Unit of competency Outline
Date retreived
22/07/2026 10:51 AM AWST
22/07/2026 10:51 AM 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.
Select common engineering materials
Select common engineering materials
Unit of competency
National Code
MEM30007A
MEM30007A
State Code
W5446
W5446
TGA Status
Replaced
Replaced
DTWD Status
Replaced
Replaced
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
19/08/2014
Field of Education
030305 - Materials Engineering
Original Release Date
19/08/2014
Nominal Hours
40
Description
This unit covers recognising common materials used in engineering, assisting in the selection of a material for a specific application, and using test results to evaluate the properties of materials.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Identify common engineering materials by their principal properties
- 1.1. The principal properties of ferrous and non-ferrous metals are identified.
- 1.2. The principal properties of thermosetting and thermoplastic polymers are identified.
- 1.3. The principal properties of ceramics and composite materials are identified.
- 1.4. The effects of different types of bonding in materials are identified.
- 1.5. The effects of mechanical and thermal processes on the principal properties of materials are identified.
2. Select materials for specific applications
- 2.1. The engineering requirement for the specific application is determined in consultation with others.
- 2.2. Material is selected based on the requirement and consideration of principal properties and further processing.
- 2.3. Selection is confirmed according to standard operating procedures.
3. Verify selected material as fit for purpose
- 3.1. Appropriate tests for the required properties are identified.
- 3.2. Testing of materials is arranged with appropriate persons, if necessary.
- 3.3. Test results are analysed and material choices are confirmed or modified as appropriate.
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.
Common engineering materials
Includes ferrous metals, cast irons, carbon and alloy steels, stainless steels, coated steels, non-ferrous metals, aluminium and its alloys, copper and its alloys, nickel alloys, zinc, titanium, magnesium, refractory metals, polymers, thermosetting polymers, thermoplastic polymers, ceramics and glasses
Appropriate tests
Tests which can be undertaken by a technician within the organisation as well as those required to be undertaken by external organisations, including simple tests
Required properties
Properties to be tested include tensile strength, compression, shear characteristics, torsion, hardness, impact resistance, fatigue resistance, creep resistance, visual appearance and colour, magnetic properties, corrosion resistance
Appropriate persons
Internal technicians and/or external organisations
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.
Common engineering materials
Includes ferrous metals, cast irons, carbon and alloy steels, stainless steels, coated steels, non-ferrous metals, aluminium and its alloys, copper and its alloys, nickel alloys, zinc, titanium, magnesium, refractory metals, polymers, thermosetting polymers, thermoplastic polymers, ceramics and glasses
Appropriate tests
Tests which can be undertaken by a technician within the organisation as well as those required to be undertaken by external organisations, including simple tests
Required properties
Properties to be tested include tensile strength, compression, shear characteristics, torsion, hardness, impact resistance, fatigue resistance, creep resistance, visual appearance and colour, magnetic properties, corrosion resistance
Appropriate persons
Internal technicians and/or external organisations
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
A person who demonstrates competency in this unit must be able to select common engineering materials.
Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit
Assessors must be satisfied that the candidate can competently and consistently perform all elements of the unit as specified by the criteria, including required knowledge, and be capable of applying the competency in new and different situations and contexts.
Context of and specific resources for assessment
This unit may be assessed on the job, off the job or a combination of both on and off the job. Where assessment occurs off the job, that is the candidate is not in productive work, then an appropriate simulation must be used where the range of conditions reflects realistic workplace situations. The competencies covered by this unit would be demonstrated by an individual working alone or as part of a team. The assessment environment should not disadvantage the candidate.
This unit could be assessed in conjunction with any other units addressing the safety, quality, communication, materials handling, recording and reporting associated with selecting common engineering materials, or other units requiring the exercise of the skills and knowledge covered by this unit.
Method of assessment
Assessors should gather a range of evidence that is valid, sufficient, current and authentic. Evidence can be gathered through a variety of ways including direct observation, supervisor's reports, project work, samples and questioning. Questioning should not require language, literacy and numeracy skills beyond those required in this unit. The candidate must have access to all tools, equipment, materials and documentation required and must be permitted to refer to any relevant workplace procedures, product and manufacturing specifications, codes, standards, manuals and reference materials.
Guidance information for assessment
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
A person who demonstrates competency in this unit must be able to select common engineering materials.
Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit
Assessors must be satisfied that the candidate can competently and consistently perform all elements of the unit as specified by the criteria, including required knowledge, and be capable of applying the competency in new and different situations and contexts.
Context of and specific resources for assessment
This unit may be assessed on the job, off the job or a combination of both on and off the job. Where assessment occurs off the job, that is the candidate is not in productive work, then an appropriate simulation must be used where the range of conditions reflects realistic workplace situations. The competencies covered by this unit would be demonstrated by an individual working alone or as part of a team. The assessment environment should not disadvantage the candidate.
This unit could be assessed in conjunction with any other units addressing the safety, quality, communication, materials handling, recording and reporting associated with selecting common engineering materials, or other units requiring the exercise of the skills and knowledge covered by this unit.
Method of assessment
Assessors should gather a range of evidence that is valid, sufficient, current and authentic. Evidence can be gathered through a variety of ways including direct observation, supervisor's reports, project work, samples and questioning. Questioning should not require language, literacy and numeracy skills beyond those required in this unit. The candidate must have access to all tools, equipment, materials and documentation required and must be permitted to refer to any relevant workplace procedures, product and manufacturing specifications, codes, standards, manuals and reference materials.
Guidance information for assessment
Replaced By
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| OEX60 | MEM30007 | Select common engineering materials | Unit of competency |