- MEM08018B - Electroplate engineering coatings
MEM08018B
Electroplate engineering coatings
Application
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 |
Prerequisites
Elements and Performance Criteria
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
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 |
Evidence Required
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 |
Range Statement
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 |
Sectors
Unit sector |
Competency Field
Surface finishing |
Employability Skills
This unit contains employability skills. |
Licensing Information
Not Applicable