SAQA All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.
SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Occupational Certificate: Injection Moulding Machine Setter 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
110318  Occupational Certificate: Injection Moulding Machine Setter 
ORIGINATOR
Development Quality Partner - MERSETA 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
-   OQSF - Occupational Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
Occupational Certificate  Field 06 - Manufacturing, Engineering and Technology  Manufacturing and Assembly 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  301  Not Applicable  NQF Level 05  Regular-ELOAC 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Registered  EXCO 0522/24  2021-03-25  2025-12-31 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2026-12-31   2029-12-31  

In all of the tables in this document, both the pre-2009 NQF Level and the NQF Level is shown. In the text (purpose statements, qualification rules, etc), any references to NQF Levels are to the pre-2009 levels unless specifically stated otherwise.  

This qualification does not replace any other qualification and is not replaced by any other qualification. 

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION 
Purpose:
The purpose of this qualification is to prepare a learner to operate as an Injection Moulding Machine Setter. An Injection Moulding Machine Setter optimally sets up injection moulding machinery and relevant auxiliary equipment to manufacture components according to specifications.

A qualified learner will be able to:
  • Remove and install moulds, dies and forming devices and auxiliary equipment according to procedure.
  • Manufacture plastic products.
  • Conduct operational maintenance and coordinate major maintenance on machines, equipment and tools following specifications.
  • Conduct trials on new moulds die and forming devices and materials to determine process parameters.

    Rationale:
    This qualification is one of the newly revised Plastics Manufacturing Machine Setter's specialised qualifications. The qualification is designed for learners who specialise in injection moulding machine set within the plastics manufacturing sector. The qualification is aimed at both new entrants as well as learners who have been working within the plastics manufacturing industry.

    Upon completion of the qualification, learners will be able to initiate and maintain plastics manufacturing processes by:
  • Setting-up mould and auxiliary equipment and processes to manufacture quality plastic components.
  • Solving common problems to produce quality products to meet customer needs.
  • Interacting with others to achieve manufacturing objectives.

    Furthermore, this qualification will provide learners with a foundation to pursue the other two (2) specialised qualifications within the plastics manufacturing sector, these being, Extrusion Blow Moulding and Extrusion Moulding Machine Setter.

    Upon completion of the qualification, learners can:
  • Advance their careers by taking higher-level responsibilities within their organisations such as team leader or supervisor.
  • Participate effectively in the plastic manufacturing industry, whether in small, medium or large enterprises. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
    RPL for access to the External Integrated Summative Assessment:
    Accredited providers and approved workplaces must apply the internal assessment criteria specified in the related curriculum document to establish and confirm prior learning. Accredited providers and workplaces must confirm prior learning by issuing a statement of results or certifying a work experience record.

    RPL for access to the Qualification:
    Accredited providers and approved workplaces may recognise prior learning against the relevant access requirements.

    Entry Requirements:
    The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is:
  • National Certificate: Plastics Manufacturing, NQF Level 5. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification consists of the following compulsory Knowledge, Practical Skill and Work Experience Modules:

    Knowledge Modules:
  • 714208-002-00-KM-01, Workplace fundamentals, Level 2, 3 Credits.
  • 714208-002-00-KM-02, Health and Safely within a manufacturing context, Level 2, 2 Credits.
  • 714208-002-00-KM-03, Hand tools, measuring, lifting and stacking equipment, Level 2, 6 Credits.
  • 714208-002-00-KM-04, Physical Science, Level 2, 5 Credits.
  • 714208-002-00-KM-05, Fundamentals of Plastics Material Science, Level 2, 5 Credits.
  • 714208-002-00-KM-06, Fundamentals of Plastic Technology, Level 2, 10 Credits.
  • 714208-002-00-KM-07, Quality in the Manufacturing process, Level 2, 4 Credits.
  • 714208-002-00-KM-08, Applied Mathematics NQF level 3, Level 3, 3 Credits.
  • 714208-002-00-KM-09, Plastics Material Science, Level 3, 10 Credits.
  • 714208-002-00-KM-10, Basic Principles of Engineering, Level 3, 6 Credits.
  • 714208-002-00-KM-11, Plastic Technology, Level 3, 6 Credits.
  • 714208-002-00-KM-12, Plastic Technology as it applies to Plastic Manufacturing Processes, Level 3, 6 Credits.
  • 714208-002-00-KM-13, Monitoring and Maintenance of Plastics Production Process, Level 4, 6 Credits.
  • 714208-002-00-KM-14, Plastics Technology, Level 4, 9 Credits.
  • 714208-002-00-KM-15, Monitoring and Maintenance of Plastics Production Process, Level 5, 10 Credits.
  • 714208-002-00-KM-16, Basic Theory of Part Design, Level 5, 6 Credits.
  • 714208-002-00-KM-17, Basic Theory of Forming Device design, Level 5, 6 Credits.
  • 714208-002-00-KM-18, Fundamentals of Team leadership, Level 5, 4 Credits.
    Total number of credits for Knowledge Modules: 112

    Practical Skill Modules:
  • 714208-002-00-PM-01, Use tools and equipment for plastics manufacturing machine setting process, Level 2, 2 Credits.
  • 714208-002-00-PM-02, Handle, transport and care for moulds and auxiliary equipment, Level 2, 2 Credits.
  • 714208-002-00-PM-06, Install and remove blow mould and auxiliary equipment, Level 2, 2 Credits.
  • 714208-002-00-PM-08, Handle and store materials and perform recycling operations, Level 2, 2 Credits.
  • 714208-002-00-PM-09, Install and remove injection mould and auxiliary equipment, Level 3, 3 Credits.
  • 714208-002-00-PM-12, Shut-down injection moulding machine and auxiliary equipment, Level 3, 3 Credits.
  • 714208-002-00-PM-15, Start-up injection moulding machine and auxiliary equipment, Level 3, 3 Credits.
  • 714208-002-00-PM-18, Perform routine checks and maintenance on plastics processing equipment, Level 4, 3 Credits.
  • 714208-002-00-PM-19, Set- up and programme injection moulding machine and auxiliary equipment, Level 5, 5 Credits.
  • 714208-002-00-PM-22, Shut-down injection moulding machine and auxiliary equipment, Level 4, 2 Credits.
  • 714208-002-00-PM-25, Monitor and evaluate injection moulding processes to optimise production output, Level 5, 15 Credits.
  • 714208-002-00-PM-28, Coordinate maintenance on machines, equipment and tools, Level 5, 12 Credits.
  • 714208-002-00-PM-29, Perform trials on designated mould and material without setting sheet for injection moulding, Level 5, 15 Credits.
    Total number of credits for Practical Skill Modules: 69

    Work Experience Modules:
  • 714208-002-00-WM-01, Conduct Quality Assurance at Various Stages of the Process, Level 2, 2 Credits.
  • 714208-002-00-WM-04, Maintain Productive and Effective Work Teams for a Quality Business Unit, Level 2, 2Credits.
  • 714208-002-00-WM-05, Render Quality Planning, Monitoring and Communication Services, Level 2, 2 Credits.
  • 714208-002-00-WM-07, Attend to Standard Financial Planning, Monitoring and Controlling Procedures of the Quality Business Unit, Level 2, 2 Credits.
  • 714208-002-00-WM-08, Plan and Control Targets and Performance Standards in Accordance with Workplace Processes and Procedures, Level 3, 3 Credits.
  • 714208-002-00-WM-11, Shutting-down injection moulding machine and auxiliary equipment, Level 3,2 Credits.
  • 714208-002-00-WM-14, Starting-up injection moulding machine and auxiliary equipment, Level 3, 3 Credits.
  • 714208-002-00-WM-17, Performing routine checks and maintenance on plastics processing equipment, Level 5, 3 Credits.
  • 714208-002-00-WM-18, Setting- up and programming injection moulding machine and auxiliary equipment, Level 5, 6 Credits.
  • 714208-002-00-WM-21, Shutting-down the injection moulding machine and auxiliary equipment, Level 5, 4 Credits.
  • 714208-002-00-WM-24, Monitoring and evaluating injection moulding processes to optimise production output, Level 5, 30 Credits.
  • 714208-002-00-WM-27, Coordinate maintenance on machines, equipment and tools, Level 5, 16 Credits.
  • 714208-002-00-WM-28, conducting trials on new mould and materials for injection moulding, Level 5, 25 Credits.
  • 714208-002-00-WM-31, Exposure to the value chain in a Plastic manufacturing process, Level 5, 20 Credits.
    Total number of credits for Work Experience Modules: 120 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Plan and prepare for the plastic manufacturing process.
    2. Install tools, die, forming device and auxiliary equipment.
    3. Safely set up, program, start up, optimise and shut down the machine and auxiliary equipment.
    4. Remove tools, die and forming device.
    5. Conduct operational maintenance inspections and record on machines and auxiliary equipment. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Obtain, read and understand documentation.
  • Adhere to Health and Safety requirements.
  • Select hand tools and measuring equipment and prepare the work area.
  • Identify materials and additives according to production requirements.
  • Prepare materials according to specifications.
  • Blend materials according to the formulations.
  • Clean blending equipment after use.
  • Load blended materials into the hopper.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Identify the correct tools; die and forming device according to the relevant documentation.
  • Inspect, safely handle and transport tools, die and forming device to the machine.
  • Lift and secure tools; die and forming device to the machine.
  • Services are connected.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Prepare pre-startup checks and test all safety devices.
  • Safely set up the machine and auxiliary equipment according to material, tools, die and forming device's specifications to establish baseline parameters.
  • Startup machine and auxiliary equipment.
  • Monitor manufacturing process, and inspect and test the quality of the plastic product to achieve optimum parameters.
  • Identify factors to be considered in optimising the process parameters.
  • Shut down the machine and auxiliary equipment.
  • Purge and empty machine barrel.
  • Bag, weigh, label and return unused raw materials to the storage area.
  • Perform housekeeping on the machine and work area.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • Disconnect services.
  • Remove tools; die and forming device.
  • Inspect, safely handle and transport tools, die and forming device to the relevant storage area.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
  • Inspect pneumatic, hydraulic, electrical and mechanical components for worn or damaged parts and record actions to be taken.
  • Identify and record safety issues.

    Integrated Assessment:
    Integrated Formative Assessment:
    The skills development providers will use the curriculum to guide them on the stipulated internal assessment criteria and weighting. They will also apply the scope of practical skills and applied knowledge as stipulated by the internal assessment criteria. This formative assessment leads to entrance into the integrated external summative assessment.

    Integrated Summative Assessment:
    An external integrated summative assessment, conducted through the relevant QCTO Assessment Quality Partner is required for the issuing of this qualification. The external integrated summative assessment will focus on the Exit Level Outcomes and Associated Assessment Criteria. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    The South African qualification, as one of the plastics manufacturing machine setter qualifications, as compared to qualifications offered in New Zealand, Ireland and Australia because of comparability regarding national qualifications frameworks.

    New Zealand:
    The New Zealand qualifications authority has registered several plastics processing qualifications ranging from NQF Level 1 - 4. These qualifications are clustered as: the national certificate in plastics processing technology, the national certificate in plastics processing technology (production) and the national certificate in plastics processing technology (technical) offered by Competenz. Injection moulding was found to be one of the 'strands' or areas of specialisations found in all three qualifications mentioned above.

    Learners who pursue this strand, are required to do all the core unit standards to build their knowledge and competencies on quality assurance, plastics materials, health and safety requirements and engineering skills. In addition to these, learners are required to choose unit standards related to their area of specialisation. In this case, injection moulding related unit standards. The remainder of the credits will be derived from other elective unit standards of their choice. Upon completion of their learning regarding this strand, learners will be able to: Control and optimise the injection moulding production process.
  • Service and maintain a complex mould for injection moulding.
  • Set up advanced moulds for injection moulding.

    Credits allocated to each of these unit standards range between 7 - 12. There are an open entry into NQF Level 2 plastics manufacturing-related qualifications. However, the attainment of an NQF Level 2 qualification is a requirement for further learning towards higher level plastics related qualifications.

    The South African qualification compares to New Zealand plastics related qualifications of National Certificate in Plastics Processing Technology (Technology, Production and Technical) in terms of the generic content covered. This covers knowledge and skills covered by Health, Safety and Environmental requirements; raw materials, tools and equipment; quality requirements and manufacturing processes.

    Similarities have also been found with unit standards specific to the Injection Blow Moulding 'strand'. Learners who complete these qualifications will be able to operate in a sector of their choice within the plastics manufacturing industry.

    Ireland:
    The Plastics Injection Moulding (5M3080) qualification, pegged at NQF Level 5 with 120 Credits was found in the European Qualifications Framework. The First Polymer Training Skillnet offers the qualifications.

    This qualification can be obtained on a full time or part-time basis. Learners on a full-time basis can complete the qualification over a year, whilst those on a part-time basis can take two years to complete. Learners can take 4 to 6 weeks to complete each module.

    Some of the modules found in the Plastics Injection Moulding qualification include inter alia: plastic material selection and processing, product process validation, injection moulding process optimization, injection moulding process validation, injection mould machine setting. Elective modules include amongst others: plastic part design and essential mould design. The South African Plastics Manufacturing Machine Setter covers all the core modules that are covered in each of these qualifications.

    Similarities between the South African qualification and qualifications offered in comparative countries were found to be concerning the core competencies covered in core modules. This includes competencies covered in modules for the Injection Moulding 'strand'; levels at which the modules, as well as the qualifications, are pegged as well as provision for areas of specialisation in the form of specialised qualifications within the South African context as opposed to 'strands' in other countries. Lastly, learners who complete the qualifications or courses will be expected to operate in a specific workplace of their choice within the plastics industry.

    Differences:
    Differences have been noted in terms of the design or packaging of the South African qualification. Within the South African context, this is a specialised qualification of the Plastics Manufacturing Machine Setter qualification.

    Differences have also been noted in the credits allocated to individual qualifications. The South African qualification has 301 Credits because of the inclusion of NQF Level 2, 3 and 4 modules or learning units in the qualification. This is higher than the credits of qualifications offered in other countries.

    Differences have also been noted with regards to the learning duration. The South African qualification is offered over three (3) years. This allows progression from lower-level learning programmes, that is, from NQF Level 2, to the ultimate exit level, which is pegged at NQF Level 5. Whereas, in New Zealand and Ireland, the exit level is upon completion of the qualification.

    Conclusion:
    In comparison, the South African qualification covers competencies contained in Plastics Manufacturing related qualifications offered in other countries. It is, therefore, concluded that the Injection Moulding Machine Setter qualification favourably compares to qualifications offered in other countries. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification allows possibilities for both vertical and horizontal articulation.

    Horizontal Articulation:
  • National Certificate: Plastics Manufacturing, NQF Level 5.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • National Diploma: Plastics Technology, NQF Level 6. 
    		•

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    N/A 

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    N/A 

    NOTES 
    Qualifying for External Assessment:
    In order to qualify for an external assessment, learners must provide proof of completion of all required modules by means of statements of results and work experience records.

    Additional legal or physical entry requirements:
    None

    Criteria for the accreditation of providers:
    Accreditation of providers will be done against the criteria as reflected in the relevant curriculum on the QCTO website.

    The curriculum title and code are: Injection Moulding Machine Setter: 714208-002-00-00.

    Encompassed Trades:
    This qualification encompasses the following trades as recorded on the NLRD:
  • None

    Assessment Quality Partner (AQP):
  • National Artisan Moderation Body (NAMB). 
    		•

    LEARNING PROGRAMMES RECORDED AGAINST THIS QUALIFICATION: 
     
    NONE 


    PROVIDERS CURRENTLY ACCREDITED TO OFFER THIS QUALIFICATION: 
    This information shows the current accreditations (i.e. those not past their accreditation end dates), and is the most complete record available to SAQA as of today. Some Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionaries have a lag in their recording systems for provider accreditation, in turn leading to a lag in notifying SAQA of all the providers that they have accredited to offer qualifications and unit standards, as well as any extensions to accreditation end dates. The relevant Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionary should be notified if a record appears to be missing from here.
     
    NONE 


    All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.