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 common 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 perform all elements of the unit as specified by the criteria, including required knowledge, and be capable of applying the competency in new and different situations and contexts.

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 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 common engineering materials, or other units requiring the exercise of the skills and knowledge covered by this unit.

Method of assessment

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 should not require language, literacy and numeracy skills beyond those required in this unit. The candidate must have access to all tools, equipment, materials and documentation required and must be permitted to refer to any relevant workplace procedures, product and manufacturing specifications, codes, standards, manuals and reference materials.

Guidance information for assessment

Required skills

Look for evidence that confirms skills in:

undertaking research

selecting/carrying out tests appropriate to the material

communicating

documenting

planning and sequencing operations

reading, interpreting and following information on written job instructions, specifications, standard operating procedures, charts, lists, drawings and other applicable reference documents

Required knowledge

Look for evidence that confirms knowledge of:

classification of materials:

metals and non-metals

ferrous and non-ferrous metals

polymers (thermoplastics, thermosetting and elastomers)

ceramics

composite materials

structure of materials

physical properties of materials:

electrical conductivity/resistivity

specific gravity/density

thermal conductivity/expansion

specific heat

melting/boiling points

magnetic properties

optical properties

mechanical properties:

strength - yield, tensile, compressive

stress/strain data

hardness

toughness (impact and slow strain)

elasticity

plasticity

ductility

malleability

fatigue

creep

chemical properties:

corrosion of metals, corrosion processes, mechanisms

degradation of polymers

materials testing methods - destructive testing and applications:

tensile

compressive

shear

torsion

hardness

impact

fatigue

creep

visual

corrosion testing

engineering materials

engineering applications of ferrous metals:

cast irons

carbon and alloy steels

stainless steels

engineering applications of non-ferrous metals:

aluminium and its alloys

copper, brass and bronze

nickel alloys, zinc, titanium

magnesium

refractory metals

engineering applications of polymers:

thermosetting polymers

thermoplastic polymers

ceramics and glasses

effects of mechanical and thermal processes on the properties of materials:

casting

forging, rolling and extrusion

cold forming

powder processes

heat treatment

joining - fasteners

soldering

brazing

welding

adhesives

finishing - coatings, metallic and non-metallic

hazards and control measure associated with selecting common engineering materials, including housekeeping

safe work practices and procedures

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.

Common engineering materials

Includes ferrous metals, cast irons, carbon and alloy steels, stainless steels, coated steels, non-ferrous metals, aluminium and its alloys, copper and its alloys, nickel alloys, zinc, titanium, magnesium, refractory metals, polymers, thermosetting polymers, thermoplastic polymers, ceramics and glasses

Appropriate tests

Tests which can be undertaken by a technician within the organisation as well as those required to be undertaken by external organisations, including simple tests

Required properties

Properties to be tested include tensile strength, compression, shear characteristics, torsion, hardness, impact resistance, fatigue resistance, creep resistance, visual appearance and colour, magnetic properties, corrosion resistance

Appropriate persons

Internal technicians and/or external organisations