Elements and Performance Criteria

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.
Classes and types of materials
Classes and types of materials include:
non-ferrous metals and alloys
ferrous metals
non-metals (e.g. timber, concrete, ceramics, polymers and fabrics, adhesives, fibres and lubricants)
thermal and electrical conductors and insulators
semiconductors
substrates
cables and cable supports
fluids and lubricants
Properties and characteristics of materials
Properties and characteristics of materials may include:
physical properties (e.g. strength, elasticity, plasticity, malleability, hardness, toughness, brittleness, fatigue endurance, mouldability, weldability, machinability, formability, resistance to creep and stress relaxation, resistance to degradation - use of plastic fillers to enhance UV resistance - and adhesion)
electrical related properties (e.g. resistivity, conductivity, electro-magnetic, i.e. permeability, permittivity and electro-static susceptibility)
thermal, chemical and optical
material structure and effect on properties
susceptibility to corrosion
effects of manufacturing and construction processes on material properties
Mechatronic engineering
Mechatronics is usually defined as the integration of mechanical, electronics, programming, electrical and fluid power in an engineering product. The skills and underpinning knowledge of mechatronics are common with general automation of processes, systems and services. The definition of mechatronics is here broadened to include general automation.
Sources of information
Sources of information may include:
standards and codes
MSDS
reference texts
manufacturer catalogues and other published information
regulatory bodies
technical, professional and industrial associations and societies
Standards and codes
Standards and codes refer to all relevant Australian and international standards and codes applicable to the mechatronic engineering analysis task
Tests of materials
Tests of materials include:
destructive, including tensile, compression, impact, hardness, fatigue, corrosion, stress relaxation and creep, fatigue and peel resistance (adhesives)
non-destructive, including hardness, ultrasonics, X-ray, die penetrant, eddy current, surface friction, conductivity, heat expansion, photo-elastic, heat capacity refractive index and magnetic hysteresis loop
electrical-related testing (e.g. conductivity, insulation, earthing resistance and safety)
Traceability
Test calibrations can be traced back to the relevant base unit in the relevant measurement system

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 and test mechatronic 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:
review mechatronic design information for materials and materials test requirements
select classes of materials relevant to design for further research, testing and evaluation
identify mechatronic engineering-related standards, codes and regulatory requirements relevant to materials testing and application
specify appropriate tests and interpret test results for material selection
select materials consistent with test results and design and regulatory requirements
ensure traceability in material selection process
correctly document all results and tests.
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 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 and testing mechatronic engineering materials or other units requiring the exercise of the skills and knowledge covered by this unit.
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 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 not only able 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.