Application

This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to operate, control and optimise calendering processes and equipment to convert vinyl or rubber compounds ready for intermediate or final production.
This unit applies to an experienced technician working alone or as part of a team.
The unit principally refers to the practical skills required to operate a calender, as well as being able to set up, optimise and shut down rubber calendering equipment, organise and use QA testing, and manage the end-to-end process, either working alone on a small machine or supervising a larger one, or managing several machines in the workplace.
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:
• produce calendered rubber or vinyl products at least once to meet job specifications.

Knowledge Evidence

There must be evidence the candidate has knowledge of:
• the functions and operating principles of calendering equipment, machine components and ancillary equipment
• mechanical, hydraulic, pneumatic, electrical and electronic principles that affect machine operation
• calendering workflow sequences and materials demand
• products, materials and material characteristics and behaviour of materials in the calender in relation to:
• heat
• pressure
• flow rate
• tension
• time
• the criteria for overall process/equipment readiness for the process or equipment being used
• typical quality standards required at each stage of production
• key variables that may affect product quality and production output:
• operating temperatures
• speed
• nip settings
• tension
• materials consistency
• surface finish
• product integrity and general conformance to specification
• 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 calender operations.\nOther foundation skills essential to performance are explicit in the performance criteria of this unit of competency.'}

Parent Qualifications

• PMB30121 — Certificate III in Polymer Processing
  PMB

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