Application

This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to optimise operations and solve routine problems by applying general polymer material and process knowledge.
This unit applies to an experienced technician working alone or as part of a team.
The unit principally refers to thermoplastic and rubber polymers but not thermoset composites. It introduces polymer technology concepts and their practical application to common processes and routine production.
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 of competency, and demonstrated the ability to:
• optimise polymer processing operations at least once to achieve required production outputs.

Knowledge Evidence

There must be evidence the candidate has knowledge of:
• the principles of polymer processing operations, and functions of associated equipment
• production workflow sequences and materials demand
• types and application of common polymer materials and additives, including the effects of using the incorrect amount or type of additive
• structure of common polymers
• commonly accepted diagrammatic representations of polymer molecular shape and arrangement
• polymer properties related to flow, including:
• molecular weight
• molecular structure
• factors effecting apparent viscosity
• polymer properties related to common polymer types and grades
• impact of common impurities on process and product
• the impact of temperature and heating or cooling rate on processing and properties
• characteristics of materials and their behaviour in relation to process conditions and stages of production
• key variables that may affect product quality and production output
• other typical and atypical process and product problems, including early warning signs, possible causes and corrective actions
• the distinguishing characteristics of causes of problems, and the application of problem analysis and problem-solving methods to polymer processing and polymer products
• organisational procedures relevant to the work environment or job role.

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 manage measurements of materials and analyse production output results.\n• Reading skills to interpret job and equipment specifications and workplace procedures.\n• Writing and oral communication skills to record, report on and analyse production outputs and make recommendations for improvements.\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
• PMB40121 — Certificate IV in Polymer Technology
  PMB
• PMB50121 — Diploma of Polymer Technology
  PMB

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