Modification History
Release 1 |
New unit |
Unit Descriptor
This unit of competency covers the skills and knowledge required to fabricate composites using hand lay-up and/or chopper gun and/or other open moulding techniques.
Application of the Unit
This unit covers one of the fundamental techniques for fabricating a composite product – open moulding techniques. These are the traditional methods of composite fabrication and provide great flexibility in application. Open moulding may be undertaken by an individual or a fabrication team. It may be undertaken in a workshop or factory environment or in the field and may be used to manufacture new products, prototypes and samples, or to make repairs.
This unit is one of three units covering the basic composite fabrication techniques, the other two being MEM26002A Lay up composites using vacuum closed moulding techniques and MEM26003A Lay up composites using pressure closed moulding techniques, which together are intended to ensure the composite tradesperson can undertake a basic fabrication using these methods.
Licensing/Regulatory Information
Not applicable.
Pre-Requisites
Not applicable.
Employability Skills Information
This unit contains employability skills.
Elements and Performance Criteria Pre-Content
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. |
Elements and Performance Criteria
1 |
Select process |
1.1 |
Identify product requirements |
1.2 |
Select open moulding technique most appropriate to product requirements |
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1.3 |
Identify or develop required procedures to make product using selected process |
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2 |
Set up equipment/workplace |
2.1 |
Select required items of equipment and ancillary equipment |
2.2 |
Prepare equipment and ancillary equipment, as required |
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2.3 |
Assemble all equipment ready for use as required by procedure |
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3 |
Prepare materials |
3.1 |
Identify required reinforcing/reinforcing system |
3.2 |
Determine quantity of reinforcing required |
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3.3 |
Prepare reinforcing as required |
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3.4 |
Identify required resin system |
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3.5 |
Identify and control hazards |
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3.6 |
Determine quantity of resin components required |
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3.7 |
Check adequate quantities are available |
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3.8 |
Mix resin |
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3.9 |
Minimise waste |
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3.10 |
Test resin |
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4 |
Fabricate and adjust equipment and materials, as required |
4.1 |
Apply gel coat, as required |
4.2 |
Apply resin and reinforcing, as required |
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4.3 |
Ensure required resin distribution |
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4.4 |
Cure product |
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4.5 |
Remove product from mould when ready |
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4.6 |
Perform final verification of meeting product requirements |
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5 |
Clean up and maintain equipment |
5.1 |
Clean all moulding and mixing equipment |
5.2 |
Undertake minor maintenance, as required |
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5.3 |
Prepare for next use or storage, as required |
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5.4 |
Inspect equipment for faults and take appropriate corrective action |
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5.5 |
Store equipment, as required |
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5.6 |
Minimise waste |
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5.7 |
Dispose of waste, as appropriate |
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5.8 |
Complete required logs and reports |
Required Skills and Knowledge
This section describes the skills and knowledge required for this unit. |
Required skills |
Required skills include:
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Required knowledge |
Required knowledge includes:
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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. |
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Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit |
Assessment for this unit of competency will occur on the job. It is essential that the process and equipment be understood and that the importance of critical material properties, settings and readings is known. Competence must be demonstrated in the ability to recognise and analyse potential situations requiring action and then in implementing appropriate corrective action. Consistent performance should be demonstrated. In particular look to see that:
Competence must be demonstrated in the operation of all ancillary equipment to the level required for this unit of competency. |
Context of and specific resources for assessment |
Assessment will require the fabrication of suitable objects using open moulding techniques. Assessment will occur over a range of situations which will include disruptions to normal, smooth operation. |
Method of assessment |
Typically, persons engaged in composites trade work are required to apply their skills and techniques across a range of jobs and specifications. A single assessment event is not appropriate. On the job assessment must be included as part of the assessment process. Assessment judgements 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 |
Assessment processes and techniques must be culturally appropriate and appropriate to the language and literacy capacity of the candidate and the work being performed. |
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. |
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Procedures |
Procedures may be written, verbal, computer-based or in some other form, and may include:
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Open moulding techniques |
Open moulding techniques may include:
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Requirements of product |
Requirements of product may be determined from various sources, including:
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Equipment |
Equipment includes:
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Preparing reinforcing |
Preparing reinforcing includes:
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Logs and reports |
Logs and reports may include:
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Appropriate action |
Appropriate action includes:
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Typical problems |
Typical problems may include:
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Health, safety and environment (HSE) |
All operations to which this unit applies are subject to stringent HSE requirements, which may be imposed through state/territory or federal legislation, and these must not be compromised at any time. Where there is an apparent conflict between Performance Criteria and HSE requirements, the HSE requirements take precedence |
Unit Sector(s)
Composites
Custom Content Section
Not applicable.