Application of this unit

This competency is typically performed by technicians applying knowledge of materials, product purpose and processes to the design of 'sandwich' composites that meet specific performance requirements in terms of strength, stiffness and/or weight. It also requires transferring and applying theoretical concepts and skills to analyse and plan approaches to technical problems.

The technician will:

determine appropriate materials and processes to meet design objectives

determine appropriate equipment and process settings and adjustments

develop drawings of new product

solve technical problems associated with the design and manufacturing procedures.

Prerequisites

This unit has the prerequisite of MEM9.3B Prepare basic engineering drawing.

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

Application of knowledge of materials, equipment and process sufficient to recognise material and equipment conditions which may lead to out of specification production. For example, poor adhesion can result in delamination under stress, impact and load conditions

Knowledge and ability to implement organization procedures, quality requirements at each production stage and relevant regulatory requirements, within appropriate time constraints and work standards.

Application of the knowledge of managing risks using the hierarchy of controls applied to the production process. Application of approved hazard control and safety procedures and the use of PPE in relation to handling materials, equipment operation and cleanup

Knowledge as a basis for developing designs that meet new product requirements:

principal construction techniques and the technical advantages of various types

material properties and their suitability for use as core (eg PVC rigid foams, PU foams, SAN foams, linear PVC foams, plywood, balsa, and various honeycomb materials)

layered or laminate structural behaviour

hand lay-up and vacuum-bagging techniques

failure modes

function and operating principles of composites forming equipment, machine components and ancillary equipment

impact of temperature, pressure, time, on product quality and production output

correct selection and use of equipment, materials, processes and procedures

impact of variations in raw materials and equipment operation in relation to final product

factors which may affect product quality or production output and appropriate remedies.

Competence also includes the ability to:

plan own work, including predicting consequences and identifying improvements

identify and describe own role and role of others involved directly in the design and manufacturing process

identify when assistance is required to solve problems.

Language, literacy and numeracy requirements

This unit requires the ability to write and 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

It is essential that competence is demonstrated in the ability to select the appropriate moulded laminate structure to meet the cost and performance specification for the particular job.

It is essential that competence is demonstrated in the knowledge and skills defined in this unit. These may include the ability to:

identify critical materials properties and structural considerations in relation to the design objectives and the end product

make design modifications , as required

identify and develop solutions to technical problems

Consistent performance should be demonstrated. For example, look to see that:

design objectives are consistently met

manufacturing codes of practice are observed

Assessment method and context

Assessment will occur on a sandwich-type composite design process and will be undertaken in a work-like environment.

Competence in this unit may be assessed:

over a range of actual design projects which are implemented in the workplace

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 applies to the design of composite products using sandwich construction within the plastics and rubber industries. It covers the design of new sandwich products within the scope of normal sandwich product manufacture for the enterprise, ie using the range of materials and techniques which are standard within the enterprise.

For design outside this range, see PMBTECH601A Develop a new product.

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.

Tools and equipment

This competency includes use of equipment and tools such as:

drawing tools (including computer aided drawing)

measuring tools.

Typical hazards include:

hazardous vapours and materials

fibres, airborne and handled.

Problems

'Anticipate and solve problems' means develop solutions to a wide range of problems associated with the design and manufacture of a new product.

Typical design and product problems may include:

structural optimisation

strength problems

core shearing

bending

cost.

Variables

Key design variables include:

size

weight

thickness

loading modes

strength

stiffness

Not applicable.

This unit contains employability skills.

Not applicable.