Unit of competency details

Unit descriptor 

This unit of competency covers determining the job requirements and sequence of operations, selecting and mounting tools, performing the machining, measuring the components, and adjusting and maintaining a range of standard machine tools.

Application of the unit 

The unit of competency applies to the use of machinery to shape metal including lathes, mills, planers, shapers, radial arm drills, slotters and surface grinders.

This unit has been developed to support Engineering Tradesperson - Mechanical apprenticeship training and the recognition of trade level skills in machining operations. Skills covered by this unit are generally applied in occupational and work situations associated with fitting and machining. It may also apply to other trade occupations requiring general machining skills. It may also apply in some circumstances to senior operators who have responsibility for machine set up, selection of materials and lubricants, establishment of datum points and basic marking out, and setting of speeds, feeds and other machining parameters.

This unit has application in the MEM30205 Certificate III in Engineering - Mechanical qualification and other qualifications requiring a basic trade level of machining skills. It may also apply to MEM20205 Certificate II in Engineering - Production Technology and MEM30105 Certificate III in Engineering - Production Systems and other qualifications requiring machining skills.

Machining is undertaken on one or more of a range of standard machine tools. Machines are not computer numerical controlled (CNC) machines.

Where machining is undertaken without undertaking any set up including mounting of tools, setting of speeds, feeds and other operational parameters then either MEM07024B Operate and monitor machine/process or MEM07025B Perform advanced machine/process operation should be selected.

Drilling operations in this unit exclude those covered by MEM18002B Use power tools/hand held operations.

Where substantial marking out is required, MEM12006C Mark off/out (general engineering) should be considered.

Where precision measurement is required, MEM12003B Perform precision mechanical measurement should also be considered.

For set-up and operation of electro-discharge (EDM) machines, refer to MEM07014B Perform electro-discharge (EDM) machining operations.

Band : A 

Unit Weight : 8 

Prerequisite units 

Path 1 

MEM09002B

Interpret technical drawing

MEM12023A

Perform engineering measurements

MEM18001C

Use hand tools

Employability skills 

This unit contains employability skills.

Elements describe the essential outcomes of a unit of competency.

Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. Where bold italicised text is used, further information is detailed in the required skills and knowledge section and the range statement. Assessment of performance is to be consistent with the evidence guide.

ELEMENT 

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA 

1. Determine job requirements

1.1. Drawings, instructions and specifications are interpreted and understood

2. Determine sequence of operations

2.1. Sequence of operations including job set-up is determined for maximum efficiency and to meet job specifications

2.2. Appropriate material is selected and datum established as required

3. Select and mount tools

3.1. Appropriate tools for job are selected, sharpened and shaped as required

3.2. Tools are mounted and positioned correctly

4. Perform machining operations

4.1. Basic marking out techniques are used where required

4.2. Machining parameters are set for job requirements and maximum tool life

4.3. Work is held or correctly clamped without damage to product, and all safety requirements are met

4.4. Machining is performed in a safe manner utilising all guards, safety procedures and personal protective clothing and equipment

5. Measure components

5.1. Components are checked with instruments or gauges appropriate to the measurement requirements to ensure compliance with specifications

6. Adjust and maintain machine

6.1. Routine maintenance and adjustments are carried out as required which may include slide and collar adjustment, cleaning and lubrication

REQUIRED SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE 

This section describes the skills and knowledge required for this unit.

Required skills 

Required skills include:

• reading and interpreting routine information on written job instructions, specifications and standard operating procedures which may include drawings
• following oral instruction
• planning and sequencing operations
• preparing operational work plan
• sharpening and shaping cutting tools
• identifying worn or damaged cutting tools
• correct mounting and positioning of cutting tools
• basic marking out of materials
• setting machining parameters to achieve the job requirements and maximise tool life
• using appropriate and sufficient clamping/mounting of the work piece
• using coolant/lubricant correctly
• checking for conformance to specifications
• measuring to specified tolerances and dimensions

Required knowledge 

Required knowledge includes:

• reasons for selecting the chosen sequence of operations
• methods of work holding
• basic marking out techniques including datum points/lines
• geometry of cutting tools for a range of materials and applications
• benefits of using correctly sharpened cutting tools
• machine operation
• selection of feeds and speeds to suit a range of materials and operations within the scope of this unit
• correct methods of mounting a variety of cutting tools
• safety issues with regard to correct clamping, guards and shields
• tolerances and limits of size
• situations indicating the need for machine adjustment, lubrication and cleaning
• techniques, tools and equipment to measure materials and machined components
• use and application of personal protective equipment
• safe work practices and procedures
• hazards and control measures associated with general machining

EVIDENCE GUIDE 

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 perform general machining including responsibility for selecting and mounting tooling and setting machining parameters. 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 apply the skills covered in this unit of competency in new and different situations and contexts. Critical aspects of assessment and evidence include:

• correct job planning including identifying job requirements from drawings, instructions or specifications and sequence of operations
• identifying any required tooling, measuring equipment and accessories
• selecting and mounting required tooling
• selecting material and marking out if required
• setting machining parameters
• checking machined components for conformance to specifications.

Context of and specific resources for assessment 

This unit has been developed to support training in and recognition of trade level competency in general machining as applied to a trade level fitting and machining, other trade or senior operator work environment. Assessment should emphasise a workplace context and procedures found in the candidate's workplace.

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.

Method of assessment 

Typically Engineering Tradespersons - Mechanical and other persons engaged in general machining work are required to apply their machining skills and techniques across a range of jobs and specifications.

A single assessment event is not appropriate. On the job assessment should be included as part of the assessment process wherever possible. Where assessment occurs off the job, judgement must consider evidence of the candidate's performance in a productive work environment that includes a sufficient range of appropriate tasks and materials to cover the scope of application for this unit.

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 

This unit could be assessed in conjunction with any other units addressing the safety, quality, communication, materials handling, recording and reporting associated with performing general machining or other units requiring the exercise of the skills and knowledge covered by 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.

RANGE STATEMENT 

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.

Operations 

Operations may include:

• parallel cutting
• slotting
• planing
• drilling
• knurling
• cutting flats
• non-precision surface grinding operations

Materials 

Materials may include ferrous and non-ferrous

Tools 

Tools may include:

• cutting tools and accessories
• measuring devices

Marking out techniques 

Marking out techniques may include basic marking out techniques using calipers, steel rules, dividers and scribers

Machining parameters 

Machining parameters may include:

• speeds
• feeds
• stops
• coolant and cutting lubricants

Machines 

Machines may include:

• lathes
• mills
• planers
• shapers
• radial arm drills
• slotters
• surface grinder

Maintenance and adjustments 

Maintenance and adjustments may include:

• slide and collar adjustment
• cleaning and lubrication

Unit sector 

Co-requisite units 

Competency field 

Machine and process operations