Application of this unit

This competency applies to technicians/technologists who work with dies/tools. The key factors are the identification of key features, their impact on the process/product and the recommendation of modifications to dies/tools.

It includes:

describing components and functions using appropriate terminology

interpreting drawings

identifying design features and their impact on product

making recommendations for improving/optimising die design.

Prerequisites

This unit of competency has the prerequisites of:

MEM9.2B Interpret technical drawing

MSAOPS401A Trial new process or product

This describes the essential skills and knowledge and their level required for this unit.

Knowledge and understanding of the materials, equipment and process sufficient to predict their interactions and their impacts on performance.

Knowledge of organization procedures and policies along with the ability to implement them within appropriate time constraints and in a manner relevant to the job.

Knowledge as a basis for solving processing and material problems including:

interpret technical drawings and specifications for tools

function of tool components and systems

function of clamping/mounting/ancillary systems

tool operating principles and adjustments

impact of product design on tooling design

impact of tooling design on product

impact of tool design and material properties on productivity

the technical strengths and weaknesses of common processing and fabrication technologies and their relative suitability for classes of products

the economic and market features of common processing and fabrication technologies and their impact on the selection of a technology for a product

impact of polymer and polymer compound properties on tool performance and product

material/tool interactions

the impact of different tool designs on product and productivity

the temperature effects on process and product

distinguish between types of tool designs required for different product types

fine tune and balance (where appropriate) the tooling.

Language, literacy and numeracy requirements

This unit requires high levels of numeracy and literacy with the ability to interpret technical specifications and reports. Advanced numeracy allowing the calculation and interpretation of statistics, product formulae and process conditions is also required.

The Evidence Guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge, the range statement and the assessment guidelines for this training package.

Overview of assessment

A holistic approach should be taken to the assessment.

Assessors must be satisfied that the person can consistently perform the unit as a whole, as defined by the Elements, Performance Criteria and skills and knowledge.

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

The critical aspects for this unit of competency is the ability to apply a thorough understanding of polymer materials, their additives and the rheological, heat and other effects of processing to the design of tools and components. This understanding of material and process interactions should also be able to be applied in the interpretation of technical specifications and drawings.

Assessment method and context

Assessment will occur on industrial tools and will be undertaken in a work-like environment.

Competence in this unit may be assessed:

using appropriate, industrial tools

in a situation allowing for the generation of evidence of the ability to recognise, anticipate and respond to problems

by using a suitable simulation and/or a range of case studies/scenarios

through a combination of these techniques.

In all cases it is expected that practical assessment will be combined with targeted questioning to assess the underpinning knowledge and theoretical assessment will be combined with appropriate practical/simulation or similar assessment. Assessors need to be aware of any cultural issues that may affect responses to questions.

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

Specific resources for assessment

This section should be read in conjunction with the Range Statement for this unit of competency. Resources required include suitable access to an operating plant or equipment that allows for appropriate and realistic simulation. A bank of case studies/scenarios and questions will also be required to the extent that they form part of the assessment method. Questioning may take place either in the workplace, or in an adjacent, quiet facility such as an office or lunchroom. No other special resources are required.

Access must be provided to appropriate learning and/or assessment support when required. Where applicable, physical resources should include equipment modified for people with disabilities.

The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Add any 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.

Where reference is made to industry codes of practice and/or Australian/international standards, the latest version must be used.

Context

This competency unit includes the analysis of dies, tools and moulds and the products made from them. It does not include moulds such as are used for composites or thermoforming.

The competency does not require a knowledge of industry sectors and materials other than that in which the technician works. It assumes an understanding of the operation of all relevant equipment and processes but does not necessarily require them to be used personally.

Procedures

All operations are performed in accordance with procedures.

Procedures include all relevant workplace procedures, work instructions, temporary instructions and relevant industry and government codes and standards.

Not applicable.

This unit contains employability skills.

Not applicable.