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PMBPROD355E Current

Application

This unit describes the application of the skills and knowledge required to plan and make a pattern or plug suitable for a full range of production moulds.
This unit applies to an experienced technician working alone or as part of a team.
The unit principally refers to the construction of a suitable pattern (often called the ‘plug’) as the traditional starting point for the composite moulding production processes.
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

1.

  • 1.1 Identify and check materials required, including additives and regrind, and their amounts or percentage ratios, from job specifications
  • 1.3 Perform pre-operational checks including checking for and controlling hazards
  • 1.4 Identify checks and testing processes required for equipment, materials, quality and production management

2.

  • 2.1 Produce a plan for pattern or plug based on job specifications
  • 2.3 Set up and adjust work area, tools, materials and equipment ready for construction of pattern or plug
  • 2.4 Verify materials, including measurements, are correct against job specifications
  • 2.5 Perform test run of pattern or plug creation process to ensure output meets job specifications
  • 2.6 Undertake other pre-startup checks according to equipment specifications and workplace procedures

3.

  • 3.1 Start pattern or plug construction process, and make adjustments to settings to meet job specifications
  • 3.3 Follow checking and testing processes to assess if output meets job specifications and quality standards, and apply strategies for managing nonconforming outputs
  • 3.4 Complete construction process according to job specifications
  • 3.5 Finish pattern or plug by treating, preparing and repairing surface as required
  • 3.6 Work efficiently to minimise scrap and trim according to workplace procedures
  • 3.7 Clean and adjust equipment according to equipment specifications and workplace procedures

4.

  • 4.1 Recognise existing or potential process control variances and their causes
  • 4.3 Monitor process control variances and corrective actions taken until resolved
  • 4.4 Accurately maintain records and logbooks

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:
• make a pattern or plug for a composite mould at least once to meet job specifications.

Knowledge Evidence

There must be evidence the candidate has knowledge of:
• composite moulding processes and function and operating principles of moulding equipment
• production workflow sequences and materials demand
• characteristics of materials and their behaviour in the processes
• the criteria for overall process/equipment readiness for the process or equipment being used
• quality requirements at each stage of construction
• moulding process variables that affect pattern or plug construction and materials, including
• temperatures
• colour and uniformity
• surface finish or appearance
• times (including curing rates)
• general conformance to specification
• product design requirements that affect pattern or plug construction and materials
• common options and adjustments in pattern or plug construction, including methods for surface treatment, preparation and repair
• typical and atypical process and product problems, including early warning signs, possible causes and corrective actions
• organisational procedures relevant to the work environment or job role
• 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 calculate quantities of materials required.\n• Reading skills to interpret job and equipment specifications and workplace procedures.\n• Writing and oral communication skills to record and report on process control variances.\nOther foundation skills essential to performance are explicit in the performance criteria of this unit of competency.'}

Parent Qualifications

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Last updated from training.gov.au: 07 April 2026