FWPWPP3218
Plan and coordinate machining of panels


Application

This unit of competency describes the outcomes required to manage operational logistics for panel machining activities which includes planning cutting patterns and schedules for operators.

The unit applies to production operators and technicians who plan and coordinate machining of panels in a forest and wood products factory and also involves monitoring and evaluating processes and problems to determine and recommend improvements.

No licensing, legislative, regulatory, or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.


Elements and Performance Criteria

Elements describe the essential outcomes.

Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. Where bold italicised text is used, further information is detailed in the range of conditions.

1. Plan machining operations

1.1 Interpret production orders and plan production of panel types and sizes.

1.2 Develop panel machining schedules to ensure optimum production outcomes.

1.3 Plan and document cutting patterns to maximise output and minimise wastage.

1.4 Communicate all information to operators in line with organisational procedures

2. Coordinate panel cutting operations

2.1 Identify and record variations in panel condition and report to operators.

2.2 Assist operators to resolve machining problems.

2.3 Monitor panel cutting processes; assess effectiveness of cutting pattern and ability to maintain schedule.

2.4 Modify cutting patterns and schedules to ensure optimum performance and communicate changes to operators.

2.5 Ensure machined panels are directed to designated area for storage or transferred for further processing.

2.6 Direct processes for rejecting and disposing of sub-standard machined panels and off-cuts in line with organisational safety procedures and environmental protection practices.

2.7 Complete and maintain operating logs and cutting records in line with organisational procedures.

2.8 Investigate and record major processing and equipment faults and resolve or report to appropriate personnel.

3. Evaluate machining performance

3.1 Monitor and evaluate panel cutting operations and output to determine process improvements.

3.2 Analyse systematic problems with equipment and panel quality for potential to improve machining processes.

3.3 Document recommended process improvements and communicate to appropriate personnel in line with organisational procedures.

Evidence of Performance

A person demonstrating competency in this unit must satisfy all of the elements, performance criteria and foundation skills of this unit. If a specific volume or frequency is not stated below, then evidence must be provided that the following requirements have been performed on at least one occasion:

plan and coordinate panel machining operations for production jobs in line with different production orders for each job

determine, document and communicate cutting patterns and schedules for each of the above jobs

assess panel output during machining operations for:

size

volume recovery

quality finish

dimensional consistency

monitor, assess and modify schedules in response to changing circumstances within each of the above production jobs

complete operating logs and cutting records for each of the above production jobs

complete a detailed report about systematic issues arising across the jobs covering problems with processes, equipment and panels including recommendations for process improvements.


Evidence of Knowledge

A person competent in this unit must be able to demonstrate knowledge of:

environmental protection practices for machining panels:

reducing water and energy use

disposing of, recycling and reusing timber and other waste

operational capacity of panel machining equipment

stages of the panel machining process

typical flow of panel supply in and out of the machining area

range of cutting patterns used on panels to achieve maximum output

methods of determining cutting schedules to maximise:

equipment and labour use

volume return from panels

efficient handling of panels to be machined

typical timber panel defects and how they affect ability to produce quality machined panels:

warp

wane

cupping

shakes

insect defects

knots

resin pockets

methods used to:

assess panel cutting processes for quality of outcomes

diagnose and analyse systematic problems with equipment and panels

format, content and use of:

cutting pattern documents

cutting schedules

operating logs and cutting records

process improvement reports

organisational procedures specific to planning and coordinating panel machining operations:

communication reporting lines for operator team members and self

documenting cutting patterns, schedules and reports

recording and reporting systematic equipment faults.


Assessment Conditions

The following resources must be made available:

computers, keyboards, printers and software used to prepare planning and production documents

machining production line with a continuous conveyor belt system

saws which must include at least one of the following:

manually controlled docking and trimming saws

band saws

bench saws

panel saws

saws with adjustable angle

saws with one or multiple blades

table saws

personal protective equipment suitable for coordinating machining production lines

panels of various dimensions which must include one or more of the following:

laminated

veneered

plywood

chipboard

fibreboard

medium density fibreboard

templates for:

cutting pattern documents

cutting schedules

operating logs and cutting records

process improvement reports

records for equipment faults

production order for panels with specific instructions for sizes, shapes or profiles

organisational procedures for planning and coordinating panel machining operations

a team of operators with whom the individual can interact.

Competency is to be assessed in the workplace or a simulated environment that accurately reflects performance in a real workplace setting. Machining operations must be present in order that the individual can monitor, assess and modify schedules in response to changing circumstances.

Assessor requirements

Assessors must:

hold the appropriate assessor competency standards as outlined in regulations; and

be able to demonstrate vocational competencies at least to the level being assessed; and

be able to demonstrate how they are continuing to develop their VET knowledge and skills as well as maintaining their industry currency and assessor competence.


Foundation Skills

This section describes those core and employment skills that are essential to performance and are not explicit in the performance criteria.

Numeracy skills to:

complete calculations to determine:

panel amounts required to satisfy production orders

optimum volume return from panels

machining schedules considering human and equipment resource capacity.

complete routine production records involving dimensions, panel profiles and quantities tallied against work orders.

analyse machining process data to measure performance of cutting operations.

Oral communication skills to:

provide clear and unambiguous information to operators about:

initial and changing cutting patterns and schedules

requirements to dispose of sub-standard panels and off-cuts.

Reading skills to:

interpret production orders.

Writing skills to:

develop documents in a style and format easily understood by others:

cutting patterns and schedules

reports on systematic issues with machining processes, potential process improvements including rationale for recommendations

complete accurate basic records of cutting output and equipment faults.

Planning and organising skills to:

source, collect and organise data to inform cutting schedules and process improvement reports

efficiently and logically manage operational logistics for machining activities.

Problem-solving skills to:

assess machining processes during operation and take quick action to modify schedules to resolve output problems

investigate equipment faults, consider systematic issues and resolve

analyse production problems, consider various solutions and determine process improvements.

Teamwork skills to:

take responsibility for coordinating a team of operators for effective machining operations.

Technology skills to:

monitor and evaluate the operational effectiveness of machining equipment

use a computer, keyboard and software to prepare cutting patterns, machining schedules, and reports.


Range Statement

Not Applicable


Sectors

Wood Panel Products