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.

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit

Assessors must be satisfied that the candidate can competently and consistently:

coordinate small lot manufacture using RM processes

apply RM principles and processes

interpret features of objects, materials, machinery and processes and parameters for rapid processes

advise client based on discipline knowledge and OHS and regulatory standards

research sustainability implications and current industrial design techniques

determine OHS, regulatory and risk management requirements

investigate and measure

model and calculate using appropriate software and validation techniques

generate and evaluate a range of solutions for feasibility against design criteria

communicate, negotiate and review with stakeholders and client throughout process to obtain agreement on proposal and sign-off on design

document design with drawings, specifications and instructions, and store appropriate data files

produce a batch quantity of objects.

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 a simulated working environment 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.

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.

Required skills

Required skills include:

interpreting features of object, materials, machinery and processes, and parameters for rapid processes

advising clients based on discipline knowledge and OHS and regulatory standards

researching sustainability implications and current industrial rapid production techniques

determining OHS, regulatory and risk management requirements

investigating, measuring and considering options

modelling and calculating using appropriate software and validation techniques

designing components and process adaptations

communicating, negotiating and reviewing with stakeholders and client throughout object development and manufacture

documenting process with drawings, specifications and instructions, and storing appropriate data files

Required knowledge

Required knowledge includes:

technical and professional support services required to comply with ethical, license, legal and indemnity requirements

economic, social and environmental implications of rapid processes

OHS and regulatory requirements, codes of practice, standards, risk management and registration requirements

factors affecting prototype material, machine and process selection

current developments in machine and process capabilities for direct and indirectly manufactured components or tools

machine data, including:

data digitising

reverse engineering

CAD and CAD files:

CAD functions, features and techniques related to RP

CAD model requirements for effective post-processing and suitability for the rapid process

file formats: .STL

post-processing

current developments in materials:

materials for additive printing processes

materials for sprayed metal deposition

materials for rapid casting

other materials, for example:

thermoplastics for vacuum forming

materials for rapid machining and fabrication

documentation, drawings, specifications and instructions required, process information and programming

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.

RM applications

RM applications are found in a variety of industries and for a number of purposes, including products requiring a high degree of customisation, or where speed to market is critical. Examples of rapid manufacturing or ‘mass customisation’ applications include:

medical and dental prosthetics and implants

customised components for automotive, aerospace, marine and general product manufacture

jewellery and other art objects

any small to medium quantity item, particularly involving high set-up cost associated with using alternative or traditional methods

Rapid Prototyping (RP) applications

RP is typically developed for:

concept modelling and multiple design iterations at low cost

form, fit and function testing prior to committing to expensive tooling

Rapid Tooling (RT) applications

RT applications include:

tooling for most RM components. Both ‘direct’ and ‘indirect’ methods may be used to produce the tool

OHS and regulatory requirements, codes of practice, standards and risk management requirements

OHS and regulatory requirements, codes of practice, standards and risk management requirements may include:

OHS Acts and regulations

relevant standards

industry codes of practice

risk assessments

registration requirements

safe work practices

state and territory regulatory requirements applying to electrical work

Standards and codes

Standards and codes refer to all relevant Australian and international standards and codes applicable to a particular rapid processing task

Sustainability

Sustainability is used to mean the entire sustainable performance of the organisation/plant, including:

meeting all regulatory requirements

conforming to all industry covenants, protocols and best practice guides

minimising ecological and environmental footprint of process, plant and product

maximising economic benefit of process plant and product to the organisation and the community

minimising the negative OHS impact on employees, community and customer