Application

This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to create polymer-matrix laminates or pre-moulding forms with vacuum-assisted closed-moulding equipment and materials.
This unit applies to an individual working alone or as part of a team.
This unit principally refers to the general use of process equipment in which liquid resin is applied to a dry lay-up of the reinforcement fabric or mat.
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 has demonstrated the ability to:
• create composites laminates using vacuum-assisted closed-moulding processes at least once to meet work requirements, and including preparation of workplace production moulds, fibre preforms, prepregs, resins, additives and release agents to process specifications.

Knowledge Evidence

There must be evidence the candidate has knowledge of:
• functions of vacuum-assisted closed-moulding equipment
• principles of operation of the equipment in use at the workplace
• polymer thermosetting resins and reinforcements typically in use
• composite laminate production workflow sequences and materials demand
• the criteria for overall process or equipment readiness for the process or equipment being used
• key variables that may impact product quality or production output, including:
• vacuum-assisted closed-moulding equipment conditions
• production rate
• curing time and conditions
• typical quality standards at each stage of 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 information and equipment readings.\n• Reading skills to interpret specifications and workplace procedures.\n• Writing and oral communication skills to record and report on vacuum-assisted closed-moulding equipment 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
• PMB30121 — Certificate III in Polymer Processing
  PMB

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