Elements and Performance Criteria

RANGE STATEMENT
The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Bold italicised wording, if used in the performance criteria, is detailed below. Essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) may also be included.
Standards and industry codes of practice
Where reference is made to industry codes of practice and/or Australian/international standards, it is expected that the latest version will be used
Prescribed range of tests
Prescribed range of tests means tests that may be conducted by the foundry tradesperson and where the need for the test has been determined by a metallurgist or other authority according to the procedures of the enterprise and the requirements for the casting and mould materials being used and the product being cast. The prescribed range of tests may include:
OES
tensile/compression testing which may include testing for tensile strength, compressive strength, elongation, reduction of area, yield stress, yield point, proof stress, Young's modulus, elastic/plastic region and deformation or viscoelastic deformation
hardness testing - Vickers, Brinell, Rockwell and Durometer tests
impact testing including Izod, Charpy and Dropweight Tear
Other tests
Other tests include
fatigue/flex testing
creep testing
strain test and measurement
static shear and bend test
UV-VIS spectrophotometry
infrared spectroscopy (IR)
gas chromatography (GC)
X-ray fluorescence (XRF)
flame photometry
atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS)
scanning electron microscopy (SEM)
Prepare sample
Prepare sample means that:
representative sub-samples have been taken
samples are ground and milled
the sample is ready for the test
Prepare instrument
Prepare instrument includes:
checking calibration
ensuring the availability of required consumables
curve generation where OES test is required
setting machine conditions
checking machine function
Materials
Materials for mechanical tests include metals, polymer based materials and other solid materials on which mechanical testing is relevant

EVIDENCE GUIDE
The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge, range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package.
Overview of assessment
This competency requires evidence of competency in the selection of appropriate test methods from a prescribed range of tests for various scenarios and the interpretation of test results against predetermined specifications and standards. The scenarios, materials and test results should be relevant to the foundry industry and may be drawn directly from the workplace or may be simulated case studies.
Tests may be conducted in either a workplace or suitable laboratory facility.
Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit
Assessors should ensure that candidates can competently and consistently:
select appropriate test methods
obtain repeatable results
interpret test results for a foundry
successfully complete several scenarios requiring the selection of different tests
obtain reproducible test results from testing across different samples requiring different sample preparation/test conditions.
Context of and specific resources for assessment
Assessment may occur on the job or in an appropriately simulated environment. Access is required to real or appropriately simulated situations, including work areas, materials and equipment, and to information on workplace practices and OHS practices.
Where applicable, reasonable adjustment must be made to work environments and training situations to accommodate ethnicity, age, gender, demographics and disability.
Access must be provided to appropriate learning and/or assessment support when required. Where applicable, physical resources should include equipment modified for people with disabilities.
Method of assessment
Assessment must satisfy the endorsed assessment guidelines of the MEM05 Metal and Engineering Training Package.
Assessment methods must confirm consistency and accuracy of performance (over time and in a range of workplace relevant contexts) together with application of underpinning knowledge.
Assessment methods must be by direct observation of tasks and include questioning on underpinning knowledge to ensure its correct interpretation and application.
Assessment may be applied under project related conditions (real or simulated) and require evidence of process.
Assessment must confirm a reasonable inference that competency is able not only to be satisfied under the particular circumstance, but is able to be transferred to other circumstances.
Assessment may be in conjunction with assessment of other units of competency where required.
Guidance information for assessment
Assessment processes and techniques must be culturally appropriate and appropriate to the language and literacy capacity of the candidate and the work being performed.