Assessor Resource

MEM26003A
Lay up composites using pressure closed moulding techniques

Assessment tool

Version 1.0
Issue Date: May 2024


This unit covers one of the fundamental techniques for fabricating a composite product – pressure closed moulding techniques. There are many closed moulding techniques and this unit includes an awareness of all common forms of pressure closed moulding and competence in at least one pressure technique. Closed moulding may be undertaken by an individual or by a fabrication team. It may be undertaken in a workshop or factory environment or in the field and may be used to manufacture new products, prototypes and samples, or to make repairs.

This unit is one of three units covering the basic composite fabrication techniques, the other two being MEM26001A Lay up composites using open moulding techniques and MEM26002A Lay up composites using vacuum closed moulding techniques, which together are intended to ensure the composite tradesperson can undertake a basic fabrication using these methods.

This unit of competency covers the skills and knowledge required to fabricate composites using a resin transfer moulding (RTM – resin under pressure), or other pressure closed mould technique.

You may want to include more information here about the target group and the purpose of the assessments (eg formative, summative, recognition)

Prerequisites

Not applicable.

Employability Skills

This unit contains employability skills.



Evidence Required

List the assessment methods to be used and the context and resources required for assessment. Copy and paste the relevant sections from the evidence guide below and then re-write these in plain English.

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

Assessment for this unit of competency will be on the job.

It is essential that the process and equipment be understood and that the importance of critical material properties, settings and readings is known. Competence must be demonstrated in the ability to recognise and analyse potential situations requiring action and then in implementing appropriate corrective action.

Consistent performance should be demonstrated. In particular look to see that:

waste is minimised

product is made efficiently and to standard

tools and equipment are appropriately maintained.

Competence must be demonstrated in the operation of all ancillary equipment to the level required for this unit of competency.

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Assessment will require the fabrication of a suitable object using closed mould techniques.

Assessment will occur over a range of situations which will include disruptions to normal, smooth operation.

Method of assessment

Typically, persons engaged in composites trade work are required to apply their skills and techniques across a range of jobs and specifications.

A single assessment event is not appropriate. On the job assessment must be included as part of the assessment process. Assessment judgements must consider evidence of the candidate's performance in a productive work environment that includes a sufficient range of appropriate tasks and materials to cover the scope of application for this unit.

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 techniques should not require language, literacy and numeracy skills beyond those required in this unit of competency.

The candidate must have access to all tools, equipment, materials and documentation required. The candidate must be permitted to refer to any relevant workplace procedures, product and manufacturing specifications, codes, standards, manuals and reference materials.

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.

Submission Requirements

List each assessment task's title, type (eg project, observation/demonstration, essay, assingnment, checklist) and due date here

Assessment task 1: [title]      Due date:

(add new lines for each of the assessment tasks)

Assessment Tasks

Copy and paste from the following data to produce each assessment task. Write these in plain English and spell out how, when and where the task is to be carried out, under what conditions, and what resources are needed. Include guidelines about how well the candidate has to perform a task for it to be judged satisfactory.

Required skills

Required skills include:

managing tools

using release agents

applying gel coats/surface finishes

using catalyst systems for different resins and techniques

achieving correct ply location and orientation

applying mastic tape and sealing bag for resin infusion

checking for bag sealing leaks

connecting resin plumbing – inlet/outlet points

accessing and operating computer programs

monitoring curing cycles

Required knowledge

Required knowledge includes:

reinforcement and lay-up schedules (e.g. layers of reinforcement, direction and darts)

release systems

gel coating

sealing of mould

tool sealing

resin systems applicable to process (polyester and epoxy)

pressure systems and process monitoring

gel times and working times

initiator/catalyst or hardener rates to temperature (hot/cold)

free amine/amine blushes

heat curing requirements and how it is done (e.g. ovens, hot bonders (blankets), and autoclaves)

heat curves

TG (glass transition)

understand design briefs (e.g. tool design and part lines)

Darcy’s Law and its application to the flow of resins through porous media (e.g. reinforcing and cores)

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.

Procedures

Procedures may be written, verbal, computer-based or in some other form, and may include:

all work instructions

standard operating procedures

formulas/recipes

batch sheets

temporary instructions

any similar instructions provided for the smooth running of the plant

good operating practice as may be defined by industry codes of practice (e.g. Responsible Care) and government regulations

Requirements of product

Requirements of product may be determined from various sources, including:

drawings

product specifications

customer requests

descriptions of required use of product

Closed moulding techniques

Closed moulding techniques include techniques which may have several names, including:

RTM

compression moulding

This may also be applied to other closed moulding techniques

Mould equipment

Mould equipment includes major items and ancillary items and may also include consumable equipment, such as:

moulds and mould components

infusion system for laminate

Preparing reinforcing

Preparing reinforcing includes:

cutting to size/shape, as required

any pre-treatment required

Logs and reports

Logs and reports may include:

paper or electronic based

verbal reports

items found which require action

Appropriate action

Appropriate action includes:

determining problems needing action

determining possible fault causes

rectifying problem using appropriate solution within area of responsibility

following through items initiated until final resolution has occurred

reporting problems outside area of responsibility to designated person

Typical problems

Typical problems may include:

dead spots trapping air

resin curing too quickly

resin curing too slowly

Health, safety and environment (HSE)

All operations to which this unit applies are subject to stringent HSE requirements, which may be imposed through state/territory or federal legislation, and these must not be compromised at any time. Where there is an apparent conflict between Performance Criteria and HSE requirements, the HSE requirements take precedence

Copy and paste from the following performance criteria to create an observation checklist for each task. When you have finished writing your assessment tool every one of these must have been addressed, preferably several times in a variety of contexts. To ensure this occurs download the assessment matrix for the unit; enter each assessment task as a column header and place check marks against each performance criteria that task addresses.

Observation Checklist

Tasks to be observed according to workplace/college/TAFE policy and procedures, relevant legislation and Codes of Practice Yes No Comments/feedback
Identify product requirements 
Select pressure closed mould technique most appropriate to product requirements 
Identify or develop required procedures to make product using selected process 

Forms

Assessment Cover Sheet

MEM26003A - Lay up composites using pressure closed moulding techniques
Assessment task 1: [title]

Student name:

Student ID:

I declare that the assessment tasks submitted for this unit are my own work.

Student signature:

Result: Competent Not yet competent

Feedback to student

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Assessor name:

Signature:

Date:

Assessment Record Sheet

MEM26003A - Lay up composites using pressure closed moulding techniques

Student name:

Student ID:

Assessment task 1: [title] Result: Competent Not yet competent

(add lines for each task)

Feedback to student:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Overall assessment result: Competent Not yet competent

Assessor name:

Signature:

Date:

Student signature:

Date: