Elements and Performance Criteria

This competency unit covers the making of moulds, models and dies for use in a variety of manufacturing operations, such as:
concrete products
clay products
ceramic products.

Materials may include:
additives
body materials
epoxy resins
metal strapping
plaster
plastic
release agents
rubber
slip
timber
water.

Equipment may include:
block moulds and working moulds
cases and frames
hand and power tools
jigs and fixtures
master dies
mixing equipment
models
weighing equipment.
This unit was developed for larger production contexts but it may also be relevant to craft practitioners producing ceramic work.
All operations are performed to

OHS
The identification and control of hazards and the application of OHS are to be in accordance with current, applicable legislation and regulations, and company

Assessment context and methods
Assessment for this unit of competency will be on an operating plant. The unit will be assessed in as holistic a manner as is practical and may be integrated with the assessment of other relevant units of competency. Assessment will occur over a range of situations which will include disruptions to normal, smooth operation.
Simulation or case studies/scenarios may be required to allow for timely assessment of parts of this competency unit (eg, those parts of element 6 referring to dealing with problems). Simulation should be based on the actual plant and will include 'walk-throughs' of the relevant competency components. Simulations may also include the use of case studies/scenarios and role plays.

Critical aspects

Competence must be demonstrated in the ability to recognise situations requiring action and then in implementing appropriate corrective action. Consistent performance should be demonstrated. In particular look to see that:

OHS requirements are met
quality improvement techniques are applied
emergency procedures are understood and applied
waste is minimised.
These aspects may be best assessed using a range of scenarios/case studies/what ifs as the stimulus, with a walk-through forming part of the response. The assessment activities should include responding to a range of problems.

Resource implications
Assessment will require access to an operating plant over an extended period of time, or a suitable method of gathering evidence of operating ability over a range of situations. A bank of scenarios/case studies/what ifs will be required as will a bank of questions which will be used to probe the reasoning behind the observable actions.

Other assessment advice
This unit has no prerequisite competencies.
Individual enterprises may choose to add prerequisites and corequisites relevant to their processes.

Essential knowledge
Knowledge and understanding of the process sufficient to recognise situations which could cause production problems and take appropriate action.
Knowledge of the enterprise's procedures and relevant regulatory requirements along with the ability to implement them within appropriate time constraints and in a manner relevant to the operation of moulds and dies.

Competence includes the ability to:

use and maintain all required materials, tools and parts
diagnose and solve problems involved in the work
predict hazards that may arise from mould or die design or preparation
achieve specified quality standards
communicate effectively with team members, management and other departments

apply and/or explain:

characteristics of different materials
requirements from drawings, specifications or job sheets

distinguish between causes of faults such as:

materials
dimensions
allowance for shrinkage
damage to components
as is relevant to the practical operation of the process.

Communicating ideas and information
(1)

Collecting analysing and organising information
(2)

Planning and organising activities
(0)

Working with others and in teams
(1)

Using mathematical ideas and techniques
(1)

Solving problems
(1)

Using technology
(1)