Develop a new compound

Unit of competency Outline

Date retreived
23/07/2026 12:46 AM AWST

Whilst all efforts are made to provide accurate and timely information from the relevant source/documentation, please be aware that the information supplied may not be the most current version. The accuracy of the detail has not been confirmed by the Department and therefore should not be relied upon without first confirming the contents.

Unit of competency

National Code
PMBTECH508E

State Code
ODB38

TGA Status
Current

DTWD Status
Approved

Current Release Number
1.00

Current Release Date
18/02/2021

View on TGA

State Implementation and Classification

Approved Date

19/05/2021

Field of Education

030305 - Materials Engineering

Original Release Date

19/05/2021

Nominal Hours

Description

This unit covers the skills and knowledge required to develop a new compound or formulation or make a major modification to an existing compound, where an examination of all components of the compound is required. Where modification is being made, the aims of the modification may be broad (e.g. reduce cost, improve performance, improve manufacturing) or specific (e.g. meet a particular specification).This unit applies to an experienced technician in a lead role. The development project may contribute to a larger or more complex project being undertaken by a more senior technician.The unit principally refers to the development or modification of a compound using the technician’s application of in-depth knowledge of materials, process, equipment and problem-solving in order to develop a new, or modify an existing, compound that is acceptable in the place of manufacture No licensing or certification requirements apply to this unit of competency at the time of publication. Relevant legislation, industry standards and codes of practice within Australia must be applied.

Notes

Elements and Performance Criteria

1. Confirm required properties of compound

1.1 Communicate clearly with stakeholders regarding technical and aesthetic specifications
1.2 Identify project constraints, such as timelines and cost, from workplace procedures and specifications
1.3 Draft compound specification and project plan to meet specifications
1.4 Develop tests that verify if compound meets specification
1.5 Communicate plan and output with stakeholders and consider any feedback received

2. Develop base formulation

2.1 Identify appropriate base polymer or polymer blend from compound specification and project plan
2.2 Select appropriate fillers or reinforcers and estimate required proportions to meet compound specifications
2.3 Select appropriate plasticisers and related materials and estimate required proportions to meet compound specifications
2.4 Select other materials and estimate required proportions to meet compound specifications
2.5 Draft initial formulation to meet compound specifications
2.6 Draft trial mixing procedure and order of addition to meet compound specifications
2.7 Identify any work health and safety issues and modify project plan to accommodate these as required

3. Mix, test and modify formulation

3.1 Identify and control all hazards for laboratory development program according to workplace procedures
3.2 Obtain all required materials and tools or equipment from compound specification and project plan
3.3 Produce trial compound following draft procedures
3.4 Evaluate compliance of trial compound with compound specification
3.5 Modify formulation and procedure as required to reach required specifications
3.6 Draft factory trial formula and procedure based on laboratory trial method and learnings

4. Monitor factory trials

4.1 Identify and control all work health and safety issues for factory trials according to workplace procedures
4.2 Ensure all required materials and tools or equipment are available in factory setting
4.3 Coordinate with factory to organise trials
4.4 Provide instruction to factory trial personnel to ensure suitable monitoring and data collection
4.5 Evaluate success of factory trial compound and procedure against plans and specifications
4.6 Modify formulation and procedure as required to meet specifications and standards

5. Complete compound development

5.1 Ensure final formulation and procedures are recorded in workplace procedures
5.2 Ensure all required materials and tools and equipment will be routinely available for production
5.3 Ensure work health and safety controls are standardised according to workplace procedures
5.4 Ensure skill needs of operators have been addressed by workplace
5.5 Accurately complete all required reports and records
5.6 Advise stakeholders of outcome of project

No information

Replaces

State Code	National Code	Title	Type
BAH92	PMBTECH508	Develop a new compound	Unit of competency

State Code	National Code	Title	Type
BJC8	MEM50522	Diploma of Engineering - Materials	Qualification
BGO9	PMB50121	Diploma of Polymer Technology	Qualification