Unit of competency Outline

Date retreived
22/07/2026 6:38 AM AWST

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Produce extruded polymer products

Produce extruded polymer products

Unit of competency
National Code
PMBPROD313E
State Code
ODA63
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
52
Description
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to, set-up, operate and optimise extrusion equipment to produce products such as pipe, sheet, profile, film and cable.This unit applies to an experienced technician working alone or as part of a team.The unit principally refers to a ‘trade-level’ operator competency in the field of regular polymer extrusion. It may be specialised in the particular workplace or field of polymer extrusion, but it is expected that a competent operator is able to adapt to set up, operate and control the extrusion of other polymers.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. Plan work requirements
  • 1.1 Identify and check materials requirements, including additives and regrind and amounts or percentage ratios required, from job specifications
  • 1.2 Identify processes and equipment required for production and upstream and downstream operations from job specifications
  • 1.3 Perform pre-operational checks including checking for and controlling hazards according to workplace procedures
  • 1.4 Identify and check emergency stops, guards and controls
  • 1.5 Identify checks and testing processes required for equipment, materials, quality and production management to meet job requirements
  • 1.6 Perform housekeeping tasks to support work to be undertaken
2. Perform pre-production tasks
  • 2.1 Identify and set production process according to equipment and job specifications, and adjust process to optimise output based on selected materials
  • 2.2 Set up and adjust polymer extrusion equipment settings to meet job specifications
  • 2.3 Verify materials are correct against job specifications
  • 2.4 Set up date, batch and materials markings according to workplace procedures
  • 2.5 Undertake other pre-startup checks according to equipment specifications and workplace procedures
3. Operate extrusion process to make production
  • 3.1 Start up and operate extrusion process equipment, and make adjustments to settings to meet job specifications
  • 3.2 Ensure process is operating according to equipment specifications and workplace procedures
  • 3.3 Follow checking and testing processes to assess if output meets job specifications and quality standards, and apply strategies for managing non-conforming 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 work area, and clean, adjust and lubricate equipment, according to equipment specifications and workplace procedures
  • 3.7 Pause or stop machine cycle in normal and abnormal circumstances according to workplace procedures
4. Shut down extruder
  • 4.1 Determine type of shutdown and process to be followed from equipment instructions and workplace procedures
  • 4.2 Shut down equipment according to equipment instructions and workplace procedures
  • 4.3 Purge machine using appropriate methods and materials
  • 4.4 Complete equipment clean-up and post-production adjustments according to equipment specifications and workplace procedures
  • 4.5 Put guards, locks and notices in place to prevent inadvertent startup
  • 4.6 Accurately complete workplace shutdown documentation
  • 4.7 Clean and clear work area after the shutdown in readiness for the next startup
5. Anticipate and solve process control variances
  • 5.1 Recognise 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
BAI70 PMBPROD313 Produce extruded products Unit of competency
State Code National Code Title Type
BGP1 PMB30121 Certificate III in Polymer Processing Qualification
BGO8 PMB40121 Certificate IV in Polymer Technology Qualification