Application

This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to use specialised equipment or procedures to cut plastic materials to size or shape, or to a pattern.
This unit applies to an experienced technician working alone or as part of a team.
The unit principally refers to the universal techniques that distinguish polymer cutting from metal-cutting operations, and the specialisations that may come from polymer cutting, such as rigid sheet plastic.
No licensing or certification requirements exist at the time of publication. Relevant legislation, industry standards and codes of practice within Australia must be applied.

What You'll Learn

Assessment Requirements

Performance Evidence

There must be evidence the candidate has completed the tasks outlined in the elements and performance criteria of this unit, and demonstrated the ability to:
• cut plastic materials at least once to meet job specifications.

Knowledge Evidence

There must be evidence the candidate has knowledge of:
• function and principles of operation of the cutting tools/equipment being used
• types of materials that commonly require manual or machine cutting in the sector and their behaviour when cutting them
• types of cutting equipment commonly used and their suitability for different materials, including:
• guillotines
• power saws
• jig saws
• band saws
• thermal cutting devices
• programmable logic controllers (if fitted)
• the criteria for overall process/equipment readiness for the process or equipment being used
• production workflow sequences and materials demand
• key variables that may affect product quality and production
• typical process and product problems, including early warning signs, possible causes and corrective actions
• organisational procedures relevant to the work environment or job role, including procedures for the emergency shutdown of equipment
• hazards that may arise in the job or work environment, and:
• their possible causes
• potential consequences
• appropriate risk controls.

Assessment Conditions

Skills must have been demonstrated in the workplace or in a simulated environment that reflects workplace conditions and contingencies.
Assessors must satisfy the NVR/AQTF mandatory competency requirements for assessors.

Foundation Skills

• {'skill': 'Foundation Skills', 'description': 'This section describes those language, literacy, numeracy and employment skills that are essential to performance.\n• Numeracy skills to interpret technical specifications and equipment readings.\n• Reading skills to interpret specifications and workplace procedures.\n• Writing and oral communication skills to record and report on cutting operations.\nOther foundation skills essential to performance are explicit in the performance criteria of this unit of competency.'}

Parent Qualifications

• PMB20121 — Certificate II in Polymer Processing
  PMB
• PMB40121 — Certificate IV in Polymer Technology
  PMB

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