Unit of competency Outline
Date retreived
22/07/2026 3:35 AM AWST
22/07/2026 3:35 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.
Determine rheology and output of plastics materials from processing equipment
Determine rheology and output of plastics materials from processing equipment
Unit of competency
National Code
PMBTECH503B
PMBTECH503B
State Code
W7697
W7697
TGA Status
Replaced
Replaced
DTWD Status
Replaced
Replaced
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
07/06/2011
Field of Education
030305 - Materials Engineering
Original Release Date
07/06/2011
Nominal Hours
80
Description
This competency covers the application of knowledge of polymer rheology to the flow of polymers through processing equipment, including extruders and injection moulding equipment and the dies and moulds fitted to that equipment.This competency is typically performed by senior technicians.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Determine flow characteristics of polymer compound.
- 1.1 Calculate and describe shear and shear rates.
- 1.2 Distinguish between Newtonian and non-Newtonian flow.
- 1.3 Identify the characteristics of polymer structures which influence flow.
- 1.4 Identify the relationships between density, temperature and viscosity for polymers.
- 1.5 Identify the flow characteristics of a polymer compound based on its structure and temperature.
2. Calculate flow rate of polymer compound.
- 2.1 Use equipment dimensions and data to determine shear rate of polymers through that equipment.
- 2.2 Calculate output from equipment using viscosity curves and shear rate diagrams.
- 2.3 Calculate mean velocity at critical points in a process.
- 2.4 Determine the characteristic curves for the screws and dies in processing equipment, and the resultant operating point for the system.
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 unit includes the rheology of major polymer compounds and the temperature and shear effects on viscosity.
This competency applies to all sectors within the plastics, rubber and cablemaking industry.
Standard procedures means all relevant workplace procedures, and relevant industry and government codes and standards.
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.
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 unit includes the rheology of major polymer compounds and the temperature and shear effects on viscosity.
This competency applies to all sectors within the plastics, rubber and cablemaking industry.
Standard procedures means all relevant workplace procedures, and relevant industry and government codes and standards.
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.
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 determine and apply rheology to relevant polymers.
Assessment method and context
Assessment will occur using relevant industrial polymers and rheology relevant to the process/product and will be undertaken in a work-like environment.
Competence in this unit may be assessed:
using an appropriate, industrial polymers and rheology relevant to the process/product
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.
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 determine and apply rheology to relevant polymers.
Assessment method and context
Assessment will occur using relevant industrial polymers and rheology relevant to the process/product and will be undertaken in a work-like environment.
Competence in this unit may be assessed:
using an appropriate, industrial polymers and rheology relevant to the process/product
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.
Replaced By
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| BAH96 | PMBTECH503 | Determine rheology and output of plastics materials from processing equipment | Unit of competency |
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| W528 | MSA60108 | Advanced Diploma of Manufacturing Technology | Qualification |
| W526 | MSA50108 | Diploma of Manufacturing Technology | Qualification |
| W402 | PMB50107 | Diploma of Polymer Technology | Qualification |
| W403 | PMB60107 | Advanced Diploma of Polymer Technology | Qualification |