Unit of competency Outline

Date retreived
22/07/2026 6:39 AM AWST

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Optimise polymer processing operations

Optimise polymer processing operations

Unit of competency
National Code
PMBTECH301E
State Code
ODA70
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
40
Description
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.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Identify and use applications of polymer materials
  • 1.1 Identify typical applications for common polymer materials used in workplace processes
  • 1.2 Recognise physical properties of common polymers and their applications in workplace processes
  • 1.3 Use correct type and amount of additive according to manufacturer specifications and work health and safety regulations
  • 1.4 Identify major impurities that have potential to impact, or have impacted, product and process
  • 1.5 Apply corrective actions to remove or compensate for impurities according to operational, equipment and workplace procedures
2. Determine expected material properties from polymer type and grade
  • 2.1 Identify relationships between polymer type and polymer characteristics to determine optimal job specifications
  • 2.2 Identify relationships between polymer grade and degree of polymerisation to determine optimal job specifications
  • 2.3 Identify the influence of polymer structure on properties to determine optimal job specifications
3. Solve process control variances related to polymer flow characteristics
  • 3.1 Use polymer flow test methods and consider flow properties in process design
  • 3.2 Use knowledge of causes of changes in state of the polymer to control critical process variances
  • 3.3 Identify relationship between polymer flow and other polymer properties to assess and control process variances
  • 3.4 Recognise incorrect polymer flow characteristics from process and product outputs
  • 3.5 Recommend corrective actions for process control variances caused by polymer flow to relevant personnel
4. Solve process and product control variances related to heating and cooling of products and their associated materials
  • 4.1 Recognise impact of polymer crosslinking on product output properties to amend process controls
  • 4.2 Recognise impact of polymer crystallisation and crystal size on product output properties to amend process controls
  • 4.3 Recognise impact of shrinkage on product output properties to amend process controls
  • 4.4 Recognise impact of annealing on product output properties to amend process controls
  • 4.5 Recognise process and product signs of incorrect heating/cooling to amend process controls
  • 4.6 Recommend corrective actions for process control variances caused by heating to relevant personnel
5. Anticipate and solve process control variances related to polymer faults
  • 5.1 Recognise and analyse existing or potential process control variances and their causes
  • 5.2 Determine, prioritise and implement remedial and preventative actions based on identified issues and causes
  • 5.3 Monitor process control variances and corrective actions taken until resolved
  • 5.4 Accurately maintain records and logbooks
No information
No information
Replaces
State Code National Code Title Type
BAI08 PMBTECH301 Use material and process knowledge to solve problems Unit of competency