinning knowledge to ensure correct interpretation and application.

Assessment may be applied under project-related conditions (real or simulated) and require evidence of process.

Assessment must confirm a reasonable inference that competency is not only able to be satisfied under the particular circumstance, but is able to be transferred to other circumstances.

Assessment may be in conjunction with assessment of other units of competency where required.

Guidance information for assessment

Assessment processes and techniques must be culturally appropriate and appropriate to the language and literacy capacity of the candidate and the work being performed.

Required skills

Required skills include:

selecting class of materials suitable for mechatronic applications based on comparison of material properties

identifying for common characteristics, faults or flaws in materials

identifying test methods for properties of, and faults and flaws in, materials and components

identifying specific industrial test standards and regulations for materials and particular engineering applications

selecting the most appropriate tests from a range of possible tests

identifying and applying standards and regulations for materials and components

sourcing and using materials test sheets and certificates

sourcing and implementing MSDS

implementing tests correctly for materials and component properties and faults

interpreting design documentation for materials and materials testing requirements

addressing environmental and sustainability requirements related to material selection

reporting, recording and filing test reports and documentation

implementing materials tests and test sheets/certificates, test calibration and traceability

Required knowledge

Required knowledge includes:

properties of materials classes

the effect of material properties, faults and flaws on mechatronic engineering methods and processes

test methods and procedures for materials and components, including specific industrial test standards, regulations and authorities related to particular engineering applications

sources and uses of information on materials and materials tests, including test certificates, regulations, standards, regulatory bodies and industrial authorities

methods of accessing MSDS

significance of test sheets/certificates to applications

significance of MSDS and relevance of procedures

materials selections in relation to design functional requirements

environmental impact and sustainability assessment

significance of test procedures, reports and documentation to applications, including the need for obtaining and filing test sheets and certificates

significance of test calibration and traceability

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.

Classes and types of materials

Classes and types of materials include:

non-ferrous metals and alloys

ferrous metals

non-metals (e.g. timber, concrete, ceramics, polymers and fabrics, adhesives, fibres and lubricants)

thermal and electrical conductors and insulators

semiconductors

substrates

cables and cable supports

fluids and lubricants

Properties and characteristics of materials

Properties and characteristics of materials may include:

physical properties (e.g. strength, elasticity, plasticity, malleability, hardness, toughness, brittleness, fatigue endurance, mouldability, weldability, machinability, formability, resistance to creep and stress relaxation, resistance to degradation – use of plastic fillers to enhance UV resistance – and adhesion)

electrical related properties (e.g. resistivity, conductivity, electro-magnetic, i.e. permeability, permittivity and electro-static susceptibility)

thermal, chemical and optical

material structure and effect on properties

susceptibility to corrosion

effects of manufacturing and construction processes on material properties

Mechatronic engineering

Mechatronics is usually defined as the integration of mechanical, electronics, programming, electrical and fluid power in an engineering product. The skills and underpinning knowledge of mechatronics are common with general automation of processes, systems and services. The definition of mechatronics is here broadened to include general automation.

Sources of information

Sources of information may include:

standards and codes

MSDS

reference texts

manufacturer catalogues and other published information

regulatory bodies

technical, professional and industrial associations and societies

Standards and codes

Standards and codes refer to all relevant Australian and international standards and codes applicable to the mechatronic engineering analysis task

Tests of materials

Tests of materials include:

destructive, including tensile, compression, impact, hardness, fatigue, corrosion, stress relaxation and creep, fatigue and peel resistance (adhesives)

non-destructive, including hardness, ultrasonics, X-ray, die penetrant, eddy current, surface friction, conductivity, heat expansion, photo-elastic, heat capacity refractive index and magnetic hysteresis loop

electrical-related testing (e.g. conductivity, insulation, earthing resistance and safety)

Traceability

Test calibrations can be traced back to the relevant base unit in the relevant measurement system