Application

This unit of competency has been developed for post trade engineering fabrication training and the recognition of post trade skills in writing basic numerical control (NC) and/or computer numerical control (CNC) programs for thermal cutting machines.

It defines the skills and knowledge required to identify computer controlled thermal cutting machine program elements, write a basic program and operation sheet, and trial and complete the program for thermal cutting machines as defined in the unit in conjunction with its prerequisites.

This unit scope includes writing basic programs to describe simple thermal cutting machine operations, including cutting paths, using appropriate software for machines which incorporates single or multiple nozzles and material loaders where they are part of the thermal cutting machine.

Where basic programming of other computer controlled machines is required unit MEM07018 Write basic NC and CNC programs should also be selected.

Where the selection and use of power tools and/or handheld operations is required, the unit MEM18002 Use power tools/hand held operations should also be selected.

No licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.

What You'll Learn

Assessment Requirements

Performance Evidence

Evidence required to demonstrate competence in this unit must be relevant to and satisfy the requirements of the elements and performance criteria and include the ability to:

follow work instructions, standard operating procedures (SOPs) and safe work practices

identify and interpret job specifications, engineering drawings, and other applicable work instructions for information relevant to writing basic numerical control (NC) and/or computer numerical control (CNC) programs for thermal cutting machines

interpret basic NC/CNC thermal cutting machines controller elements which do not require programming using canned cycles and sub-routines

write a basic program in standard code format by interpreting drawings to define basic machine function and cutting path geometry and calculating co-ordinates for cutting path and producing operation sheets to specifications on at least two occasions

trial and edit basic programs by operating machine in manual mode to test and prove program and adjusting operation as required on at least two occasions

check components for compliance against specifications.

Note: Where a volume and/or frequency is not specified, demonstration must be provided at least once.

Knowledge Evidence

Evidence required to demonstrate the required knowledge for this unit must be relevant to and satisfy the requirements of the elements and performance criteria and include knowledge of:

safe work practices and procedures and use of personal protective equipment (PPE)

elements of a basic NC/CNC program

function of elements in controlling the operation of an NC/CNC machine

types of NC/CNC thermal cutting and welding machines and their applications

thermal cutting operations controlled by a program

cutting paths to be followed when cutting a part or product and the reasons for selecting cutting paths and sequence of operations

zero point of the NC/CNC machine

standard codes, applications and procedures used in the writing of NC/CNC programs

procedures and information to be included for completing NC/CNC operation sheets

procedures for manual operation of the NC/CNC machine and reasons for testing and proving the NC/CNC program

procedures for editing the NC/CNC program via the machine controller

effects of editing on the operation of the NC/CNC machine and the part or product to be cut

measuring equipment and techniques used to check for conformance to specification.

Assessment Conditions

Assessors must:

have vocational competency in writing basic NC/CNC programs for thermal cutting machines at least to the level being assessed with relevant industry knowledge and experience

satisfy the assessor requirements in the Standards for Registered Training Organisations 2015 or its replacement and comply with the National Vocational Education and Training Regulator Act 2011, its replacement or equivalent legislation covering VET regulation in a non-referring state/territory as the case requires.

Assessment must occur in a functioning workplace. Where assessment in the workplace would be unsafe, impractical or threatens the environment, assessment must occur in a sufficiently rigorous simulated environment that reflects the circumstances that would be experienced in a functioning workplace. Assessment must cover all aspects of workplace performance, including task skills, task management skills, contingency management skills and job role environment skills.

Knowledge assessment may be either verbal or written but must adequately reflect the knowledge requirements of the unit in a functioning workplace.

Conditions for assessment must include access to all tools, equipment, materials and documentation required, including relevant workplace procedures, product and manufacturing specifications.

Assessment processes and techniques must be appropriate to the language, literacy and numeracy requirements of the work being performed and the needs of the candidate.

Foundation Skills

• text: This section describes those language, literacy, numeracy and employment skills that are essential to performance but not explicit in the performance criteria. Foundation skills essential to performance are explicit in the performance criteria of this unit of competency.

Prerequisite Units

• {'code': 'MEM05007', 'title': 'Perform manual heating and thermal cutting'}
• {'code': 'MEM05009', 'title': 'Perform automated thermal cutting'}
• {'code': 'MEM05071', 'title': 'Perform advanced manual thermal cutting, gouging and shaping'}
• {'code': 'MEM05086', 'title': 'Set and edit computer controlled thermal cutting machines'}
• {'code': 'MEM09002', 'title': 'Interpret technical drawing'}
• {'code': 'MEM11011', 'title': 'Undertake manual handling'}
• {'code': 'MEM12023', 'title': 'Perform engineering measurements'}
• {'code': 'MEM13015', 'title': 'Work safely and effectively in manufacturing and engineering'}
• {'code': 'MEM16006', 'title': 'Organise and communicate information'}
• {'code': 'MEM16008', 'title': 'Interact with computing technology'}
• {'code': 'MEM18001', 'title': 'Use hand tools'}

Parent Qualifications

• MEM40119 — Certificate IV in Engineering
  MEM

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