This unit applies to producing engineering coatings designed to promote wear resistance, protect against corrosion, reclaim worn components. It also applies to manufacturing components (electroforming).

For surface preparation operations, Unit MEM08011B (Prepare surfaces using solvents and/or mechanical means) and Unit MEM08012B (Prepare surfaces by abrasive blasting [basic]) should be selected as appropriate.

Straightforward operation of electroplating process is covered by Unit MEM08003C (Perform electroplating operations).

Where pre-treatment operations only are carried out, Unit MEM08002C (Pre-treat work for subsequent surface coating) should be selected.

For basic inspection of completed or partly completed products produced by others, Unit MEM15004B (Perform inspection) should be selected.

For construction of anodes, shields/robbers etc., the appropriate fabrication units should be selected.

Where dogging/lifting is undertaken, the appropriate materials handling units should be selected.

Band: A

Unit Weight: 6

Path 1

MEM07001B

Perform operational maintenance of machines/equipment

MEM08001B

Perform wire, jig and barrel load/unload work

MEM08003C

Perform electroplating operations

MEM13003B

Work safely with industrial chemicals and materials

MEM18001C

Use hand tools

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1. Select treatments and processes/equipment for producing engineering finishes

1.1. Appropriate treatment processes are selected according to base metal type, surface condition and relevant job specifications.

1.2. Operating/process parameters are selected to achieve required coating.

1.3. Appropriate equipment is selected.

2. Prepare work for engineering finishes

2.1. Products are correctly masked (stopped off) for selective plating.

2.2. Where applicable, conforming anodes are constructed and fitted correctly.

2.3. Where applicable, shields and robbers are constructed and fitted.

2.4. Pre-treatment processes are carried out, where applicable.

3. Monitor and control operating conditions and processes for engineering coatings

3.1. Operating/process parameters are set to produce required surface conditions/specifications.

3.2. Surface conditions of finished components are monitored and confirmed and abnormalities are identified.

3.3. Corrective actions are taken to rectify non-conforming conditions.

4. Maintain solutions for engineering finishes

4.1. Solution compositions are checked and confirmed to specification/operating range.

4.2. Adjustment requirements/additions are determined.

4.3. Additions are made to adjust solution composition to correct operating range.

Required skills

Look for evidence that confirms skills in:

selecting treatments and processes/equipment for producing engineering finishes

preparing work for engineering finishes

calculating process parameters

determining current densities

assessing material condition for suitability for plating

selecting equipment, masking, materials

correctly sizing positioning and securing anodes

sizing, positioning and securing shields and robbers

carrying out mechanical/chemical pre-treatment

setting times voltages/currents and temperature

monitoring and controlling operating conditions and processes for engineering coatings

maintaining solutions for engineering finishes

Required knowledge

Look for evidence that confirms knowledge of:

effects of plating process on different materials

conditions affecting engineering finishes

base metal types

surface finish of untreated material

mechanical/chemical and specialised pre-treatment processes

process parameters for achieving different coatings

characteristics of different surface finishes

masking materials and masking techniques

safe operation of equipment to produce engineering finishes

current distribution principles

methods of constructing/fabricating, fitting anodes

current-capacity of conforming/auxiliary anodes

the role, construction, properties, applications, and positioning of shields and robbers

finish requirements, permissible tolerances

the causes of abnormalities and their related corrective actions

purpose and application of simple tests including pH, titration, density

calculations related to additions/adjustments to solution and of product surface area

safe work practices and procedures, including handling chemicals

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 apply electroplate engineering coatings. 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 applying electroplate engineering coatings 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.

Treatment processes

Electroplating, electroforming, electroless plating

Operating/process parameters

Treatment times and currents, bath pH temperatures and densities, anode conditions, addition agent content, cleanliness of contacts etc., make-up, maintenance of solution levels and purity

Coating

Hard chroming, heavy nickel, electroless nickel, nickel composites, heavy deposits of nickel, copper, bronze up to 10 mm

Equipment

Wire racks, handling equipment, barrels, jigs, shields, robbers, etc.

Products

Base materials such as cast iron, brass, steels with machine welded sections, etc.

Masking materials

Wax, lacquers, tapes, foils

Anodes

Soluble, insoluble auxiliary anodes, etc.

Solution compositions

Cleaning, pickling, electroplating, chromate, acid dips

Checks

Density, titration, pH

Adjustment

Strength of solutions, temperature range

Unit sector

Surface finishing

This unit contains employability skills.