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PMBPROD392E Current

Application

This unit covers the skills and knowledge required to operate, control and optimise pultrusion production-line machinery to produce finished product.
This unit applies to an experienced technician working alone or as part of a team.
The unit principally refers to a continuous production operation similar to a thermoplastic extrusion line, where the operator must apply knowledge of the materials science and skills from learning and experience to set up and operate the line to achieve consistent, optimal productivity.
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 requirements, including additives, 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 to meet job specifications
  • 1.5 Identify waste management strategies to minimise scrap and trim according to workplace procedures

2.

  • 2.1 Verify equipment requirements against job specifications
  • 2.3 Set up and adjust equipment and production line settings according to equipment and job specifications
  • 2.4 Verify materials, resins and fibres are correct against job specifications
  • 2.5 Set up date, batch and materials markings according to workplace procedures
  • 2.6 Undertake other pre-startup checks according to equipment specifications and workplace procedures

3.

  • 3.1 Start up and operate pultrusion process, and make adjustments to settings to meet job specifications
  • 3.3 Follow checking and testing processes to confirm if output meets job specifications and quality standards, and apply strategies to manage nonconforming outputs
  • 3.4 Maintain continuity of process to support production
  • 3.5 Work efficiently to minimise scrap and trim according to workplace procedures
  • 3.6 Clean, adjust and lubricate equipment according to equipment instructions

4.

  • 4.1 Determine type of shutdown and process to be followed from equipment instructions and workplace procedures
  • 4.3 Clean equipment efficiently and effectively, using appropriate methods and materials according to equipment instructions
  • 4.4 Put guards, locks and notices in place to prevent inadvertent startup
  • 4.5 Accurately complete workplace shutdown documentation
  • 4.6 Clean and clear work area after shutdown in readiness for next startup

5.

  • 5.1 Recognise exiting or potential process control variances and their causes
  • 5.3 Monitor process control variances and corrective actions taken until resolved
  • 5.4 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:
• produce thermoset composites using pultrusion at least once to meet job specifications.

Knowledge Evidence

There must be evidence the candidate has knowledge of:
• the function of pultrusion equipment
• the principles of operation of pultrusion equipment
• pultrusion manufacturing process and materials demand
• types of composites resin and glass fibre materials being used and their characteristics
• characteristics of composites behaviour in the process
• mechanical, hydraulic, pneumatic, electrical and electronic principles that affect machine operation
• 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, including:
• operating temperatures
• speed
• colour and uniformity
• cycle time
• output rate
• product weight
• product integrity and general conformance to specification
• typical and atypical process and product problems, including early warning signs, possible causes and corrective actions
• the distinguishing characteristics of causes of problems as being either based on the properties of materials or caused by process variables
• 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 monitor equipment readings and assess production outputs.\n• Reading skills to interpret job and equipment specifications and workplace procedures.\n• Writing and oral communication skills to record and report on composites production, shutdown and 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