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. Add any 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.
Where reference is made to industry codes of practice and/or Australian/international standards, the latest version must be used.
Context
This competency applies to the design of composite products using sandwich construction within the plastics and rubber industries. It covers the design of new sandwich products within the scope of normal sandwich product manufacture for the enterprise, ie using the range of materials and techniques which are standard within the enterprise.
For design outside this range, see PMBTECH601A Develop a new product.
Procedures
All operations are performed in accordance with procedures.
Procedures include all relevant workplace procedures, work instructions, temporary instructions and relevant industry and government codes and standards.
Tools and equipment
This competency includes use of equipment and tools such as:
drawing tools (including computer aided drawing)
measuring tools.
Typical hazards include:
hazardous vapours and materials
fibres, airborne and handled.
Problems
'Anticipate and solve problems' means develop solutions to a wide range of problems associated with the design and manufacture of a new product.
Typical design and product problems may include:
structural optimisation
strength problems
core shearing
bending
cost.
Variables
Key design variables include:
size
weight
thickness
loading modes
strength
stiffness

The Evidence Guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge, the range statement and the assessment guidelines for this training package.
Overview of assessment
A holistic approach should be taken to the assessment.
Assessors must be satisfied that the person can consistently perform the unit as a whole, as defined by the Elements, Performance Criteria and skills and knowledge.
Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit
It is essential that competence is demonstrated in the ability to select the appropriate moulded laminate structure to meet the cost and performance specification for the particular job.
It is essential that competence is demonstrated in the knowledge and skills defined in this unit. These may include the ability to:
identify critical materials properties and structural considerations in relation to the design objectives and the end product
make design modifications , as required
identify and develop solutions to technical problems
Consistent performance should be demonstrated. For example, look to see that:
design objectives are consistently met
manufacturing codes of practice are observed
Assessment method and context
Assessment will occur on a sandwich-type composite design process and will be undertaken in a work-like environment.
Competence in this unit may be assessed:
over a range of actual design projects which are implemented in the workplace
in a situation allowing for the generation of evidence of the ability to recognise, anticipate and respond to problems
by using a suitable simulation and/or a range of case studies/scenarios
through a combination of these techniques.
In all cases it is expected that practical assessment will be combined with targeted questioning to assess the underpinning knowledge and theoretical assessment will be combined with appropriate practical/simulation or similar assessment. Assessors need to be aware of any cultural issues that may affect responses to questions.
Assessment processes and techniques must be culturally appropriate and appropriate to the oracy, language and literacy capacity of the assessee and the work being performed.
Specific resources for assessment
This section should be read in conjunction with the Range Statement for this unit of competency. Resources required include suitable access to an operating plant or equipment that allows for appropriate and realistic simulation. A bank of case studies/scenarios and questions will also be required to the extent that they form part of the assessment method. Questioning may take place either in the workplace, or in an adjacent, quiet facility such as an office or lunchroom. No other special resources are required.
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.