Unit of competency Outline

Date retreived
22/07/2026 3:20 PM 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.

Develop a new compound

Develop a new compound

Unit of competency
National Code
PMBTECH508
State Code
BAH92
TGA Status
Replaced
DTWD Status
Replaced
Current Release Number
1.00
Current Release Date
22/06/2016
View on TGA
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
05/08/2016
Field of Education
030305 - Materials Engineering
Original Release Date
05/08/2016
Nominal Hours
60
Description
This unit of competency covers the skills and knowledge required to develop a new compound/formulation or make major modification to an existing compound requiring examination of all components of the compound. 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).A compound is a mixture of materials which is undertaken to a set formula and in specified proportions.This unit of competency applies to experienced technicians or those in similar roles who are required to apply in-depth knowledge of materials, process, equipment and problem solving in order to determine the appropriate base polymer/polymer blend; determine the appropriate additives; determine the appropriate mixing methods and order; and verify that compound and methods are acceptable in the factory. The technician will take the lead role in this development project which may contribute to a larger/more complex project being undertaken by a more senior technician.No licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1 Confirm required properties of compound
  • 1.1 Communicate with stakeholders regarding technical and aesthetic specification
  • 1.2 Identify project constraints, such as timelines and cost
  • 1.3 Draft compound specification and project plan
  • 1.4 Identify required tests to verify compound meets specification
  • 1.5 Confirm with stakeholders and modify as appropriate
2 Develop base formulation
  • 2.1 Identify appropriate base polymer/polymer blend
  • 2.2 Select appropriate fillers/reinforcers and estimate required proportions
  • 2.3 Select appropriate plasticisers and related materials and estimate required proportions
  • 2.4 Select appropriate other materials and estimate required proportions
  • 2.5 Draft initial formulation
  • 2.6 Draft trial mixing procedure and order of addition
  • 2.7 Identify any health, safety and environment (HSE) issues and modify as appropriate
3 Mix, test and modify formulation
  • 3.1 Identify and control all hazards for laboratory development program
  • 3.2 Obtain all required materials and tools/equipment
  • 3.3 Produce the trial compound following the draft procedures
  • 3.4 Evaluate the compound compliance with the specification
  • 3.5 Modify formulation and procedure as required
  • 3.6 Draft factory trial formula and procedure
4 Monitor factory trials
  • 4.1 Identify and control all HSE issues for factory trials
  • 4.2 Ensure all required materials and tools/equipment are available
  • 4.3 Organise trials at an appropriate time
  • 4.4 Ensure trial is monitored and required data collected
  • 4.5 Evaluate factory trial compound and procedure
  • 4.6 Modify formulation and procedure as required
5 Complete compound development
  • 5.1 Ensure final formulation and procedures are recorded in standard procedures
  • 5.2 Ensure all required materials and tools and equipment will be routinely available as required
  • 5.3 Ensure HSE controls are standardised
  • 5.4 Ensure skill needs of operators have been addressed
  • 5.5 Complete all required reports and records
  • 5.6 Advise stakeholders of the outcome of the project
No information
No information
Replaces
State Code National Code Title Type
W7702 PMBTECH508A Develop a new compound Unit of competency
Replaced By
State Code National Code Title Type
ODB38 PMBTECH508E Develop a new compound Unit of competency
State Code National Code Title Type
BCU8 PMB60116 Advanced Diploma of Polymer Technology Qualification
BCT8 PMB50116 Diploma of Polymer Technology Qualification