Modification History
Not applicable.
Unit Descriptor
Unit descriptor
This competency covers the operation of resin transfer moulding equipment and the resolving of routine problems to procedure.
Application of the Unit
Application of this unit
This competency applies to operators who are required to undertake the routine operation of resin transfer moulding equipment for the production of composites.
It is typically performed by operators working either independently or as part of a work team.
The operator will:
- check product for quality and conformity to specifications
- check materials are correct
- notice any problems and take required action (e.g. reporting)
- deal with non-conforming products, waste and scrap.
- complete logs and reports.
They may record key variables such as machine conditions and production rate and
reasons for interruptions.
These unit does not include :
- packing of product - see MSASUP204A Pack products or materials
- finishing of product - see PMBFIN201 Finish products and components
Licensing/Regulatory Information
Not applicable.
Pre-Requisites
Prerequisites
This unit has no prerequisites.
Employability Skills Information
Employability Skills
The required outcomes described in this unit contain applicable Employability Skills. The Employability Skills Summary of the qualification(s) in which this unit is packaged will assist in identifying Employability Skill requirements.
Elements and Performance Criteria Pre-Content
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ELEMENT Elements describe the essential outcomes of a unit of competency |
PERFORMANCE CRITERIA Performance criteria describe the required performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. Assessment of performance is to be consistent with the evidence guide. |
Elements and Performance Criteria
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ELEMENT ELEMENT |
PERFORMANCE CRITERIA Performance criteria describe the required performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. Assessment of performance is to be consistent with the evidence guide. |
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1. Check work requirements. |
1.1 Identify work requirements from production plan or request. 1.2 Check product, materials and equipment meet requirements for job/s. 1.3 Recognise requirements which may not be in accordance with usual practice. 1.4 Ask questions of appropriate person to confirm non standard job specifications. 1.5 Ensure housekeeping is to requirements. 1.6 Identify hazards associated with the job and take appropriate action. 1.7 Undertake other pre-operational checks in accordance with procedures. |
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2. Conduct pre-operational checks as required. |
2.1 Check safety equipment is in position and working. 2.2 Check moulds, closures and fittings to procedures. 2.3 Check moulds for cracks, chips, marks and cleanliness. 2.4 Check materials including fibre preforms, resins additives and release agents are correct. 2.5 Undertake other pre-start checks in accordance with procedures. |
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3. Operate equipment to procedures. |
3.1 Check process is operating within required limits. 3.2 Check product is in specification and to required quality standard. 3.3 Maintain supply of material(s) as required. 3.4 Complete logs and records as required. 3.5 Collect and segregate scrap, waste and other materials as required. 3.6 Complete logs and records as required. 3.7 Keep equipment and work area clean. 3.8 Pause cycle or stop equipment in an emergency, as required. |
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4. Resolve routine problems. |
4.1 Recognise known faults that occur during the operation. 4.2 Identify and take action on causes of routine faults. 4.3 Log problems as required. 4.4 Identify non-routine problems and report to designated person. |
Required Skills and Knowledge
This describes the essential skills and knowledge and their level required for this unit.
Application of knowledge of the materials, equipment and process sufficient to recognise out of specification products, process problems and materials faults.
Knowledge and ability to implement organization procedures and relevant regulatory requirements; within appropriate time constraints and work standards.
Application of knowledge of managing risks using hierarchy of controls applied to the resin transfer moulding process. Application of approved hazard control and safety procedures and the use of PPE in relation to handling materials, equipment operation and cleanup.
Knowledge and skills in the operation of resin transfer moulding process and equipment sufficient for consistent production of quality products including:
- production workflow sequences and materials demand
- reasons for checking process control panels and reporting readings which do not conform to the work instructions
- correct selection and use of equipment, materials, processes and procedures
- accurately monitoring equipment operation and product quality
- potential effects of variations in raw materials and equipment operation in relation to quality of product
- processing behaviour of polymers and the role of additives
- waste management and knowing the importance of re-using non-conforming products wherever possible
- effects of unauthorised or emergency shutdown in relation to safety and production requirements
- identifying 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 when the operator is able to rectify faults, when assistance is required and who is the appropriate source for assistance
- identify and describe own role and role of others involved directly in the resin transfer moulding process.
Language , literacy and numeracy requirements
This unit requires the ability to read and interpret typical product specifications, job sheets, procedures, material labels, basic machine control panels, and safety information as provided to operators.
Writing is required to the level of completing workplace forms.
Numeracy is required to the level of reading tables of figures and graphs (and applying the resultant information), using formula percentages/ratios to determine the required mass of an additive (catalyst, pigment etc.) for a given amount of resin, and similar manipulations and interpretation.
Evidence Guide
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 knowledge and skills defined in this unit. These may include the ability to:
- apply the required skills and knowledge to operate resin transfer moulding equipment
- apply approved procedures
Consistent performance should be demonstrated. For example, look to see that:
- resin transfer moulding production standards are met consistently
- all safety procedures are followed
Assessment method and context
Assessment will occur on a resin transfer moulding equipment and will be undertaken in a work-like environment.
Competence in this unit may be assessed:
- by using appropriate resin transfer moulding equipment requiring demonstration of operation and emergency stop procedures
- in a situation allowing for the generation of evidence of the ability to 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.
Range Statement
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. 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 all resin transfer moulding operations within the plastics and rubber sectors. It includes the operation of all relevant additional equipment integral to the process.
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:
- resin transfer moulding equipment such as moulds, resin pumps and fittings
- components of resin transfer moulding equipment such as closures, couplings, hoses, breathers, bleeders
- controller (such as PLC), if fitted
- hand tools used in this process
- material loading equipment used for loading of raw materials
- relevant personal protective equipment.
Hazards
Typical hazards include:
- spills
- dusts/vapours
- slip and fall
- temperature
- hazardous substances
- moving equipment
- manual handling hazards.
Problems
'Respond to routine problems' means apply known solutions to a limited range of predictable problems. Typical process and product problems may include:
- resin, over or undersupplied to mould
- equipment malfunction
- variations in process conditions, especially temperature variations affecting cure rate
- variations in materials or contamination of materials
- equipment, tool or mould damage
- routine product faults
- mould/tooling problems.
Appropriate action for non-routine problems may be reporting to designated person or
other action specified in the procedures.
Variables
Key variables to be monitored include:
- operating temperatures
- cycle time
- output rate
- surface finish and condition
- product weight
- product integrity and general conformance to specification/ sample.
Unit Sector(s)
Not applicable.
