This unit applies to the finishing of a wide range of products made from metals and plastics. This unit is not intended to apply to touch-up finishing related to maintenance or assembly activities. Examples of applications are pre-decorative and post decorative plating, jewellery production, component manufacture and machining and marine vessel construction.

Band: A

Unit Weight: 6

Path 1

MEM18001C

Use hand tools

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1. Select appropriate finishing/polishing procedure

1.1. Surface finish specifications are understood and appropriate finishing/polishing method/technique is selected for the work requirements.

1.2. Appropriate finishing/polishing equipment/media is selected for the work material and work requirements.

2. Install and set up grinding and polishing devices

2.1. Endless belt linishers are fitted according to standard operating procedures.

2.2. Grinding wheels and mops are fitted and dressed according to standard operating procedures.

2.3. Polishing mops are installed and set up according to standard operating procedures.

3. Identify job materials

3.1. Common metals, alloys and non-metals are identified.

4. Identify job surface condition

4.1. Common surface imperfections are identified.

5. Assess processing hazards associated with work piece size and shape

5.1. Hazards are correctly identified.

5.2. Correct safe working procedures are followed.

6. Grind, finish, brush and/or polish job

6.1. Job surface is finished to specification according to standard operating procedures.

Required skills

Look for evidence that confirms skills in:

reading and following information on standard operating procedures

checking and clarifying task-related information

selecting appropriate polishing/finishing method to suit work requirements

fitting and adjusting endless belts on linishing machines

fitting and dressing grinding wheels and mops on pedestal grinders

installing and setting up polishing mops in polishing machines

producing surface finishes to specification

identifying surface imperfections

assessing processing hazards

Required knowledge

Look for evidence that confirms knowledge of:

typical surface finish specifications within the scope of this unit

procedures, tools and techniques for fitting and adjusting endless belts on linishing machines

procedures, tools and techniques required to fit and dress grinding wheels and mops

procedures tools and techniques for installing and setting up polishing mops

characteristics of common metals, alloys and non-metals

appropriate polishing media to be used in finishing/polishing for different types of materials

effect of different types and grades of polishing media on the surface finish

finishing and polishing methods/techniques

reasons for selecting a specific method/technique

common surface imperfections/defects

surface imperfections/defects that can be removed/repaired by manual finishing/polishing procedures

procedures for handling components with surface imperfections/defects that cannot be removed/repaired

methods and techniques to check for conformance to specifications

hazards associated with the manual finishing/polishing process

personal protective clothing and equipment

safe work practices and procedures

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 manually finish/polish materials. Competency in this unit cannot be claimed until all prerequisites have been satisfied.

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in 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.

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, that is the candidate is not in productive work, 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 manually finishing/polishing materials or other units requiring the exercise of the skills and knowledge covered by this unit.

Method of assessment

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, codes, standards, manuals and reference materials.

Guidance information for assessment

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.

Finish

Brightness, texture, roughness comparison

Finishing/polishing equipment

Endless belt grinders; table linishers; pedestal grinders and polishers; felt wheels, fabric mops and brushes with underhand and overhand techniques; flexible drive appliances; buffing compounds; cutting compounds and abrasive belts

Finishing/polishing media

Solid and liquid compositions containing alumina, silicon carbide, diamond dust, tripoli, calcium oxide and iron oxides

Material

Cast iron, steel, zinc and its alloys, copper, aluminium and its alloys, bronzes, sterling silver, gold and plastics

Common surface imperfections

Pitted surface, machining lines, scale, rust

Hazards

Airborne dust inhalation, unsecured components

Unit sector

This unit contains employability skills.