Application
This unit of competency covers the skills and knowledge required to program computer controlled equipment for simple machine operations.
This unit of competency applies to experienced operators who are required to identify computer controlled machine program elements; write, trial and edit the program and solve problems within area of responsibility. The operator will have an understanding of the operation of all relevant equipment and processes but is not required to demonstrate 'hands on' operation of equipment as part of this competency.
This unit of competency applies to an experienced operator demonstrating theoretical and technical knowledge and well developed skills in situations that require some discretion and judgement. The operator may work alone or as a member of a team or group and will work in liaison with other shift team members, team leader and supervisor, as appropriate.
No licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.
Elements and Performance Criteria
Elements describe the essential outcomes. | Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. | ||
1 | Write program | 1.1 | Select appropriate program elements for machine controller |
1.2 | Interpret engineering drawings/product specification and define basic machine function and tool path geometry | ||
1.3 | Calculate coordinates for simple tool path or basic machining functions | ||
1.4 | Write program in standard code format in accordance with standard operating procedures (SOPs) | ||
2 | Check program | 2.1 | Produce operation sheets to specification in accordance with SOPs |
2.2 | Operate machine in manual mode to test and prove program as required | ||
2.3 | Edit program if necessary to adjust operation as required | ||
2.4 | Check components for conformance to specification as required | ||
3 | Anticipate and solve problems | 3.1 | Recognise a problem or a potential problem |
3.2 | Determine problems needing priority action | ||
3.3 | Seek information and assistance as required to solve problems | ||
3.4 | Solve problems within area of responsibility | ||
3.5 | Follow through items initiated until final resolution has occurred | ||
Evidence of Performance
Evidence required to demonstrate competence in this unit must be relevant to and satisfy the requirements of the elements and performance criteria and demonstrate the ability to:
read and interpret drawings, procedures, job specifications, instruments/control panels, material labels and safety data sheets (SDS)
use mathematics to calculate coordinates for simple tool path or basic machining functions
write software program in standard code format to meet engineering drawings/product specification
test the program and edit as required
make adjustments to remedy faults and non-conformity
identify hazards and apply relevant hazard controls
apply safety procedures
recognise early warning signs of equipment/processes needing attention or with potential problems
distinguish between causes of problems, including:
operational problems
instrument failure/malfunction
electrical failure/malfunction
mechanical failure/malfunction
wrong readings
programming problems
process variables
procedural errors
recognise and prioritise problems requiring action
resolve routine and non-routine problems
communicate effectively with team/work group and supervisors
complete workplace records.
Evidence of Knowledge
Must provide evidence that demonstrates knowledge relevant to their job sufficient to operate independently and to solve routine and non-routine problems including knowledge of:
the elements of a basic NC/CNC or similar software program and their function in controlling the operation of computer controlled equipment
types of computer controlled equipment and their applications in machining operations
program and machine theory, practices and techniques
the tool path(s) to be followed when producing a part or product
the sequence of machining operations
the reasons for selecting tool path(s) and sequence of operations
the zero point of the equipment
procedures for writing programs in standard code format
procedures for completing operation sheets
the information to be included in operation sheets
influence of polymer properties on program requirements
routine and non-routine problems that may arise, the range of possible causes and appropriate actions
organisation procedures relevant to the work environment/job role
hierarchy of control
hazards that may arise in the job/work environment and:
their possible causes
potential consequences
appropriate risk controls.
Assessment Conditions
The unit should be assessed holistically and the judgement of competence shall be based on a holistic assessment of the evidence.
In all plants it may be appropriate to assess this unit concurrently with units such as:
teamwork
communication.
The collection of performance evidence is best done from a report and/or folio of evidence drawn from:
a single project which provides sufficient evidence of the requirements of all the elements and performance criteria
multiple smaller projects which together provide sufficient evidence of the requirements of all the elements and performance criteria.
A third-party report, or similar, may be needed to testify to the work done by the individual, particularly when the project has been done as part of a project team.
Assessment should use a real project in an operational workplace. Where this is not possible or where personal safety or environmental damage are limiting factors assessment must occur using a sufficiently rigorous simulated environment that reflects realistic operational workplace conditions. This must cover all aspects of workplace performance, including environment, task skills, task management skills, contingency management skills and job role environment skills.
Assessment in a simulated environment should use evidence collected from demonstration of skills and one or more of:
walk-throughs
pilot plant operation
industry-based case studies/scenarios
‘what ifs’.
Knowledge evidence may be collected concurrently with performance evidence or through an independent process, such as workbooks, written assessments or interviews.
Assessment processes and techniques must be appropriate to the language, literacy and numeracy requirements of the work being performed and the needs of the candidate.
Conditions for assessment must include access to all tools, equipment, materials and documentation required, including relevant workplace procedures, product and manufacturing specifications associated with this unit.
The regulatory framework will be reflected in workplace policies and procedures and is not required to be independently assessed.
Foundation skills are integral to competent performance of the unit and should not be assessed separately.
Assessors must satisfy the assessor competency requirements that are in place at the time of the assessment as set by the VET regulator.
In addition the assessor or anyone acting in subject matter expert role in assessment shall demonstrate both technical competency and currency. If the assessor cannot demonstrate technical competency and currency they shall assess with a subject matter expert who does meet these requirements.
Technical competence can be demonstrated through one or more of:
relevant VET or other qualification/Statement of Attainment
appropriate workplace experience undertaking the type of work being assessed under routine and non-routine conditions
appropriate workplace experience supervising/evaluating the type of work being assessed under routine and non-routine conditions
Currency can be demonstrated through one or more of:
being currently employed undertaking the type of work being assessed
being employed by the organisation undertaking the type of work being assessed and having maintained currency in accordance with that organisation’s policies and procedures
having consulted/had contact with an organisation undertaking the type of work being assessed within the last twelve months, the consultation/contact being related to assessment
conducting on the job training/assessments of the type of work being assessed
being an active member of a relevant professional body and participating in activities relevant to the assessment of this type of work.
Foundation Skills
This section describes those language, literacy, numeracy and employment skills that are essential to performance.
Foundation skills essential to performance are explicit in the performance criteria of this unit of competency.
Range Statement
This field allows for different work environments and conditions that may affect performance. Essential operating conditions that may be present (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) are included. | |
Regulatory framework | The latest version of all legislation, regulations, industry codes of practice and Australian/international standards, or the version specified by the local regulatory authority, must be used. Applicable legislation, regulations, standards and codes of practice include: health, safety and environmental (HSE) legislation, regulations and codes of practice relevant to the workplace, manual handling and hazardous materials Australian/international standards relevant to the materials being used and products being made any relevant licence and certification requirements. 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 such requirements the legislative requirements take precedence. |
Procedures | All operations must be performed in accordance with relevant procedures. Procedures are written, verbal, visual, computer-based or in some other form, and include one or any combination of: emergency procedures work instructions SOPs safe work method statements (SWMS) formulas/recipes batch sheets temporary instructions any similar instructions provided for the smooth running of the plant. |
Tools and equipment | Tools and equipment include: computer controlled machine desktop computer. |
Hazards | Hazards must be identified and controlled. Identifying hazards requires consideration of: fumes/vapours weight, shape, volume of materials to be handled hazardous products and materials rotational equipment or vibration sharp edges, protrusions or obstructions slippery surfaces, spills or leaks smoke, dust or other atmospheric hazards high temperatures electricity gas gases and liquids under pressure structural hazards equipment failures machinery, equipment and product mass other hazards that might arise. |
Problems | Routine and non-routine problems must be resolved. Non-routine problems must be resolved by applying operational knowledge to develop new solutions, either individually or in collaboration with relevant experts, to: determine problems needing action determine possible fault causes develop solutions to problems which do not have a known solution follow through items initiated until final resolution has occurred report problems outside area of responsibility to designated person. Non-routine problems are unexpected problems or variations of previous problems and include one or more of: tool selection and design problems emergency situations intermittent faults. Operational knowledge includes one or more of: procedures training technical information, such as journals and engineering specifications remembered experience relevant knowledge obtained from appropriate people. Routine problems are predictable and have known solutions. |
Sectors
Competency Field
Production