This unit applies to the manufacture of all types of vacuum forming equipment, utilising a range of materials such as timber, composites, polymer, metal etc., appropriate pattern making principles and techniques, designated procedures, and correct and appropriate tools and equipment.

Where precision measurement is required, Unit MEM12003B (Perform precision mechanical measurement) should also be considered.

Where assembly of plated patterns is required, Unit MEM04012B (Assemble plated patterns) should be considered.

Where manufacture of production patterns is required, Unit MEM04014B (Develop and manufacture production patterns) should be considered.

Band: A

Unit Weight: 6

Path 1

MEM04010B

Develop and manufacture wood patterns

MEM04011B

Produce polymer patterns

MEM04018B

Perform general woodworking machine operations

MEM07005C

Perform general machining

MEM09002B

Interpret technical drawing

MEM12006C

Mark off/out (general engineering)

MEM12023A

Perform engineering measurements

MEM12024A

Perform computations

MEM13003B

Work safely with industrial chemicals and materials

MEM18001C

Use hand tools

MEM18002B

Use power tools/hand held operations

MEM30012A

Apply mathematical techniques in a manufacturing engineering or related environment

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1. Determine job requirements

1.1. Drawings, instructions and specifications are interpreted and understood.

1.2. Vacuum forming processes are applied to determine the design of vacuum forming moulds and associated equipment to be constructed.

1.3. Appropriate material is selected to meet specifications.

2. Develop and mark out pattern for vacuum forming

2.1. Pattern parameters are calculated, taking into account plastic sheet thickness and shrinkage etc.

2.2. Vacuum forming pattern is marked out, showing size and position of air evacuation and of the moulded form.

3. Manufacture pattern for vacuum forming

3.1. Appropriate machines and machining process are selected to shape/produce vacuum forming pattern to specification.

3.2. A range of hand and hand held power tools are selected and used to fashion/manufacture vacuum forming patterns to specification.

3.3. Constructed vacuum forming pattern is checked to specification.

Required skills

Look for evidence that confirms skills in:

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

checking and clarifying task-related information

selecting appropriate timber or epoxy resin to suit the vacuum forming process

laying out the vacuum forming pattern or mould

checking patterns and moulds

calculating contraction rates

checking for conformance to specifications

measuring components to specified tolerances

conceptualising and determining type of model required to meet specifications

using required hand and hand held power tools

Required knowledge

Look for evidence that confirms knowledge of:

timber and epoxy resin product knowledge including features, characteristics and applications

vacuum forming techniques

tooling required for manufacture of vacuum forming patterns and moulds

the formulae and calculations/formulae required to manufacture patterns and moulds i.e. contraction, taper

techniques, tools and equipment to measure, mark out and produce vacuum forming patterns and moulds

pattern checking techniques

use and application of personal protective equipment

safe work practices and procedures

hazards and control measures associated with developing and manufacturing vacuum forming moulds and associated equipment

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 develop and manufacture vacuum forming moulds and associated equipment. Competency in this unit cannot be claimed until all prerequisites have been satisfied.

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 developing and manufacturing vacuum forming patterns and moulds 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 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

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.

Vacuum forming processes

Vacuum forming processes include positive or negative pressure forming processes

Material

Includes timber, epoxy resins, composites, polymer, metal

Calculations

The determination of contraction rates as well as general engineering calculations within the scope of this unit

Unit sector

Casting and moulding

This unit contains employability skills.